Towing Issues: fire lane towing question, fire department emergency, family dwellings

Question
Hello,
I'm in California and I was recently towed from a fire lane. The problem is that the fire lane is not marked except with red paint, not with the white lettering that they're usually marked with. This was in an apartment complex and there is a sign at the entrance of the complex that indicates that red paint indicates a fire lane. However, I entered the complex at night and the sign is extremely poorly lit and at situated in a position and angle so that any driver entering the complex must immediately turn into the drive, stop and obstruct traffic to read the sign.

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It resembles something like this figure, with the \ being the sign and how it is situated. The driver must turn, immediately stop and block the entrance and obstruct traffic to see it. I had not even noticed the sign until I went looking for any indications that it was a fire lane - I had no idea that it was until I was towed. So I have two questions: is the single sign at the front sufficient and does the law require it to be easily visible and well lit at night? Would you consider this setup easily visible?

Thanks for your time,
Richard

Answer
Attached is a copy from a county statute but it references the California motor vehicle code. Maybe this will help you.

The Fire Department is authorized to direct installation of approved signs or other approved notices for the identification of fire lanes. The purpose is to prevent obstruction of required emergency vehicle access.
DEFINITIONS

Driveway: A vehicular access less than 20 feet in width and serving no more than two single family dwellings.

Fire Lane: A vehicular access roadway or driveway designated officially by the Fire Department as a required means of fire department emergency access.

Roadway: A vehicular access greater than or equal to 20 feet in width.
REQUIREMENTS
Fire Department Approval:

Roadways, driveways and access ways shall not be marked as fire lanes without first obtaining Fire Department approval. Fire lanes shall be identified by Red Curb Marking, Signage or Roadway Surface Marking as specified below. Detailed plans showing the location of the lanes may be required.
Red Curb Marking:

Curb top and side shall be painted red, and the words, "FIRE LANE" shall be stenciled on the top and side of all red curbs at a maximum interval of 50 feet. Letters shall be three inches (3") in height with a minimum 3/4-inch in stroke.

Alternatively, if the roadway has no curbing, a 12-inch wide red stripe with the words "FIRE LANE" in white may be painted along and parallel with the edge of the roadway. The lettering shall be 8-inches high with a 3/4-inch stroke.
Signage:

  1.Signs shall be of metal construction, measuring 12-inches wide and 18-inches high, and of a reflective type. Plastic or wooden signs are not acceptable.
  2.Signs shall read: "NO STOPPING - FIRE LANE 22500.1 CVC." Lettering shall be not less than one-inch in height and clearly visible from a vehicle.
  3.Signs shall be in visible locations and mounted on galvanized metal poles at a height of 80 inches. Signs shall be maintained unobstructed by foliage, etc.
  4.The distance between signs posted along the fire lane shall not exceed 125 feet. Not less than two signs shall be posted in each block. If traffic flows in two directions, signs must be posted so as to be readable from either direction.

Roadway Surface Marking:

Outlining or painting the fire lane area in red with the words "FIRE LANE" in white, at intervals of not more than 50 feet or as otherwise directed by the Fire Department. Size of lettering shall be not less than 24 inches in height and three inches (3") in stroke.
Notification of Local Law Enforcement Agency:

Upon declaration by the Fire Department that a vehicular access is a required "FIRE LANE", the owner of the property shall make notification of the location of the fire lane to their local law enforcement agency requesting periodic patrol of such lanes.
Enforcement of Fire Lanes:

The enforcement of fire lanes is the responsibility of the local law enforcement agency as specified under California Vehicle Code (CVC) Section 22500.1.