Can Police Tow a Car from Private Property?

Finding an unauthorized vehicle parked on your private property can be a major inconvenience. Whether it’s an abandoned car taking up valuable space or someone blocking your driveway, you may feel frustrated and unsure about your options for removal. In these situations, a common question arises—can the police tow a vehicle from private property?

In San Diego, private property towing laws can be complex and sometimes confusing. Generally, law enforcement does not have the authority to remove a vehicle from private land unless specific circumstances apply. However, there are important exceptions. If a vehicle is reported stolen, blocking emergency access, or involved in a crime, the police may take action and impound it. Understanding these regulations can help property owners navigate the process and ensure that unauthorized vehicles are removed in compliance with the law.

What Private Property Towing Means

Private property towing refers to the removal of unauthorized, abandoned, or illegally parked vehicles from private land, such as residential complexes, shopping centers, and business properties. Property owners or managers typically work with a licensed towing company to handle these situations and enforce parking regulations.

When Towing is Allowed on Private Property

In San Diego San Diego, towing a vehicle from private property is only legal under specific conditions, including:

• The vehicle is parked without permission.
• It obstructs traffic, driveways, or emergency exits.
• The property has proper towing signage displayed.
• The vehicle is abandoned for an extended period.
• A towing agreement exists between the property owner and a licensed towing company.

Can Police Tow a Car from Private Property in San Diego?

Situations Where Law Enforcement Can Impound a Vehicle

While police generally do not tow vehicles from private property without authorization, there are certain exceptions where law enforcement can impound a vehicle:

• Stolen vehicles found on private property.
• Vehicles involved in a crime or containing illegal substances.
• Vehicles that are a danger to public safety or block emergency access.
• Unregistered or uninsured vehicles that violate state laws.

Difference Between Police Towing and Private Towing

• Private towing happens when a property owner or authorized agent requests a towing company to remove an unauthorized or abandoned vehicle.
• Police towing occurs when law enforcement deems a vehicle a safety risk or when legal action is required, such as in the case of unpaid tickets or criminal investigations.

Legal Rights of Property Owners vs. Police Authority

Property owners have the right to remove unauthorized vehicles from their land, provided they follow legal procedures. However, police authority supersedes private property rights in cases involving public safety, criminal investigations, or abandoned vehicles deemed a hazard.

How to Get an Illegally Parked Car Towed from Private Property

Steps to Take Before Calling a Towing Company

If you find an unauthorized vehicle parked on your property:

1. Confirm the violation — Check if the vehicle is parked illegally.
2. Document the situation — Take pictures and note the vehicle details.
3. Ensure proper signage — In San Diego, towing signs must be displayed at entrances.
4. Check for a tenant agreement — If you own rental property, ensure you follow lease agreements regarding towing.
5. Contact a licensed towing company — Only certified companies like Freeway Towing can handle legal private property impounds.

Legal Requirements for Property Owners

San Diego laws require property owners to:

• Have visible towing signage at all entrances.
• Give a 24-hour notice for abandoned vehicles unless they obstruct traffic.
• Work with a licensed towing company with a proper towing agreement in place.

Who to Call for Towing Unauthorized Vehicles

For immediate assistance, property owners can call Freeway Towing for professional private property towing services in San Diego.

Private Property Impound Services in San Diego

How Freeway Towing Handles Private Property Impounds

At Freeway Towing, we specialize in legally removing unauthorized and abandoned vehicles from private properties. Our process ensures compliance with San Diego regulations and includes:

• Quick response times.
• Proper documentation.
• Secure vehicle storage.

The Importance of Working with a Licensed Towing Company

A licensed towing company ensures compliance with:

• California towing laws to avoid legal issues.
• Proper vehicle handling to prevent damage claims.
• Transparent impoundment processes for both property owners and vehicle owners.

What Happens to the Vehicle After Impoundment

Once a vehicle is towed, it is:

• Transported to a secure storage facility.
• Logged into a database for owners to locate it.
• Released only after required fees are paid.

Abandoned Cars on Private Property — What Can You Do?

How to Report Abandoned Vehicles in San Diego

Property owners can report abandoned vehicles to San Diego’s Parking Enforcement Division or work with a licensed towing company like Freeway Towing to remove them legally.

When a Car Qualifies as Abandoned

In San Diego, a vehicle is considered abandoned if:

• It remains unmoved for 72 hours in a private parking lot.
• It has expired registration or missing parts.
• It is junked or inoperable and left unattended.

Finding a Reliable Towing Service for Abandoned Cars

For safe and legal removal of abandoned vehicles, Freeway Towing provides 24/7 services to ensure properties remain clear of unwanted cars.

Private Property Towing Laws in California

California Towing Regulations for Private Property Impounds

• Signage must be posted at all property entrances.
• Towing companies must notify law enforcement within 30 minutes of a tow.
• Vehicle owners have the right to reclaim personal belongings without charge.
• Towing companies must release a vehicle if the owner arrives before the tow truck leaves.

What Property Owners Need to Know Before Towing a Car

To legally tow a vehicle, property owners must:

• Ensure legal notices are in place.
• Work with licensed towing companies like Freeway Towing Freeway Towing.
• Provide a signed authorization for each tow (except for abandoned vehicles).

Rights of Vehicle Owners After a Tow

Vehicle owners have the right to:

• Know the reason for the tow and receive an itemized invoice.
• Retrieve their vehicle by paying reasonable towing and storage fees.
• Challenge unlawful tows through San Diego’s towing dispute process.

How to Find a Towed Car in San Diego

Steps to Locate a Towed Vehicle

1. Contact local law enforcement to confirm if the car was towed.
2. Use online impound databases for San Diego towing companies.
3. Call the towing company directly to arrange vehicle retrieval.

Who to Contact for Impound Release Information

Vehicle owners can call San Diego’s Impound Division or Freeway Towing for assistance in locating a towed car.

Costs and Fees Involved in Vehicle Retrieval

• Towing fee (varies based on distance and vehicle type).
• Daily storage fee (charged per day at the impound lot).
• Release fee (if applicable for after-hours retrieval).

Why Choose Freeway Towing for Private Property Towing?

24/7 Towing Services for Private Property Owners

Freeway Towing provides round-the-clock service to ensure unauthorized and abandoned vehicles are removed promptly.

Fast Response for Illegally Parked and Abandoned Cars

We pride ourselves on quick response times, helping property owners maintain clear parking areas and prevent unauthorized parking.

Compliance with San Diego Towing Laws

As a licensed towing company, Freeway Towing follows all state and local towing regulations, ensuring property owners stay within legal guidelines.

FAQ

Can I tow a car parked on my property without warning?

No, you must follow legal guidelines, including proper signage and notice requirements.

How long before an abandoned car can be towed?

In San Diego, an abandoned vehicle can be towed after 72 hours if it meets the legal definition of abandonment.

What happens if my car was towed illegally?

You can dispute the tow through San Diego’s towing dispute process and request a refund if the tow was unlawful.

Conclusion

Understanding private property towing laws in San Diego is essential for both property owners and vehicle owners. Unauthorized or abandoned vehicles can create serious inconveniences, from blocking access to taking up valuable parking space. As a property owner, knowing your rights and the legal process for removing these vehicles is crucial to maintaining order and security on your premises.

At Freeway Towing, we specialize in professional, legal private property towing services to ensure your property remains clear and compliant with local regulations. Our experienced team is available to assist with prompt and efficient vehicle removal, helping you avoid potential liabilities while keeping your space accessible and safe.