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What Is California Vehicle Code 22658?
California Vehicle Code Section 22658 sets out when and how a vehicle may be removed from private property in California.
For property owners and managers, one of the most commonly used provisions is Section 22658(a)(1), which allows removal based on properly posted private property parking signs. But signage is not the only circumstance covered by the law. Other provisions address situations such as vehicles that remain after a parking violation notice, certain inoperable vehicles, and vehicles parked at a single family dwelling.
For that reason, CVC 22658 should be viewed as a set of private property towing rules rather than simply a sign requirement.
Read California Vehicle Code Section 22658
When Can a Tow Away Sign Be Used?
Under CVC 22658(a)(1), a property owner or person in lawful possession of private property may rely on posted signage when the required sign is displayed in plain view at all entrances to the property.
The sign must be at least 17 inches by 22 inches.
The lettering must be at least 1 inch high.
The sign must state that public parking is prohibited and that vehicles may be removed at the vehicle owner’s expense.
The sign must also include the telephone number of the local traffic law enforcement agency.
If a towing company is a party to a written general towing authorization agreement with the property owner or person in lawful possession, the sign must also display the towing company’s name and telephone number.
The statute does not list the words CVC 22658 themselves as required wording on the sign.
Other Situations Covered by CVC 22658
Posted signage is only one of the circumstances covered by the law.
CVC 22658 also allows removal in certain situations when:
• A vehicle has received a parking violation notice and 96 hours have passed
• A vehicle is missing major equipment needed for safe operation, the local traffic law enforcement agency has been notified, and 24 hours have passed
• The property is improved with a single family dwelling
The applicable rule therefore depends on the property and the reason for removing the vehicle.
Written Authorization for a Tow
A towing company generally may not begin removing a vehicle from private property without first obtaining written authorization from the property owner, lessee, or an authorized employee or agent.
The written authorization must identify the vehicle, the person authorizing the tow, the grounds for removal, when the vehicle was first observed, and when authorization was given.
In many situations, the person authorizing the tow must also be present on the property and verify the alleged violation. The law contains specific exceptions, including provisions affecting certain smaller residential rental properties.
General Towing Authorization Is Limited
A property owner cannot simply give a towing company unlimited discretion to tow any vehicle it believes is in violation.
General authorization is permitted in limited situations, including vehicles unlawfully parked:
• Within 15 feet of a fire hydrant
• In a fire lane
• In a manner that interferes with an entrance to the property
• In a manner that interferes with an exit from the property
In those situations, the towing company and property owner or authorized person must have a written agreement granting that general authorization. The towing company must also photograph the violation before removing the vehicle.
Law Enforcement Notification
The property owner or person causing the removal must notify the local traffic law enforcement agency by telephone, or by the most expeditious available method if telephone notification is impractical, within one hour after authorizing the tow.
The towing company has its own notification requirement after the vehicle has been removed from the private property and is in transit.
These requirements are separate from the information displayed on the parking sign.
The One Hour Rule for Some Public Parking Facilities
California Vehicle Code Section 22953 creates an additional rule for certain privately owned parking areas that are open to the public and provide parking without a fee.
In those locations, a vehicle generally cannot be towed during the first one hour after it is parked.
There are important exceptions. A vehicle may be removed immediately when it is illegally parked:
• Within 15 feet of a fire hydrant
• In a fire lane
• In a way that interferes with an entrance or exit
• In a legally designated accessible parking space
The one hour rule also does not apply in the same way to residential property or to hotel and motel parking spaces clearly assigned to specific rooms.
Read California Vehicle Code Section 22953
What Happens If CVC 22658 Is Not Followed?
The consequences depend on which part of the law was violated.
Under CVC 22658(e), a property owner or other person causing the removal can be liable for double the towing or storage charges when certain requirements for removal have not been followed.
Other parts of Section 22658 contain separate penalties for violations involving towing authorization, excessive towing or storage charges, vehicle release procedures, and other requirements.
For property owners, the important point is that signage alone does not automatically make every tow lawful.
Managing an HOA community? See our guide to parking signs for HOAs.
Tow Away Signs for California Properties
Find the right sign for your Los Angeles property
Choose from durable MaxMetal® tow away signs designed around California private property parking requirements, including options for restricted parking and overnight parking. Produced locally in Los Angeles and typically shipped within 2 to 3 business days.
Los Angeles Has Additional Requirements
Properties inside the City of Los Angeles are also subject to Los Angeles Municipal Code Section 80.71.4.
For property other than property improved with a single family dwelling, the ordinance provides for a sign displayed in plain view that is at least 24 inches by 24 inches.
The sign must state that public parking is prohibited and that parked vehicles will be removed at the vehicle owner’s expense.
It must also contain a telephone number of the Los Angeles Police Department. The ordinance states that this is the same number used by the property owner or person in lawful possession when notifying the Police Department of the intent to remove a vehicle.
LAMC 80.71.4 also requires compliance with the notice provisions of California Vehicle Code Section 22658.
Read Los Angeles Municipal Code Section 80.71.4
California vs. Los Angeles Tow Away Sign Requirements
| Requirement | California CVC 22658 | City of Los Angeles |
|---|---|---|
| Minimum sign size | 17 × 22 inches | 24 × 24 inches |
| Minimum lettering height | 1 inch | California requirement still applies when using the CVC sign provision |
| Public parking prohibited statement | Required | Required |
| Vehicle removed at owner’s expense | Required | Required |
| Law enforcement phone number | Required | LAPD number required |
| Towing company information | Required when applicable under a written general towing authorization agreement | California requirements still apply |
| Sign placement | Plain view at all entrances under CVC 22658(a)(1) | Los Angeles also requires a sign displayed in plain view |
| CVC 22658 printed on sign | Not specifically required by the statute | Not specifically required by LAMC 80.71.4 |
For a property within the City of Los Angeles, both the applicable state and city requirements should be considered.
Quick Checklist for Los Angeles Property Owners
Before using private property towing as an enforcement tool, confirm:
• The appropriate provision of CVC 22658 applies to the situation
• Required signs are posted in plain view at the appropriate entrances
• For Los Angeles properties covered by LAMC 80.71.4, the sign is at least 24 inches by 24 inches
• Required wording and law enforcement contact information are present
• Towing company information is included when required
• The person authorizing the tow follows the applicable written authorization requirements
• Required law enforcement notifications are made
• The one hour rule under CVC 22953 has been considered when applicable
• Your towing company understands the procedures that apply to the property
Choosing a Tow Away Sign for a Los Angeles Property
SignifyLA offers tow away and private property parking signs for California and Los Angeles properties.
Options include signs for unauthorized parking, restricted parking, no overnight parking, reserved areas, and customizable notices that can include property specific information, towing company details, and law enforcement contact information.
Not sure which signs may apply to your property?
Our signs are produced locally in Los Angeles and typically ship within 2 to 3 business days.
Need the right tow away sign for your property? Explore California and Los Angeles tow away sign options for private property, restricted parking, overnight parking, and customized notices — browse all Tow Away Signs →
Legal Disclaimer
This article is provided for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Private property towing requirements can depend on the type of property, reason for removal, local ordinances, towing arrangements, and the facts of a particular situation. Property owners should review the current law and consult qualified legal counsel or the appropriate local authority before making towing or enforcement decisions.