California Vehicle Code 22651 covers the authorization of automobiles to be towed and impounded. The law also includes private property owner’s rights to remove a vehicle from their property without alerting the vehicle owner or the police.
When Does CVC 22651 Permit Vehicle Removal?
Under California Vehicle Code 22651, vehicles can be towed or impounded if the owner of the vehicle:
- Gets a DUI
- Has five or more unpaid parking tickets
- Has parked illegally on private property, handicapped space, bus zone, or in any area that impedes traffic
CVC 22651 lists all the scenarios in which property owners and police officers are permitted to remove vehicles. The law states:
“A peace officer, as defined in Chapter 4.5 (commencing with Section 830) of Title 3 of Part 2 of the Penal Code, or a regularly employed and salaried employee who is engaged in directing traffic or enforcing parking laws and regulations of a city, county, or jurisdiction of a state agency in which a vehicle is located may remove a vehicle located within the territorial limits in which the officer or employee may act, under the following circumstances:
(a) If a vehicle is left unattended upon a bridge, viaduct, or causeway or in a tube or tunnel where the vehicle constitutes an obstruction to traffic.
(b) If a vehicle is parked or left standing upon a highway in a position so as to obstruct the normal movement of traffic or in a condition so as to create a hazard to other traffic upon the highway.
(c) If a vehicle is found upon a highway or public land and a report has previously been made that the vehicle is stolen or a complaint has been filed and a warrant thereon is issued charging that the vehicle was embezzled.
(d) If a vehicle is illegally parked so as to block the entrance to a private driveway, and it is impractical to move the vehicle from in front of the driveway to another point on the highway.
(e) If a vehicle is illegally parked so as to prevent access by firefighting equipment to a fire hydrant, and it is impracticable to move the vehicle from in front of the fire hydrant to another point on the highway.
(f) If a vehicle, except highway maintenance or construction equipment, is stopped, parked, or left standing for more than four hours upon the right-of-way of a freeway that has full control of access and no crossings at grade, and the driver, if present, cannot move the vehicle under its own power.
(g) If the person in charge of a vehicle upon a highway or public land is, by reason of physical injuries or illness, incapacitated to an extent so as to be unable to provide for its custody or removal.
(h) (1) If an officer arrests a person driving or in control of a vehicle for an alleged offense, and the officer is, by this code or other law, required or permitted to take, and does take, the person into custody.
(2) If an officer serves a notice of an order of suspension or revocation pursuant to Section 13388 or 13389.”
How Much Time Do I Have to Reclaim My Vehicle?
When your car is towed, there are usually posted signs, warning about towing. If your vehicle is towed by the police, a parking ticket will be sent to you in the mail with towing information. However, it is important to note that private property owners are not required to notify the owner of the vehicle if they have a vehicle towed from their property.
Under CVC 22651, the car impound lot will only hold your vehicle for a maximum of 30 calendar days. So, it is important to know when and where you can find your vehicle. If you do not recover your vehicle within the 30 provided days, your vehicle can be sold at auction. On top of your vehicle being sold, you will accumulate stocking fees from the impound lot for every day they hold your vehicle. For these reasons, it is always important to pay attention to the signage of any parking lot or street parking.
What Happens if My Vehicle is Towed By the Police?
If you’re illegally parked for any reason, the police will either leave a citation on your vehicle, or tow your vehicle, depending on the severity of the violation. Circumstances where your vehicle will be towed by the police include:
- A visible warning sign stating violators will be towed
- Your vehicle is obstructing traffic
- Your vehicle was parked in a restricted zone for over 72 hours
Once your vehicle is towed by police, it will be taken to a local police department’s impound lot. You will need to call your local police station to find out where the specific impound lot is located. To retrieve your vehicle from a police station’s impound lot, you will need the following:
- Your driver’s license
- Proof of registration
- Proof of car insurance
- Towing and impound fees required by the station
Support for Drivers Harmed By California Vehicle Law Violations
Removing another driver’s vehicle can lead to some unwanted situations. If you or a loved one has suffered harm due to another person violating California Vehicle Law, the personal injury attorneys at Maison Law are here to help. Every personal injury is unique and our firm provides a custom approach to best fit your legal needs. If you need additional information about vehicle towing or vehicle accident laws, please do not hesitate to reach out to us. Contact Maison Law today for a free consultation and case evaluation. No upfront money is required and we don’t get paid unless we win your case.
