Towing Issues: present while towing, tow fee, tow truck

Question
my car was on the tow truck, however i was there before they drove away.. dont they have to give me my car back without any payment from me... i live in california

Answer
YES, NO, SOMETIMES...

A big part of this answer is depending on how "hooked up" the tow truck was when you got there...


From what I understand, if you arrive and the vehicle is not totally hooked up, (IE they are still attaching the towing devices) you have to pay a drop fee...

If they are just in the parking lot and have not even got to your vehicle, you should get it back free...

If they have it hooked up, and in the air but have not moved yet, you have a drop fee to pay...

If they have it hooked up, in the air and have started to move, you have to pay a full price tow fee...

That is what I understand the laws to be.

And this applies to tows from parking lots, but if it is a police ordered tow, then its a whole different ball game.

Hope this helps