Carson, CA Business Licensing & Operations: Towing Companies (2026)
Key Facts
- Max active franchises
- 3 at one time
- Max franchise term
- 10 years
- Business location required within
- 5 miles of city limits
- Adopting ordinance
- Ord. 23-2301
- Scope
- nonconsensual/City-ordered tows only
Summary
Carson, California requires a City-awarded, nonexclusive franchise before any company can perform nonconsensual (police-ordered) tows for the City; private-property and owner-requested tows are not covered by this rule.
No person shall perform vehicle towing services for a nonconsensual tow for the City of Carson unless such person has obtained a non-exclusive tow service franchise from the City to perform nonconsensual towing services, as memorialized in a written tow franchise agreement, which will contain or reference all program regulations, terms and conditions, including but not limited to those which shall govern storage of vehicles once vehicles are towed, franchise fees, the term of the franchise, termination and suspension rights and obligations...
Full Breakdown
Carson Municipal Code Chapter 18 establishes the Franchise Tow Service Program (FTSP) to regulate nonconsensual, City-ordered towing in Los Angeles County's Carson, California. No tow operator may work City rotational tows without a Council-approved franchise agreement; the City caps active franchises at three and dispatches on a rotational basis. Applicants must keep a business location or storage yard within five miles of city limits, carry City-set minimum insurance, and disclose disqualifying criminal history such as auto theft, burglary, or vehicle-title fraud. The City Manager screens applications, and the Council must hold a noticed public hearing before granting or denying a franchise.
Violations & Fines
Towing City-ordered vehicles without a franchise, overcharging above posted rates, or violating franchise terms can bring suspension or revocation by the City Manager, removal from the rotation list, and a one-year bar on reapplying.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does this cover tows I request myself in Carson?
How many tow franchises does Carson grant?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Carson
California rules heatmap·Compare Carson to another location·View the California business licensing & operations overview
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