California Towing Laws in 2026: What Really Happens to Your Car
Most people have no idea what tows companies can and can’t actually do. Seriously. In California, towing laws are strict, and knowing them could save you hundreds of dollars and a lot of frustration. Let’s break down exactly what you need to know.
Here’s the thing: towing laws exist to protect you. They stop companies from towing your car unfairly or charging crazy fees. But lots of people don’t understand their rights. After reading this, you’ll know exactly where you stand.
What Is Vehicle Towing?
Towing is when a vehicle gets physically moved from one place to another, usually because it was parked illegally. Think of it like a traffic violation, but with consequences for your car instead of just your wallet.
A towing company is a business that removes vehicles. They charge fees for their work. California has rules about when they can tow your car, how much they can charge, and what they must do with it.
So why does California have these laws? They exist because towing companies used to take advantage of car owners. People would get their cars towed without enough warning. Fees were hidden. Nobody knew what was happening. California decided that had to stop.
Basic California Towing Laws
When a Tow Company Can Legally Tow Your Vehicle
Here’s where it gets important. Okay, pause here because this part matters.
Your car can be towed from private property without your permission. But the property owner must follow specific rules first. A “No Parking” sign alone isn’t enough. The owner needs to post signs that say a towing company will remove illegal vehicles. The sign must include the towing company’s name, phone number, and the amount they’ll charge. Wondering if those signs are on the property you parked on? Look around carefully before you park.
The sign needs to be visible from where drivers park their cars. It can’t be hidden behind a fence or tucked in a corner. You should be able to read it without trying too hard. Pretty straightforward, right?
From public property, police or parking enforcement can request a tow. They might tow your car if it’s parked illegally, abandoned, unsafe, or blocking traffic. This is different from private property towing. Law enforcement doesn’t need permission from a property owner. They have the authority to order a tow on public streets and parking lots.
How Much Can Towing Companies Actually Charge?
This one’s probably the most important rule. California has price limits for towing companies. They can’t just charge whatever they want.
As of 2026, California sets maximum towing charges by region. In most areas, the maximum for standard towing is between $50 and $100 for the tow itself. Actually, these numbers change every two years, so check with your local government for exact amounts. The state increases these limits slightly over time.
But wait, it gets more complicated. Storage fees are different from towing fees. After your car gets towed, the company can charge to keep it in their lot. California limits these too. Currently, storage fees can range from $15 to $45 per day, depending on your area. That adds up fast if your car sits there for a week.
Not sure what counts as a legal fee? Here’s what you should know. Administrative fees, inspection fees, and release fees are often added on top. The problem is that some towing companies add sketchy charges that might not be legal. Before you pay, ask for an itemized bill showing exactly what you’re paying for.
A friend asked me about this last week. She got charged for “gate access” and “lot circulation.” Turns out, those aren’t standard legal fees. She disputed the charges and got them removed. Don’t assume every fee is legitimate.
Required Notices and Documentation
When your car gets towed, the company must give you certain information. They need to tell you where your car is. They must give you the company’s name, address, and phone number. They also need to tell you the reason your car was towed and the charges involved.
California law says this information should be given to you within 24 hours. Practically speaking, you’ll often know much faster because the towing company posts notices in the area where they towed cars. Look for a white sticker or notice on nearby parking signs or poles.
Hold on, this part is important. You have the right to inspect your car before paying. Yes, really. You can go look at your vehicle to make sure it wasn’t damaged during the tow. If something is broken, document it with photos before you pay.
Special Rules for Private Property Towing
Residential Areas and Apartment Complexes
If your car gets towed from your apartment complex, different rules apply. The property manager can’t just randomly tow your car. They need reasonable cause. Maybe you’re parked in a space that’s not assigned to you. Or your parking permit is expired. These are legitimate reasons.
The property owner must post clear signs before towing becomes an option. These signs need the towing company’s information and the towing fee. Without proper signage, the tow might actually be illegal.
