Towing Issues: Wrongfully charged for non-tow


Question
First i live in Sherman Oaks, CA. Yesterday, by accident i blocked in a small (4-6 unit)apartment complex for about an hour. After being notified by one of the tenants that live in the building i ran out to find my car hooked up to the tow truck. My tires weren't yet off the ground. After pleading with him not to tow my car, he said the only way he'd release it would be if i paid him $200 dollars. I relented and paid. Now it appears, specifically under CA's VC 22658 the most he could have charged would've been $60-$80 dollars, per " (h) A towing company may impose a charge of not more than one-half of the regular towing charge for the towing of a vehicle at the request of the owner, the owner’s agent, or the person in lawful possession of the private property pursuant to this section if the owner of the vehicle or the vehicle owner’s agent returns to the vehicle after the vehicle is coupled to the tow truck by means of a regular hitch, coupling device, drawbar, portable dolly, or is lifted off the ground by means of a conventional trailer, and before it is removed from the private property. The regular towing charge may only be imposed after the vehicle has been removed from the property and is in transit." Sorry for the long post, but it seems i had to pay WAY more to have my car released then one-half the standard tow charge ($130). What are my options here?  

Answer
Well from what I see here, you were overcharged...

California DMV are the ones who are supposed to be taking care of the violations via fines and penalties. I think that you can file a complaint with them.

And you do have the rights to go to small claims court if you so desire. I hope you did get a receipt for the money which you paid the "drop fee"  
That will be the key in most all the the battles and complaints here.