California Vehicle Towing and Impound Laws
Vehicle Code 22651 Explained: When Police Can Tow Your Car
California Vehicle Code 22651 governs when law enforcement officers and authorized officials can legally tow and impound a vehicle.
These rules allow police to remove vehicles without prior notice in certain situations involving safety, legality, or public access.
If your vehicle is towed under this law, it will be taken to an impound lot, and you will be required to pay towing, storage, and administrative fees before it can be released.
Police can tow your vehicle without warning if it is illegally parked, blocking traffic, involved in a crime or arrest, driven by an unlicensed driver, or otherwise creating a hazard or legal violation under Vehicle Code 22651.
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When Can Law Enforcement Tow and Impound a Vehicle in California?
Under California Vehicle Code 22651, law enforcement officers can tow and impound a vehicle without prior notice when specific legal conditions are met.
These situations generally involve public safety risks, traffic violations, or circumstances where the driver cannot legally operate the vehicle.
Common legal grounds for towing
Police may tow and impound a vehicle in the following situations:
- The vehicle is blocking traffic or creating a safety hazard
- The vehicle is parked illegally, including blocking a driveway or fire hydrant
- The driver is arrested, such as in a DUI investigation
- The driver does not have a valid license or is driving on a suspended or revoked license
- The vehicle has expired registration for more than six months or displays invalid plates
- The vehicle is parked in a disabled parking space without proper authorization
- The vehicle has five or more unpaid parking tickets
- The vehicle has been left parked in the same location for more than 72 hours, where local rules apply
- The vehicle is involved in an accident and cannot be safely driven
- The vehicle is suspected to be stolen
Why are police allowed to tow vehicles
The purpose of towing laws is to:
- Maintain public safety and traffic flow
- Remove hazards from roadways
- Enforce licensing and registration requirements
- Preserve evidence in criminal investigations
- Prevent unauthorized or illegal use of vehicles
Important things to know
- Police do not need to warn you before towing your vehicle in most cases
- The decision to tow is based on the officer's legal authority and judgment at the scene
- Once impounded, you are responsible for all towing and storage costs
Key Takeaway
Law enforcement can tow and impound a vehicle in California whenever it poses a safety risk, violates parking or licensing laws, or is connected to an arrest or investigation. Understanding these rules can help you avoid costly fees and legal complications.
Can Your Car Be Towed for a Parking Violation?
In most cases, a simple parking violation results in a ticket, not towing. However, towing may occur if:
- There are posted signs warning of towing enforcement
- The vehicle is blocking traffic or creating a hazard
- The vehicle has remained in the same location beyond 72 hours
- The vehicle has multiple unpaid parking citations
Private Property Towing Rules
Private property owners also have the authority to remove vehicles from their property.
Key points
- Property owners can call a tow company without notifying you
- This commonly occurs in private parking lots or restricted areas
- Warning signs are often posted, but not always required in certain situations
What Happens After Your Vehicle Is Towed?
Once your vehicle is impounded, it is taken to a storage facility or impound lot.
To retrieve your vehicle, you typically need:
- A valid driver's license
- Proof of vehicle registration
- Proof of insurance
- Payment of all towing and storage fees
You may need to contact your local police department to locate your vehicle.
How Long Do You Have to Retrieve Your Vehicle?
Impounded vehicles are generally held for up to 30 days.
If the vehicle is not claimed:
- It may be sold at auction
- Storage fees continue to increase daily
- Additional administrative costs may apply
Prompt retrieval is important to avoid higher costs or loss of the vehicle.
Typical Towing and Impound Fees in California
Cost Breakdown Overview
| Fee Type | What It Covers | Typical Cost Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Towing Fee |
Initial transport of the vehicle to the impound lot |
$150 – $400+ |
Higher for long-distance or specialized towing |
|
Daily Storage Fee |
Cost to store the vehicle at the impound lot |
$30 – $100+ per day |
Fees increase the longer the vehicle remains unclaimed |
|
Administrative Fee |
Processing and paperwork by law enforcement or towing agency |
$50 – $200+ |
Often required before release authorization |
|
Vehicle Release Fee |
Authorization to release the vehicle from impound |
$100 – $250+ |
Paid to the police department or agency |
|
After-Hours Release Fee |
Additional charge for picking up the vehicle outside normal hours |
$50 – $150+ |
Varies by impound facility |
|
Lien Sale Fee |
Costs related to auctioning an unclaimed vehicle |
Varies |
Applies if the vehicle is not retrieved in time |
|
Special Equipment Fee |
Use of specialized towing equipment (flatbed, winch, etc.) |
$50 – $300+ |
Applies in accidents or difficult recoveries |
Key Takeaways
- Total costs can quickly exceed several hundred or even thousands of dollars
- Storage fees accumulate daily, making prompt retrieval critical
- Fees vary by city, county, and towing company
- Additional costs may apply depending on the circumstances of the tow
Real-World Examples
Example 1
A driver is arrested for DUI. The vehicle is immediately towed and impounded because no licensed driver is available to take control of it.
Example 2
A vehicle is left parked on a residential street for over 72 hours. Local enforcement tows the car under municipal parking rules.
Example 3
A car is parked in a disabled parking space without a permit. Police tow the vehicle to free access for authorized users.
Related Crimes and Violations Connected to Vehicle Impound
Vehicle Code 23152 – Driving under the influence (DUI)
Driving while impaired by alcohol or drugs. Vehicles are often impounded after DUI arrests.
Vehicle Code 14601 – Driving on a suspended license
Operating a vehicle while your license is suspended or revoked. This frequently leads to immediate towing.
Vehicle Code 4000 – Expired registration
Driving a vehicle without a valid registration. An extended expiration can result in impound.
Penal Code 537 – Defrauding an innkeeper or services
PC 537 includes avoiding payment for services, which can sometimes involve vehicle-related fraud scenarios.
Vehicle Code 10851 – Unauthorized use of a vehicle
VC 10851 involves taking or driving a vehicle without the owner's consent. Suspected stolen vehicles are commonly impounded.
Key Takeaways
- Police can tow vehicles without warning under specific legal conditions
- Towing often occurs for safety hazards, legal violations, or arrests
- Private property owners may also authorize towing
- You are responsible for all fees associated with retrieving your vehicle
- Failing to claim your vehicle may result in auction or permanent loss
Frequently Asked Questions
Can police tow your car without notice in California?
Yes. Under Vehicle Code 22651, officers can tow vehicles without prior notice if legal conditions are met.
How much does it cost to get your car out of impound?
Costs vary but typically include towing, daily storage, and administrative fees, which can quickly add up.
Can someone else pick up your impounded car?
In some cases, yes, but they must provide proper authorization and required documentation.
What if your car was towed illegally?
You may be able to challenge the tow through a hearing or legal action.
How do you find your towed car?
Contact your local police or sheriff's department to locate the impound facility.
Speak With a California Criminal Defense Attorney
If your vehicle was towed or impounded and you believe your rights were violated, or if the towing is connected to a criminal charge, legal guidance can help you understand your options.
A criminal defense attorney in California can examine your case, contest wrongful towing, and assist you with legal matters. Esfandi Law Group is ready to help. Book your free consultation today.