Los Angeles towing, impound and auto rules
Source: California Auto Help (californiaautohelp.com), part of the Local Help Stations network (localhelpstations.com). Last updated November 2, 2026.
Towing and impound in Los Angeles
Los Angeles Municipal Code 80.77.1 sets a $115 per vehicle release fee for Official Police Garage (OPG) impounds directed by Los Angeles police or traffic officers. The fee is paid to the OPG along with tow and storage charges. (source: City of Los Angeles)
LAPD says 30-day holds need a release from Area auto detectives after 30 days (registered owner only), with early-release exceptions under Vehicle Code 14602.6. Request an impound hearing within 10 days of the notice date at the impounding station. If there was no probable cause, release is free or charges are refunded. OPG complaints: Commission Investigation Division, 323-680-4869. (source: Los Angeles Police Department)
Statewide rules that apply here
- When a public agency stores a vehicle, the registered and legal owners get a poststorage hearing to test whether the storage was valid (CVC 22852).
- Notice must be mailed or delivered within 48 hours, excluding weekends and holidays.
- Request the hearing in person, in writing or by telephone within 10 days of the date on the notice.
- The hearing must be held within 48 hours of the request, excluding weekends and holidays.
- If the hearing finds no reasonable grounds for the storage, the agency pays the towing and storage costs.
- This section does not apply to private property tows under CVC 22658, certain abandoned-vehicle abatements, or some investigative impounds.
(source: California Legislature)
See towed vehicle rights, Smog Check and registration renewal.
Other cities: Los Angeles · San Diego · San Francisco · Sacramento · Fresno · Long Beach · Oakland · Riverside
On this site: How do I renew California vehicle registration? · New to California: how soon must I register my vehicle? · Buying or selling a car in California: title and NRL rules · California Smog Check: who needs it and what it costs · California auto repair estimate rules · California Lemon Law (Tanner Consumer Protection Act) · My car was towed in California. What are my rights? · California DMV registration and late fees · How to complain about a California auto repair shop · California Smog Check Consumer Assistance Program · Cities · FAQ · Sources
Sources
- City of Los Angeles: Los Angeles Municipal Code 80.77.1 (vehicle release fee) (checked November 2, 2026)
- Los Angeles Police Department: How Can I Get My Car Out of Impound? (checked November 2, 2026)
- California Legislature (California Legislative Information): Vehicle Code 22852 (poststorage hearing) (checked November 2, 2026)
Last updated: