What Is California Vehicle Code 22658? A Complete Guide for Property Owners in Los Angeles

Category: California Parking Laws | Read time: 6 min

If you own or manage a parking lot, apartment complex, restaurant, or any commercial property in Los Angeles, California Vehicle Code Section 22658 (CVC 22658) is the single most important law you need to understand. It determines whether you can legally tow unauthorized vehicles — and whether you’ll be held liable if you do it wrong.

This guide breaks it all down in plain English.

What Is CVC 22658?

California Vehicle Code Section 22658 is the state law that gives private property owners the legal authority to remove (tow) vehicles parked on their property without permission. It applies to:

• Apartment complexes and residential communities
• Commercial parking lots
• Restaurants, hotels, and retail businesses
• Office buildings and business parks
• HOAs and common interest developments

Without complying with CVC 22658, a tow you authorize may be considered illegal — and you could be held liable for double the towing and storage charges.

The Key Requirement: Your Sign Must Be Compliant

The most critical element of CVC 22658 compliance is proper signage. Under the law, before you can legally tow a vehicle from your private property, you must have a sign that meets ALL of the following requirements:

1. Minimum Size

The sign must be at least 17 inches by 22 inches. Anything smaller does not meet the legal standard under state law. Note: The City of Los Angeles (LAMC 80.71.4) actually requires a larger minimum of 24 inches by 24 inches for tow-away signs on private property within city limits.

2. Lettering Height

All lettering on the sign must be at least 1 inch in height. Small print is not legally acceptable.

3. Required Text

The sign must clearly state:

• That public parking is prohibited
• That vehicles will be removed at the owner’s expense

4. Law Enforcement Phone Number

The sign must include the telephone number of the local traffic law enforcement agency (for most of Los Angeles, this is the LAPD or your local sheriff’s department).

5. Towing Company Information

The sign must display the name and telephone number of each towing company that has a written towing authorization agreement with you. This means you need a formal, written agreement with your towing company before you can tow.

6. Placement

The sign must be displayed in plain view at all entrances to the property. One sign posted in a hidden corner does not satisfy the law.

What Happens If Your Sign Is Not Compliant?

If you tow a vehicle without a compliant sign in place, under CVC 22658(e), you may be liable for double the towing and storage charges. This means if the tow cost $250 and storage was $100, you could owe the vehicle owner $700.

Additionally, a property owner who causes an illegal tow can be subject to complaints with local law enforcement and potential civil liability.

Los Angeles Has Additional Requirements (LAMC 80.71.4)

If your property is located within the City of Los Angeles, you must also comply with Los Angeles Municipal Code Section 80.71.4, which adds the following:

• The minimum sign size within LA city limits is 24 inches by 24 inches (larger than the state minimum)
• The sign must include a telephone number of the Los Angeles Police Department specifically
• You must notify the LAPD of your intent to remove a vehicle before or immediately after the tow

This is why generic, one-size-fits-all signs purchased from out-of-state websites often fall short — they may meet state minimums but not LA city requirements.

A Compliant Tow-Away Sign Must Include All of the Following:

Quick Checklist for Property Owners

Before you authorize any tow, make sure:

• Your sign is at least 24″ x 24″ (if you are in the City of Los Angeles)
• All text is at least 1 inch tall
• The sign says parking is prohibited and vehicles will be towed at owner’s expense
• The LAPD (or local law enforcement) phone number is on the sign
• Your towing company’s name and number is on the sign
• You have a written towing agreement with your towing company
• Signs are posted at every entrance in plain view
• You notify LAPD before or immediately after the tow

Where to Get a California-Compliant Tow-Away Sign in Los Angeles

A compliant sign isn’t just about size — it’s about having the right information, in the right format, made with durable materials that will last outdoors in the LA climate.

At SignifyLA, we manufacture tow-away and no-parking signs right here in Los Angeles, so you get:

• Signs built to California CVC 22658 and LA LAMC standards
• Space for your specific LAPD number and towing company information
• Durable aluminum or ACM construction rated for outdoor use
• Fast turnaround — most orders ready in 24 to 72 hours

👉 Shop California Tow-Away Signs

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. For questions about your specific property situation, consult a licensed California attorney.