Hayward, CA Business Licensing & Operations: Towing Companies (2026)
Key Facts
- Permit required
- yes, Chief of Police via Revenue Division
- Insurance minimum
- Veh. Code § 34631.5 levels
- Vehicle release window
- within 30 minutes, 24/7
- Rate signage
- 1-inch letters minimum
- Penalty
- infraction; misdemeanor after 3rd offense/year
Summary
Hayward requires a Chief of Police-issued permit before any company can perform non-consensual tows in the city, backed by liability insurance and fingerprinting, and permit holders must release towed vehicles around the clock within thirty minutes of a request.
It shall be unlawful for any person or towing operation to perform any non-consensual tows within the City of Hayward unless the person so operating has applied for and obtained a permit to do so, and unless the permit is in full force and effect. ... A person conducting towing operations shall provide for the release of the vehicles towed twenty-four (24) hours a day, seven (7) days a week by having an attendant on duty or available on call and able to respond to service within a period of thirty (30) minutes.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Municipal Code: Supplement 28 Update 1 | Charter: Supplement 1).
Full Breakdown
HMC Sec. 10 makes it unlawful to perform non-consensual tows within Hayward without a permit, issued through the Division of Revenue after the Chief of Police investigates the applicant's vehicles, business location and background, including fingerprinting, within thirty days. The Chief can deny a permit if the applicant's tow trucks are inadequate or unsafe, if a prior permit was denied or revoked within two years, or if the applicant lacks the equipment or knowledge to protect towed vehicles from damage or theft. Sec. 5 for every listed tow truck, with thirty days' notice to the City Attorney before cancellation.
Sec. 20 lets the City Council set maximum towing and storage rates by resolution after a public hearing, and Sec. 21 requires a posted rate sign with letters at least one inch tall. Sec. weekdays. Private-property tows generally require the Police Department to clear the vehicle at the scene first, unless the property has been pre-inspected for posted tow-away signage.
Violations & Fines
Towing without the Sec. 6-8.10 permit, or violating any rule in this Article, is an infraction under Sec. 6-8.40, punishable by a fine up to the limit set in Government Code section 36900; a third conviction within twelve months can be charged as a misdemeanor on a later violation. Permits can also be revoked for negligence, misrepresentation, unauthorized relocation of a towed vehicle, or billing for services not performed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a Hayward tow company need a city permit for non-consent tows?
How fast must a Hayward tow company release my car?
Can a Hayward tow company charge whatever rate it wants?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Hayward
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