Towing rules in California
What the state says about towing, with the page each rule comes from. It's a summary of the published rules, not legal advice, and your city or county can have rules of its own.
Updated October 6, 2026
Tow company licensing
In California, cities and counties license towing. San Diego, for example, requires tow drivers to hold a police permit.1
Limits on police and private-property tow fees
California sets no single statewide figure for private property tows. A tow or storage charge counts as excessive when it's above the greater of the local police agency towing rate for that city or county or the rate the operator has approved by the California Highway Patrol.2
Storage fees
California applies the same test to storage charges as to towing charges. If the vehicle is released within 24 hours, only one day's storage may be charged.2
Towed from a private lot
In California, signs at least 17 by 22 inches at every entrance must name the police agency and the towing company, or meet another ground the law lists. The property owner must authorize the tow in writing and call local police within one hour of authorizing it. If the vehicle's owner returns before it leaves the property, it must be released, and the drop charge is at most half the regular tow charge.2
Where to complain
Keep your receipt and photos of your car, and ask the tow company in writing to correct a charge you think is wrong.
Get quotes from tow companies in your county
One request instead of calling tow companies one at a time. It's free, and you don't have to hire anyone. Your request may go to contractors nearby.
Sources
Tow companies in California
California has 8,605 tow companies listed, and 8,238 of them hold an active USDOT registration. Browse them by county and call one directly, or schedule a tow and we'll pass it to tow companies near you.
Cite this page
“Towing rules in California.” FindTowingTruck.com, updated October 6, 2026. https://findtowingtruck.com/ca/rules/