My car was towed from my apartment complex or a parking lot. Was that legal, and how do I get it back?
In California a property owner can have a car towed from private property, but the tow has to follow Vehicle Code 22658: a sign at every entrance naming the tow company, written authorization from the property, a call to police after the tow, and storage within 10 miles. To get it back, call the number on the sign and bring ID, proof of ownership and payment.
What the law requires for a private property tow
- A sign at every entrance, at least 17 by 22 inches, saying vehicles will be removed at the owner's expense, with the local police phone number and the name and phone number of the tow company (Vehicle Code 22658(a)).
- Written authorization from the property owner or their agent before the tow starts, with limited exceptions (Vehicle Code 22658(l)).
- The tow company has to notify local law enforcement after the car is removed (Vehicle Code 22658(m)), and the property has to notify them within one hour of authorizing the tow (Vehicle Code 22658(f)).
- The car has to be stored within 10 miles of where it was towed from, unless local police approved otherwise, at a yard that is open during normal business hours and releases cars after hours too (Vehicle Code 22658(n)).
If you catch the tow truck before it leaves
If the car has not left the property yet, the tow company has to release it to you immediately when you ask (Vehicle Code 22658(g)). If it is already hooked up, they can charge no more than half their regular towing charge (Vehicle Code 22658(h)). Then move the car to a legal spot right away.
How to get it back
- Call the number on the tow-away sign. If there is no sign, call the police non-emergency line for that city and ask which company reported a tow for your plate.
- Bring a valid ID, the registration or title, and a credit card in your name or cash. The yard has to accept either (Vehicle Code 22658(k)).
- Go as soon as you can. Storage is one day if you get the car within 24 hours, then it is charged by the calendar day (Vehicle Code 22658(i)).
- Ask for the itemized invoice before paying (Vehicle Code 22651.07), and check the car for damage before you drive off.
If you think the tow broke the rules
Write down what the signs said, take photos, and keep the invoice. The property owner can owe double the towing and storage charges for some violations (Vehicle Code 22658(e)), and you can recover for damage caused by the tow (Vehicle Code 22658(d)). This page is general information, not legal advice. For your situation, ask the local police department or an attorney.
Common questions
Can my apartment complex tow my car without warning in California?
They can tow without a separate warning if a proper sign is posted at every entrance naming the tow company and its phone number, and the property gives written authorization for the tow (Vehicle Code 22658(a) and (l)). Without the sign or authorization, the tow may not be legal.
Can I stop a tow truck from taking my car?
Yes, if the car has not left the property. California requires the tow company to release it immediately on your request (Vehicle Code 22658(g)). If it is already hooked up, they can charge up to half their regular tow rate (Vehicle Code 22658(h)).
How far away can they take my car?
The storage yard has to be within 10 miles of the property it was towed from, unless the local police agency gave the tow company written approval otherwise (Vehicle Code 22658(n)).
Can I get my car back at night or on a weekend?
The yard has to release vehicles after normal business hours, which the law defines as 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. It can charge an after-hours gate fee of up to half its hourly tow rate (Vehicle Code 22658(n)).
Does Towrunner do private property towing?
Yes, for property owners and managers in the Inland Empire, following Vehicle Code 22658. If Towrunner towed your car, call (951) 277-6778 and we will tell you where it is and what we need to release it.
Questions about a tow?
A dispatcher answers and quotes it on the phone before a truck rolls.
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