California Vehicle Code regulates towing and impound operations. When tow companies violate notice requirements, charge excessive fees, or wrongfully tow your vehicle, demand letters and administrative challenges provide relief.

When to Challenge a Tow or Impound Fees

California Vehicle Code §§22651 and 22658 regulate when vehicles can be towed and what fees tow companies can charge. The California Highway Patrol sets maximum tow and storage rates. Violations of these rules give you grounds to demand fee reductions or refunds.

Common Grounds for Challenging Tows
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Wrongful Tow - No Legal Authority Your vehicle was legally parked, you had permission to park there, or the tow was requested by someone without authority (ex-spouse, non-owner).
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Excessive Fees Beyond CHP Maximums The tow company charged more than the maximum rates set by the California Highway Patrol for towing and daily storage in your county.
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Failure to Provide Required Notice For private property tows, Vehicle Code §22658 requires specific signage and notification procedures. Missing or inadequate signs can invalidate the tow.
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Damage Caused by Tow Truck The tow truck driver damaged your vehicle during towing—scratched paint, bent undercarriage, broken bumper, etc.
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Illegal Tow Timing For private property tows, the one-hour rule: the tow company must wait one hour after posting notice before towing (with exceptions for blocking driveways or fire lanes).
California Private Property Towing Rules (Vehicle Code §22658)

Private property owners and tow companies must follow strict rules when towing vehicles from private property. Required elements include:

Signage Requirements
  • Sign height: At least 17 inches high by 22 inches wide
  • Letter size: Minimum 1-inch lettering for key information
  • Content required: "Unauthorized vehicles will be towed at owner's expense," tow company name and phone number, and location where vehicles are stored
  • Visibility: Signs must be clearly visible at all entrances to the property
  • Language: In English; additional languages recommended in multilingual areas

If signage doesn't meet these requirements, the tow may be invalid and you can demand a full refund.

Photographing the Tow Scene

If you arrive while your car is being towed or immediately after, photograph:

  • Where your car was parked (showing it was legal or you had permission)
  • All parking signs (or lack thereof)
  • The tow truck and company name
  • Any damage to your vehicle
  • Date and time stamps (most phones add this automatically)

These photos are critical evidence for your demand letter and any hearing.

Maximum Tow and Storage Fees

The California Highway Patrol sets maximum rates tow companies can charge. These vary by county and type of tow. As of 2024, typical maximums include:

  • Basic tow (light duty): $150-$250 depending on county
  • Mileage beyond base: $3-$7 per mile
  • Daily storage: $30-$75 per day depending on county
  • Gate fee (after-hours release): $50-$100
  • Administrative fee: $50-$75

If the tow company charged more than these maximums, you can demand a refund of the excess. Contact your local CHP office or check the CHP website for current maximum rates in your county.

Police Tows vs. Private Property Tows
Police-Initiated Tows

When police order your vehicle towed (DUI arrest, expired registration, blocking traffic), you have fewer grounds to challenge the tow itself but can still:

  • Challenge excessive fees beyond CHP maximums
  • Request a DMV hearing if the vehicle was impounded for 30 days (DUI, unlicensed driver)
  • Demand compensation for tow truck damage

30-day impounds: Vehicle Code §14602.6 allows 30-day impounds for driving without a license or on a suspended license. You can request a DMV hearing within 10 days to challenge the impound. If you win, the tow and storage fees are refunded.

Private Property Tows

When a property owner or manager requests the tow, you can challenge based on:

  • Inadequate signage
  • You had permission to park (resident, visitor with parking pass)
  • Tow company didn't wait the required one hour after posting notice (unless blocking driveway/fire lane)
  • Property owner or manager didn't have authority to authorize the tow
Steps to Challenge a Tow
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Pay Under Protest You typically must pay to retrieve your vehicle. Pay with credit card and note "paid under protest - disputing charges" on the receipt. This preserves your right to seek a refund.
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Document Everything Photograph the impound lot paperwork, your vehicle's condition, and any damage. Get copies of all invoices and tow authorization.
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Send Demand Letter Within 30 days, send a demand letter to the tow company citing specific Vehicle Code violations and demanding a refund of all or part of the fees.
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Small Claims if Necessary If the tow company refuses, file a small claims lawsuit. Most wrongful tow cases are under $5,000 and perfect for small claims court.
Get Your Vehicle Out Quickly

Storage fees accrue daily, typically $30-$75 per day. Even if you're disputing the tow, retrieve your vehicle within 2-3 days to minimize storage charges. You can pay under protest and seek a refund later. Waiting weeks to retrieve your vehicle can result in storage fees exceeding the vehicle's value.

How Tow Companies Should Respond to Disputes

If your tow company receives a demand letter alleging wrongful towing or excessive fees, responding appropriately protects your CHP operating authority and minimizes liability.

