{"id":6224,"date":"2026-05-04T19:49:02","date_gmt":"2026-05-04T19:49:02","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.costulessdirect.com\/?p=6224"},"modified":"2026-05-04T19:49:02","modified_gmt":"2026-05-04T19:49:02","slug":"what-to-do-when-your-car-gets-towed-in-california","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.costulessdirect.com\/blog\/what-to-do-when-your-car-gets-towed-in-california\/","title":{"rendered":"What to Do When Your Car Gets Towed in California\u00a0"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Has your car been towed? What are the next steps? In addition to consulting your auto insurance<\/a> agent, there are several important steps to take \u2014 things to do or avoid \u2014 to get your vehicle back as quickly and smoothly as possible. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

In California, towing is governed by the California Vehicle Code (CVC), specifically Section 22651 for public property and Section 22658 for private property pursuant to state law. Both law enforcement and private property owners have the authority to tow motor vehicles that are illegally parked or considered abandoned vehicles. Local authorities, such as police or city officials, can order the towing and impoundment of motor vehicles to enforce parking and traffic regulations, sometimes without prior notice in certain situations.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Private property owners must post clear signage (at least 17\u201dx22\u201d at every entrance) indicating that unauthorized vehicles will be towed, in order to comply with the law and avoid liability. If a vehicle is towed from private property without proper signage or notification, the property owner may be liable for double the towing and storage fees. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Maybe your car was towed after a police stop, or while you were waiting for roadside assistance, or you returned to a parking space only to find your vehicle missing. Parking laws and posted signs on private property play a key role in whether a vehicle can be towed. Whatever the cause or circumstances, your car\u2019s been towed. Now what? <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Here are the 6 essential steps to consider when your car is towed. The registered owner is typically responsible for reclaiming the vehicle and paying any associated towing and storage fees. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

1. Find Out Why Your Car Was Towed by Local Law Enforcement <\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Common Reasons for Towing <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

If your car gets towed as a result of a traffic stop, the police officer should inform you immediately why they\u2019re taking this action. Common reasons include driving with a suspended license, driving under the influence (DUI), or not having at least liability auto insurance. Law enforcement agencies\u2014including the California Highway Patrol and local police\u2014can also tow vehicles for parking violations, such as parking in a disabled parking space, blocking a private driveway or fire lane, parking in front of a fire hydrant, or if the vehicle is illegally parked or obstructing traffic. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Additionally, vehicles with unpaid parking tickets\u2014especially those with five or more notices\u2014can be towed or impounded. If a vehicle is parked illegally in restricted areas or in violation of posted signs or laws, it may be towed immediately without prior notice. If your vehicle is taken without your permission, it may be classified as a stolen vehicle, and you should file a stolen vehicle report with law enforcement. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

You can avoid towing by ensuring your vehicle is not blocking driveways or fire hydrants. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

When Your Car Disappears Without Notice <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

If you simply leave your car parked and return to find it gone, you may need to do some detective work. Vehicles parked in violation of posted signs or parking laws may be towed without prior notice.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Look for no-parking signs, painted curb markings, or other parking restrictions you might have missed. Note your license plate number, as you will need this information to identify your vehicle when contacting authorities.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Also, have your vehicle description and vehicle identification number (VIN) ready, as these details help authorities locate your vehicle. License plates are used to verify vehicle ownership and identity during the towing and impoundment process. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

How to Locate Your Vehicle <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

If you cannot determine why your vehicle was towed, call the non-emergency number of your local police department or the California Highway Patrol<\/a>. Provide your license plate number to help them locate your vehicle and inform you if it was towed due to a parking violation or other reasons. If you still have no answers and believe your vehicle was not towed for a parking violation, consider reporting your car as stolen. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Where Is My Car? <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Signs near the location where your car was parked or at nearby intersections often provide information about where to find impounded vehicles, including phone numbers and addresses of impound lots.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Storage services for towed vehicles are provided by licensed facilities, which are responsible for the safekeeping and release of impounded vehicles. If a police officer tows your vehicle, ask where it is being taken and what you need to do to retrieve it. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

2. Stay Calm and Prepare to Act <\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Why Staying Calm Helps <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

It\u2019s natural to feel frustrated or angry when your car is towed, especially when you consider the potential costs. However, staying calm is crucial. Aggressive behavior towards law enforcement or tow operators can lead to additional legal troubles, fines, or even arrest. Keeping a clear head will help you navigate the process efficiently. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Gather Necessary Documentation <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Before contacting the impound lot, gather all necessary documents such as your driver\u2019s license, vehicle registration, proof of insurance, and any documents proving you are the legal owner of the vehicle, like your car title.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Only the owner of the vehicle or her agent (owner’s agent claiming authorization) can retrieve the vehicle, so if you are not the registered or legal owner but are authorized to retrieve the vehicle, have a written authorization from the owner ready. The owner of the vehicle, or their agent, must provide proper documentation and authorization to claim the vehicle from the impound lot. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

You might want to read: What happens if you drive without insurance in California?<\/a>  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

3. Contact the Impound Lot and Understand Towing and Storage Fees <\/h2>\n\n\n\n

How to Contact the Impound Lot <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Once you know where your vehicle is stored, call the impound lot or storage facility. Ask about their hours of operation, payment methods, and documentation required for vehicle release. Towing and storage facilities in California must comply with the Business and Professions Code regarding proper licensing and procedures for vehicle removal and release. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Towing and Storage Charges <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Towing and storage fees in California can vary widely and may amount to hundreds or even thousands of dollars, depending on the jurisdiction and circumstances. Typical charges include: <\/p>\n\n\n\n