Here’s something most apartment renters don’t realize. If you get towed illegally, you might be able to sue for damages. Not just the towing fee, but actual damages. You could recover the cost of your tow, storage fees, and sometimes additional compensation. This is why that proper signage requirement exists.
Commercial Properties and “No Parking” Zones
Commercial parking lots have more flexibility than residential areas. Store owners or lot managers can tow cars parked without permission. They still need those posted signs with company info and fees. Without them, the tow is likely unlawful.
You’re not alone; this confuses a lot of people. They think a simple “No Parking” sign is enough. It’s not. The sign has to specifically mention towing and include contact information for the towing company.
One-time visitors to commercial properties get some protection too. If you’re genuinely there as a customer and parked reasonably, the owner shouldn’t immediately tow your car. But if you’re parked across multiple spaces or in a clearly marked “Employee Only” spot, that’s fair game.
What Happens If a Tow Is Illegal
When You Can Fight a Tow
Not all tows are legal. If your car was towed illegally, you have options. California law actually protects you here.
Illegal tows happen when the property owner didn’t post required signs. They happen when you parked legally and weren’t given fair warning. They happen when the towing company doesn’t follow proper procedures. Stay with me here because this is where you can get your money back.
If you believe your tow was illegal, first request a copy of the towing authority’s documentation. Ask for photos or evidence that proper signs were posted. Request the property owner’s authorization for the tow. Get everything in writing.
Next, file a complaint with your local police department. California law allows you to report illegal tows. Include all your documentation and explain why the tow was unlawful. The police can investigate and potentially help you recover charges.
Taking Legal Action
Small claims court is an option if the towing company won’t refund your money. You can sue for the full towing fee, storage charges, and sometimes additional damages. Small claims court doesn’t require a lawyer, which makes it affordable.
Document everything: photos of the parking area, the towing company’s receipt, any damage to your car, and the bills you paid. Take photos of the area where you parked. Were there proper warning signs? Save these pictures because they’ll be evidence.
Some people actually recover more than their towing fees. If illegal towing caused you real harm like missing work or important appointments, you might claim additional damages. Honestly, this is the part most people miss. They just pay and leave, when they could fight back.
Penalties and Consequences for Towing Companies
What Happens If Companies Break the Rules
Towing companies that break California’s laws face serious consequences. They can be fined. They can lose their operating license. They can be sued for violations.
The California Public Utilities Commission oversees towing companies in most areas. They enforce the rules. If you report a company for illegal towing or excessive fees, they investigate. Repeated violations can shut down a company’s business.
Towing companies found guilty of illegal practices can be fined anywhere from $500 to several thousand dollars per violation. These aren’t small penalties. Companies need to follow the law.
Customers can also sue directly. If a company’s illegal towing caused you real damage, you can file a civil lawsuit. You might recover your towing and storage fees. You could get additional compensation for inconvenience and harm.
Think of it this way: California takes illegal towing seriously. The state wants to protect you. The penalties make sure towing companies follow the rules.
Your Rights During and After Towing
Access to Your Vehicle
Once your car is towed, you have the right to retrieve it. You don’t have to wait days. You can get your car back as soon as you pay the legal fees.
The towing company must allow you to inspect your vehicle before paying. You’re checking for damage from the tow. Take photos of any existing damage. This documentation might matter if you need to file a claim.
You also have the right to know where your car is. The towing company must tell you the location immediately. You shouldn’t have to hunt around wondering where they took your vehicle.
What if your car is damaged during towing? You might have a claim against the towing company’s insurance. Document all damage with clear photos. Get written estimates for repairs. Keep receipts for any work done.
Retrieving Your Vehicle
To get your car back, you’ll need to pay the towing fee plus storage charges. You’ll also need proof of ownership or a registration document. The towing company might need your ID too.
Pay by whatever method the company accepts. Most take credit cards, cash, and checks. Get a receipt that itemizes every charge. Keep this receipt. It proves you paid and what you paid for.
