QuestionI just read one of your answers to someone that had gotten their car towed. you had stated that the towing company had to call the PD prior to towing the car. where in the vehicle code book does it state that? also, can a tow company tow a car within 15 mins. of a written citation?
thank you!
Answer I hope you are talking about something that is or has happened in California, because if you are in Iowa and want to have California law apply, you are not going to have it happen..
Yes, for some reasons a vehicle can be towed 5 seconds after warning (that is what a citation is) and some other reasons it can not.. Below is a copy of the California law, but you might want to go check out the California DMV website and look up towing laws. Yes it will give you some stuff that does not apply, but without a specific reason listed in the question then I can not really supply an answer... (also be advised that I am in Alabama and while I have read the California laws, some Cities have additional laws covering this issue also)
Good luck and hope this answers your question ...
Removal Prohibited
22953. (a) ( )1 An owner or person in lawful possession of ( )2 private property ( )3 that is held open to the public, or a discernible portion thereof, for parking of vehicles at no fee, or an employee or agent thereof, shall not tow or remove, or cause the towing or removal, of ( )2 a vehicle within one hour of the vehicle being parked.
(b) Notwithstanding subdivision (a), a vehicle may be removed immediately after being illegally parked within 15 feet of a fire hydrant, in a fire lane, in a manner that interferes with an entrance to, or an exit from, the private property, or in a parking space or stall legally designated for disabled persons.
(c) Subdivision (a) does not apply to property designated for parking at ( )4 residential property, or to property designated for parking at a hotel or motel where the parking stalls or spaces are clearly marked for a specific room.
(d) It is the intent of the Legislature in the adoption of subdivision (a) to avoid causing the unnecessary stranding of motorists and placing them in dangerous situations, when traffic citations and other civil remedies are available, thereby promoting the safety of the general public.
(e) A person who violates subdivision (a) is civilly liable to the owner of the vehicle or his or her agent for two times the amount of the towing and storage charges.
Amended Sec. 5, Ch. 609, Stats. 2006. Effective January 1, 2007.
