Towing Issues: Tow Billing, california state laws, california state law

Question
I am married to the registerd owner. I left it at the train station.The vehicle was towed from the train station by the City police,and my question is can they charge such horendous prices are there any regulated fees or rates that the tow industries base charges.The police dept. did not charge anything for the release form,but towing co. is asking for $140 tow $75travel-time and $40 a-day. They did not send me any form or letter informing me or my wife.I recently went to pick the car up and discovered it gone.If you know of any city regulations or since I live in California state laws that could save me from paying over eight hundred dollars I would appreciate it alot.

Answer
Well as much as I would love to have EVERY ANSWER for the towing issues which are posted here, I have to also defend the towing companies at times...


First of all, California has many differant laws specific to each city.  California state law does require notification letters to registered and legal owners of the vehicle.  I beleive that its supposed to be done within 72 hours that a letter is mailed to the owner.  HOWEVER one fact is that the State Department of Motor Vehicles or the local police department is supposed to give the towing company the information regarding the vehicles owners. Then its sent via US MAIL to them.

At times in some juristictions you will find that the police department does the actual notification letters.  

Now, as to the fees for towing,  They seem normal to me. The daily storage fee ( $ 40.00 ) that reflects the costs of renting the ground space to keep your vehicle safe and secure from damage, vandalism and theft.
Most all tows done ordered by Police departments have set rates for the towing and storage fees.  Some citys also have procedures for appealing tows.  Check with the city and see if there are provisions for that.

Now I am not sure how long your vehicle was left parked at the train station also.  Part of the fees might be a fee for unpaid parking in the lot, or an allowed fee for notification of the owners by letters as set by law also.


Sorry I got no specific answers as its hard to answer city specific rules without knowing if its San Diego or Eureka or Banning..  

Richard