Escondido, CA Business Licensing & Operations: Towing Companies (2026)

Municipal Code Chapter 27 governs impound tows (police-directed removals not requiring owner consent) and referral tows, while leaving on-demand tows for the vehicle owner's own choice largely unregulated (§ 27-1, § 27-2). The chief of police contracts for impound and referral towing services after issuing a request for proposals that sets selection criteria and a draft contract (§ 27-3(a), (b)); selection may weigh service quality, potential city income, experience, financial responsibility, and other factors safeguarding the public interest (§ 27-3(c)). Contracts run one to five years and are reviewed for renewal at the chief's and council's discretion (§ 27-3(d)).

Every towing contract must guarantee timely performance, require proof of general liability, automotive liability, and workers' compensation insurance acceptable to the city attorney, and obligate the company to keep service and financial records open to city audit on reasonable notice (§ 27-4). Under § 27-5, the owner or operator of a disabled vehicle must normally be offered the choice of tow company, except for impound tows; police may override that choice and call any towing company if the requested company cannot clear the vehicle within a reasonable time given traffic, weather, time of day, and roadway conditions.

Every towing company doing business in the city must also hold a valid city business license (§ 27-6). The police department accepts written citizen complaints about a towing company or a violation of its contract, which can support suspension, cancellation, or non-renewal of the contract or license (§ 27-7).