Tow Laws in California: What Private Property Residential Communities Really Need to Know
Clearing Up the Confusion
Towing is one of the most misunderstood aspects of parking enforcement for California Private Property Residential Communities. Many believe they must meet every requirement in the law before authorizing a tow — but under California Vehicle Code §22658 (a), that’s not the case.
In reality, a property only needs to meet one qualifying condition to remove a vehicle from private property legally. This misconception often causes unnecessary hesitation, inconsistent enforcement, and frustration among residents who follow the rules.
The One-Condition Rule Under CVC §22658 (a)
The California Vehicle Code CVC §22658 (a) outlines several independent conditions under which a vehicle may be removed from private property. Meeting any one of these conditions gives the property owner or HOA the authority to tow.
Here’s what those key conditions include:
- Proper Signage at Entrances
- Clear, visible “Tow Away” signs are posted in plain view at all property entrances.
- Signs must measure at least 17″ × 22″ with 1-inch lettering.
- They must include:
- A statement prohibiting public parking
- The phrase “Vehicles will be removed at owner’s expense”
- The phone number of local law enforcement
- The name and phone number of the authorized towing company
- ✅ If these signs are correctly posted, the property already meets one valid condition to tow.
- Notice of Violation (96-Hour Rule)
- If a vehicle has been issued a parking violation notice and 96 hours have passed, it can be towed — typically used for inoperable or abandoned vehicles.
- Inoperable or Unsafe Vehicle
- If a vehicle is missing essential parts (engine, tires, doors, etc.) and cannot safely operate, the property may tow it 24 hours after notifying local law enforcement.
- Single-Family Property Condition
- A single-family residence owner may tow vehicles parked on their lot without meeting commercial property requirements.
Each of these is independent — not cumulative. That means if a property meets any one of these criteria, it has the right to remove the vehicle legally.
📘 Read the Official California Law
- California Vehicle Code §22658 – Official State Source
- California Vehicle Code §§22650–22711 – Authority to Remove Vehicles (Overview)
Why This Matters for Private Property Residential Communities
When boards or management teams misunderstand towing authority, they often delay enforcement — which can lead to:
- Fewer available spaces for compliant residents
- Increased rule violations and unauthorized vehicles
- More administrative workload handling complaints and disputes
Understanding that the law allows towing with any single valid condition helps you protect parking availability, improve fairness, and reduce conflict.
Expert Insights
“At Reliant Parking, we’ve seen how confusion around tow laws leads to hesitation and inconsistent enforcement. The truth is, once signage and rules are in place, our system helps communities apply those rules consistently and confidently — keeping enforcement fair, compliant, and transparent.”
— Kevin Wexler, CEO, Reliant Parking
“Towing doesn’t have to be confrontational. When enforcement runs through Reliant Parking and Parking Squad, everything is documented and trackable. That transparency protects both residents and managers — and builds trust that the process is about fairness, not punishment.”
— Franky Sesma, Parking Squad Manager
How Reliant Parking Helps You Stay Compliant
Reliant Parking provides the tools and partnerships to make enforcement smooth, consistent, and legally defensible:
- Digital permit system to identify authorized vehicles
- Timestamped records that support every enforcement decision
- Partnerships with trusted towing providers who follow state law
- Guidance for signage and documentation to ensure compliance with CVC §22658 (a)
With the right system, enforcement becomes transparent, efficient, and fair — not intimidating.
Final Thoughts
California tow laws aren’t as restrictive as many believe. With proper signage or any other qualifying condition met, your property has the legal right to enforce its parking rules.
Reliant Parking helps HOAs and property managers apply these laws confidently — protecting residents, keeping spaces available, and maintaining compliance every step of the way.
👉 Want to make sure your parking enforcement strategy is fully compliant in California?
Book a Demo and let’s design a towing strategy that works for your community.
