Drop Fees: Towing companies can charge up to one half the regular cost of a tow if the owner returns to the car after it is hooked. This generally has been interpreted to mean attached to the tow truck and at least two wheels are off the ground. The DMV Section, 22658 (h) is not specific.

Additionally, the tow company can charge the full towing fee if the vehicle has left private property and is in transit.

Overcharging: Tow companies may not charge more than the amount local law enforcement would charge for towing or storage. If they do overcharge, they are liable for four (4) times the towing and/or storage charges.

Storage Days: A request to release any time during the first twenty-four (24) hours of storage of a vehicle can result in no more than normal storage charges for one (1) day. The day of the week does not matter.

Making Change: Tow companies must keep amounts of cash on hand to make change for reasonable monetary transactions. 22658 (k)

Cruise and Tow Agreements: Under CVC Section 22658 (1) a towing company cannot tow from an association without the owner or a representative of the association being present except for cases where the violation is within 15 feet of a fire hydrant, in a fire lane, or blocking an access road.

Tow companies are not allowed to enforce general parking rules on their own. If they do, the owner of the vehicle in question is entitled to four (4) times the towing/storage fees and any applicable civil penalties.

Associations may hire a security or other firm as their agent, and authorize them to represent the association with regard to towing for various violations. This third party arrangement protects vehicle owners from unscrupulous tow companies.

Associations may authorize (written) tow companies to tow vehicles from fire lanes, within 15 feet of a fire hydrant, and for blocking access roads.

If the tow company tows on its own, from a fire lane, within 15 feet of a fire hydrant, or a vehicle blocking an access road, they must take two photographs, clearly depicting the violation. They must keep one on file, and give the second to the owner of the vehicle or his/her agent.

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