First Steps After Receiving a Dispute
  1. Pull the tow authorization: Retrieve the property owner's tow authorization, dispatch log, driver notes, and photos taken at the scene.
  2. Verify signage compliance: Check that the property had compliant signs at the time of tow (photos in your records).
  3. Review fee calculation: Confirm your charges were within CHP maximum rates for your county.
  4. Check for damage claims: Inspect your driver's pre-tow and post-tow photos. Interview the driver.
  5. Assess customer's claim: Is there merit? Did you violate Vehicle Code requirements?
Common Defenses for Tow Companies
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Valid Tow Authorization You have signed authorization from the property owner or manager, or a police dispatch order. Authorization is dated and time-stamped.
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Compliant Signage You have photos showing the property had properly sized and worded signs at all entrances, meeting Vehicle Code §22658 requirements.
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Fees Within CHP Maximums Your invoice shows charges within the maximum rates set by CHP for your county and service type.
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No Pre-Existing Damage Your pre-tow photos show the vehicle condition before towing, proving any damage existed before your driver touched the vehicle.
When to Settle Tow Disputes

Consider offering a partial or full refund when:

  • Your fees genuinely exceeded CHP maximums due to billing error
  • Signage at the property was deficient and you can't prove compliance
  • Your driver may have damaged the vehicle and repair costs are reasonable
  • The cost of small claims defense exceeds the disputed amount
CHP Complaint Risk

Customers can file complaints with the California Highway Patrol against your operating authority. Repeated violations—especially excessive fees or operating without proper signage authorizations—can result in suspension or revocation of your tow authority. For disputes under $500, settling quickly often makes business sense to avoid regulatory risk.

Evidence for Towing Disputes
For Vehicle Owners
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Photos of Tow Scene Where your car was parked, all visible signs (or lack thereof), the tow truck, date/time stamps.
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Tow and Storage Invoices All paperwork from the impound lot, itemized charges, and payment receipts marked "paid under protest."
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CHP Maximum Rate Schedule Print the CHP maximum rate chart for your county to prove the tow company overcharged.
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Proof of Permission to Park Apartment lease, visitor parking pass, property manager email giving you permission, tenant parking spot assignment.
Settlement Outcomes
Typical Tow Dispute Settlements

Wrongful tow (no authority): 80-100% refund of all tow and storage fees

Excessive fees: Refund of amount exceeding CHP maximums plus 25-50% goodwill reduction

Damage during tow: Repair costs up to $2,000-$5,000 depending on severity and proof

Signage deficiency: 50-75% refund, as courts often find partial fault

Towing Dispute Letter Templates
Demand for Refund - Wrongful Tow
[Your Name] [Your Address] [Date] [Tow Company Name] [Address] RE: Demand for Refund - Wrongful Tow Vehicle: [Year Make Model] Tow Date: [Date] Amount Paid: $[Total paid] Dear Sir or Madam: I demand an immediate refund of $[amount] paid for the wrongful towing of my vehicle on [date]. FACTS: My vehicle was legally parked at [location] with permission from [property owner/manager name]. I have attached [lease agreement / parking permit / email authorization] proving I had the right to park there. Your company towed my vehicle without legal authority in violation of California Vehicle Code §22658. VEHICLE CODE VIOLATION: Vehicle Code §22658 requires property owners to authorize tows and requires compliant signage. [Select applicable: The property lacked required signage / I had express permission to park / The tow was not authorized by the property owner]. DEMAND: I demand a full refund of: • Tow fee: $[amount] • Storage fees: $[amount] • Gate/administrative fees: $[amount] • TOTAL: $[amount] I paid these charges under protest to retrieve my vehicle. If you do not refund the full amount within 15 business days, I will file a small claims lawsuit and a complaint with the California Highway Patrol. Sincerely, [Signature] [Name]
Demand for Refund - Excessive Fees
[Your Name] [Address] [Date] [Tow Company Name] [Address] RE: Excessive Towing Fees - Demand for Refund Dear Sir or Madam: You charged me $[amount] in towing and storage fees on [date], which exceeds the maximum rates set by the California Highway Patrol for [County]. EXCESSIVE CHARGES: According to CHP maximum rate schedules (attached), the maximum allowable charges for my tow were: • Tow: $[CHP max] (you charged $[amount charged]) • Storage ([X] days): $[CHP max per day × days] (you charged $[amount]) • Administrative: $[CHP max] (you charged $[amount]) Total CHP maximum: $[amount] Total you charged: $[amount] OVERCHARGE: $[difference] I demand a refund of $[overcharge amount] within 15 business days. Sincerely, [Signature] [Name]
Legal Representation for Towing Disputes

I represent both vehicle owners and tow companies in California towing disputes. Most cases involve small claims court or CHP administrative proceedings.

Schedule a Towing Dispute Consultation

Whether you're challenging a wrongful tow or defending your company against claims, I can help evaluate your case and develop a strategy.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, in most cases. Tow companies can hold your vehicle until you pay. However, pay with a credit card and mark the receipt "paid under protest." This preserves your right to dispute the charges and seek a refund through a demand letter or small claims court. Retrieve your vehicle quickly to avoid accumulating daily storage fees.

The California Highway Patrol sets maximum rates that vary by county. Typical maximums range from $150-$250 for the base tow, $30-$75 per day for storage, and $50-$100 for gate fees. Check the CHP website or contact your local CHP office for current maximum rates in your county. Any charges above these maximums are illegal and refundable.

Yes. If your vehicle was towed without legal authority, you can sue in small claims court for a refund of all tow and storage fees, plus damages for your time, rental car costs, and any vehicle damage caused by the tow. Most wrongful tow cases are straightforward and resolve quickly in small claims court.