Ceres, CA Business Licensing & Operations: Towing Companies (2026)
Key Facts
- Permit issuer
- Ceres Police Department
- Permit term
- 1 year, non-transferable
- Business/storage location
- Within 1 mile of city limits
- Minimum fleet
- 2 tow trucks, 1 car carrier
- Response time
- 30 minutes to scene
Summary
Towing companies that respond to Ceres police calls must hold an annual Police Department permit, sign a service agreement, meet minimum truck and staffing standards, and keep their business office within one mile of city limits.
Every towing service operator and tow attendant on the rotation list must have a valid permit issued by the Police Department to provide towing services for the Department.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Municipal Code: Supplement 4).
Full Breakdown
Ceres Municipal Code Chapter 10.20 sets up a rotation tow program run by the Police Department. Operators apply to the Chief of Police, pass a background check and fingerprinting, enroll in the DMV Pull Notice Program, and equip at least two tow trucks meeting GVWR, winch, boom, lighting, and radio standards. Permits run one year, are non-transferable, and can be suspended or revoked for missed response times, overcharging, or misconduct complaints.
Violations & Fines
Responding to a police tow call or soliciting rotation tow work without Police Department authorization is unlawful; violating operators face permit suspension or revocation and removal from the rotation list.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do tow companies need a permit to work Ceres police calls?
Can a tow yard be located anywhere near Ceres?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Ceres
California rules heatmap·Compare Ceres to another location·View the California business licensing & operations overview
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