Once you’ve paid, your car should be available within hours. Some companies release vehicles 24/7. Others have business hour restrictions. Ask when you can pick up your car before you go.
Recent Changes to California Towing Laws
California updated towing regulations recently, and these changes protect you more than before. Actually, the state regularly adjusts maximum fees to account for inflation. This means fees go up over time, but they’re based on official calculations, not company decisions.
Storage fees especially got attention in recent years. California limited how high these can climb. Companies can’t charge unlimited storage fees anymore. This protects people whose cars get towed but take time to recover.
The state also increased transparency requirements. Companies must now provide clearer information about fees upfront. You should know what you’re paying before you pay it.
How to Protect Yourself from Unwanted Tows
Park Smart and Legally
The easiest way to avoid a tow is simple: park legally. Read all parking signs carefully before you leave your car. “No Parking” and “Parking Permit Required” signs matter. Pay attention to time restrictions too.
In commercial areas, park in marked spaces. Don’t assume it’s okay to park anywhere you find a spot. Check for signs. Ask someone if you’re unsure. It takes 30 seconds and saves you hundreds of dollars.
At apartment complexes and residential areas, use your assigned space. Keep your permit visible. Renew parking permits before they expire. These small actions prevent most towing situations.
Know Your Rights
Understanding California’s towing laws is your best defense. You now know what companies must do. You know the fee limits. You know when tows are illegal.
If you’re about to have your car towed and believe it’s illegal, act quickly. Call the police non-emergency line. Explain the situation. Ask them to help stop the tow. Police involvement sometimes prevents illegal tows from happening.
Document Everything
Take photos of parking signs before you leave your car. Photograph the towing company’s notice if your car gets towed. Keep your receipt. Save any written communication.
This documentation becomes valuable if you need to dispute charges. You’ll have proof of what happened. You’ll have evidence about signage and notices.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a towing company keep my car until I pay?
Yes, but only if the tow was legal. Once you pay all legal fees, you get your car back. The company can’t hold your vehicle hostage. They also can’t charge you for holding the car if you pay immediately.
What if I think the towing fee is too high?
Check California’s current fee limits for your area. If the company charged more than allowed, dispute it in writing. Report them to the Public Utilities Commission. You can also file a claim in small claims court.
How long can a towing company store my car?
Most companies hold cars for 30 days before they can sell them. But you should retrieve your car much sooner than that. Storage fees add up fast. Get it back within a few days of it being towed.
Can I get my car towed from someone else’s property?
Only if you own the car and the towing is legal. You can request a tow from your own property. From someone else’s property, you’d need their permission or a court order. Don’t try to have a car towed without proper authority.
What do I do if my car gets damaged during towing?
Document the damage with photos immediately. Report it to the towing company in writing. Request compensation through their insurance. If they refuse, small claims court is an option.
Final Thoughts
Now you know the basics of California’s towing laws. You know when companies can legally tow. You know the fee limits. You know your rights if your car gets towed. You know how to fight back if the tow was illegal.
The most important thing to remember is this: towing companies must follow California’s rules. If they don’t, they face penalties. You have protection under the law.
Stay informed, stay legal, and when in doubt about parking, look it up or ask someone. Your car will thank you for it.
References
California Vehicle Code Section 22658 – Private Property Towing https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/codes_displaySection.xhtml?lawCode=VEH§ionNum=22658
California Vehicle Code Section 10652 – Towing Fee Rates https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/codes_displaySection.xhtml?lawCode=VEH§ionNum=10652
California Public Utilities Commission – Towing Regulations https://www.cpuc.ca.gov/
Department of Consumer Affairs – Consumer Information on Towing https://www.dca.ca.gov/
City of California Attorney General – Vehicle Towing Consumer Rights https://oag.ca.gov/consumer
Los Angeles Department of Transportation – Towing Guidelines https://ladot.lacity.gov/
State Bar of California – Legal Resources for Consumers https://www.calbar.ca.gov/