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My car was towed in California. What are my rights?
Source: California Auto Help (californiaautohelp.com), part of the Local Help Stations network (localhelpstations.com). Last updated November 2, 2026.
- 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)
| City | Published release or admin fee | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Los Angeles (OPG) | $115 vehicle release (LAMC 80.77.1) | (source: City of Los Angeles) checked November 2, 2026 |
| San Diego | $115 Tow Impound Cost Recovery; $135 Tow Franchise Fee | (source: City of San Diego) checked November 2, 2026 |
| San Francisco | Admin $335 first / $385 repeat; tow $317 (reduced rates available) | (source: San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency) checked November 2, 2026 |
| Sacramento | Vehicle release $180; tow shown as $200 and as $235 (1 hr min); storage $60/day | (source: City of Sacramento Police Department) checked November 2, 2026 |
| Fresno | Police admin $60 to $450 depending on reason; stored-only has no police fee | (source: City of Fresno Police Department) checked November 2, 2026 |
| Long Beach | Vehicle release $63; basic light tow $264/hr; storage $86/day (to 20 ft) | (source: City of Long Beach) checked November 2, 2026 |
| Oakland | Vehicle release $166; tow $250 first half hour; storage $125/day | (source: City of Oakland) checked November 2, 2026 |
| Riverside | Vehicle release $119.50; Safe Streets Act tows $372 | (source: City of Riverside) checked November 2, 2026 |
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
- California Legislature (California Legislative Information): Vehicle Code 22852 (poststorage hearing) (checked November 2, 2026)
- City of Los Angeles: Los Angeles Municipal Code 80.77.1 (vehicle release fee) (checked November 2, 2026)
- City of San Diego: FY26 User Fee Schedule (PDF) (checked November 2, 2026)
- San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency (SFMTA): Towed Vehicles (checked November 2, 2026)
- City of Sacramento Police Department: Towed Vehicles (checked November 2, 2026)
- City of Fresno Police Department: Frequently Asked Questions (checked November 2, 2026)
- City of Long Beach: Towing Fees and Charges (checked November 2, 2026)
- City of Oakland: Towed Vehicles (checked November 2, 2026)
- City of Riverside: Schedule of Fees and Charges FY 2025-26 (PDF) (checked November 2, 2026)
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