What Are the Towing Requirements in California? A Guide for Fontana Drivers

Towing can be a stressful experience, especially if you don’t fully understand the rules and requirements that apply in California. Whether you need a tow because of a vehicle breakdown, accident, or unauthorized parking, it’s important to know the towing requirements to ensure your rights are protected. At Rumbas Towing, we are committed to providing reliable and professional towing services in Fontana, CA, and we want you to be informed about the towing regulations in the state.

In this blog, we will explore the key towing requirements in California, what you need to know as a vehicle owner, and how Rumbas Towing meets all the state regulations to ensure your experience is stress-free.

Towing Requirements in California

California has specific requirements for towing companies to follow, designed to protect vehicle owners, ensure transparency, and promote public safety. Below are the main towing requirements you should be aware of:

1. Authorization to Tow from Private Property

If a vehicle is parked illegally on private property, the property owner has the right to have it towed, but certain conditions must be met:

Signage Requirement: The property must have visible signage indicating that unauthorized vehicles will be towed at the owner’s expense. The sign must include the name and contact number of the towing company, as well as the location where the vehicle will be stored.

Written Authorization: Before a towing company can remove a vehicle from private property, they must have written authorization from the property owner or an authorized agent, except in specific situations such as when the vehicle is blocking a fire lane or driveway.

2. Towing from Public Property

Vehicles can be towed from public property under several circumstances:

Illegally Parked Vehicles: Vehicles parked in no-parking zones, blocking driveways or fire hydrants, or otherwise illegally parked may be subject to towing.

Abandoned Vehicles: Vehicles that are left unattended for more than 72 hours on public property or are deemed abandoned can be towed by law enforcement.

3. Notice and Storage Requirements

After towing a vehicle, the towing company must adhere to specific requirements regarding notification and storage:

Notification to the Vehicle Owner: The towing company must notify the registered owner and any legal owner of the vehicle within 24 hours of the tow. This notification must include the reason for the tow, where the vehicle is stored, and how it can be retrieved.

Storage Fees and Retrieval: Once a vehicle is towed, storage fees begin to accrue. The towing company must provide the owner with the necessary information to retrieve their vehicle. Storage fees are regulated by California law to prevent overcharging.

4. Maximum Fees for Towing and Storage

To prevent overcharging, California law places limits on the fees that towing companies can charge:

Towing Fees: The fees for non-consensual tows (tows conducted without the vehicle owner's permission) are regulated and vary based on the type of vehicle and circumstances of the tow.

Storage Fees: Daily storage fees for towed vehicles must be reasonable and adhere to state guidelines. Vehicle owners are encouraged to retrieve their vehicles as soon as possible to avoid accruing high storage fees.

5. Access to Personal Belongings

If your vehicle has been towed, you have the right to access your personal belongings, even if you are not able to pay the towing and storage fees immediately. Towing companies must allow you to retrieve items like your wallet, documents, and other essentials from your vehicle.

6. Payment Options

California law requires that towing companies accept multiple forms of payment to make it easier for vehicle owners to reclaim their vehicles. Towing companies must accept cash, credit cards, and debit cards as payment for towing and storage fees.

7. Consumer Rights and Disputing a Tow

If you believe your vehicle was towed illegally or you were charged excessive fees, you have the right to dispute the tow. Here are some steps you can take:

Request a Tow Hearing: You can request a tow hearing with the local law enforcement agency that authorized the tow. This hearing must be requested within a specified timeframe, usually 10 days of receiving the notice.

File a Complaint: If you feel you have been overcharged or your vehicle was towed improperly, you can file a complaint with the California Highway Patrol or the local agency responsible for regulating towing practices in your area.

How Rumbas Towing Meets California Towing Requirements

At Rumbas Towing, we understand that towing can be a challenging experience, and we are committed to providing professional and reliable services that meet all of California’s towing requirements. Here’s how we ensure compliance:

Proper Authorization: We always obtain written authorization from property owners before towing from private property and follow all regulations regarding public tows.

Clear Communication: We notify vehicle owners promptly after a tow, providing all the necessary details about where the vehicle is being stored and how to retrieve it.

Fair and Transparent Pricing: We adhere to state guidelines for towing and storage fees, ensuring that our pricing is fair and transparent to all our customers.

Multiple Payment Options: We accept cash, credit, and debit cards to make reclaiming your vehicle as convenient as possible.

Tips to Avoid Getting Your Vehicle Towed in California

To avoid the inconvenience and expense of having your vehicle towed, follow these tips:

Pay Attention to Parking Signs: Always check for parking restrictions before leaving your vehicle. Make sure you understand the local parking rules to avoid parking in a restricted area.

Avoid Blocking Access: Do not park in front of driveways, fire hydrants, or in no-parking zones, as these are common reasons for towing.

Be Mindful of Time Limits: If parking in a time-limited area, make sure you move your vehicle before the limit expires to avoid getting towed.

Conclusion: Understanding Towing Requirements in California

Understanding the towing requirements in California can help you know your rights and avoid potential issues. Whether your vehicle is being towed from private property or public property, knowing the regulations will ensure that you are treated fairly and that your rights are protected.

At Rumbas Towing in Fontana, CA, we are dedicated to providing ethical, transparent, and professional towing services. We follow all state regulations and prioritize customer satisfaction, making sure your experience is as smooth as possible.

If you need towing services or have questions about our services, contact Rumbas Towing today. We’re here to help.