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Tow-Away Sign Requirements in Los Angeles: What Every Property Manager Needs to Know
Category: California Parking Laws | Read time: 5 min
Managing a property in Los Angeles comes with a long list of responsibilities — and making sure your tow-away signs are legally compliant is one that many property managers overlook until it’s too late.
In California, towing a car from your property without the right signage in place can expose you to serious legal and financial liability. Here’s exactly what the law requires in Los Angeles.
Two Sets of Rules: State Law AND City Law
This is where many property owners in LA get caught off guard. You don’t just need to comply with California state law — you also need to comply with Los Angeles city law. Both apply, and where they differ, the stricter requirement wins.
California State Law — CVC 22658
California Vehicle Code Section 22658 sets the baseline statewide rules for towing vehicles from private property. Under this law:
- Signs must be at least 17″ x 22″
- Lettering must be at least 1 inch tall
- Signs must state that unauthorized vehicles will be towed at the owner’s expense
- Signs must include the local law enforcement phone number
- Signs must include the towing company’s name and phone number
- Signs must be posted at all entrances in plain view
Los Angeles City Law — LAMC 80.71.4
The City of Los Angeles adds its own requirements through the Los Angeles Municipal Code Section 80.71.4. For properties within LA city limits:
- Signs must be at least 24″ x 24″ (larger than the state minimum)
- The sign must include the LAPD telephone number specifically
- You must notify the LAPD of your intent to tow, before or immediately after removal
The Most Common Mistakes Property Managers Make
After working with hundreds of businesses in Los Angeles, here are the most frequent signage mistakes that lead to problems:
Mistake #1: Using the Wrong Sign Size
Many property managers purchase generic no-parking signs from national retailers or online stores based outside of California. These signs often meet the state minimum of 17″ x 22″ — but fall short of the LA city requirement of 24″ x 24″. If you’re towing inside LA city limits with an undersized sign, you are exposed.
Mistake #2: Missing the Towing Company’s Phone Number
The law requires the name AND phone number of your specific tow company — not just a generic statement like “violators will be towed.” If you switch towing companies, you need to update your signs.
Mistake #3: No Written Towing Agreement
CVC 22658 requires that you have a written general towing authorization agreement with your tow company before you can legally authorize a tow. A handshake deal or verbal agreement is not sufficient.
Mistake #4: Signs Not at Every Entrance
The law says “all entrances.” A single sign near the main entrance may not be enough if your property has multiple entry points. Courts and law enforcement have sided with vehicle owners when signs were not visible from all access points.
Mistake #5: Signs That Are Faded or Damaged
A sign that cannot be clearly read does not legally satisfy the posting requirement. In California’s outdoor climate, low-quality signs can fade within a year. Always use weather-resistant, UV-protected signage.
What Needs to Be On Your Sign — A Practical Template
A compliant Los Angeles tow-away sign should include all of the following elements:
PRIVATE PROPERTY
NO PARKING
Unauthorized vehicles will be towed away at vehicle owner’s expense.
Towed vehicles may be reclaimed at:
[Name of Towing Company]
[Phone Number of Towing Company]
[LAPD Non-Emergency Number]
C.V.C. Section 22658 / L.A.M.C. 80.71.4
The specific LAPD non-emergency number and your towing company’s information must be filled in for your location. That’s why pre-printed generic signs from national retailers often don’t work for LA properties — they leave these fields blank or use placeholder numbers.
Special Situations in Los Angeles
Fire Lane Signs
Fire lane no-parking signs in LA have additional requirements and are governed by separate fire department regulations. These must reference CVC 22500.1 and be posted according to LA Fire Department specifications.
HOA and Apartment Complexes
Common interest developments (HOAs, condo associations) are specifically included under CVC 22658. The law was written to cover these properties and applies fully to residential parking enforcement.
Valet Parking Zones
If you’re setting up a temporary valet zone on private property or adjacent public curb, different rules apply depending on whether you have a city permit. Valet signage must clearly designate the drop-off zone and operating hours.
How Often Should You Replace Your Signs?
Even the best signs eventually fade, get vandalized, or become outdated (for example, if you change towing companies). We recommend inspecting your tow-away signs:
- Every 6 months for signs in high-traffic or high-sun areas
- Every 12 months as a general baseline
- Immediately whenever you change towing companies or LAPD contact numbers change
Get Compliant Signs Made in Los Angeles
At SignifyLA, we’re based in Culver City and we manufacture signage specifically for California and Los Angeles requirements. When you order from us, you’re not getting a generic national product — you’re getting signs built to meet CVC 22658 and LAMC 80.71.4, made locally with fast turnaround.
We can customize your signs with your specific:
- Towing company name and phone number
- LAPD non-emergency number
- Property name or additional instructions
Most orders ship within 24 to 72 hours.
👉 Shop Tow-Away Signs for Los Angeles Properties
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Laws may change. Always verify current requirements with the City of Los Angeles and consult a licensed California attorney for your specific situation.