Lancaster, CA Business Licensing & Operations: Towing Companies (2026)
Key Facts
- License required
- Yes, misdemeanor to tow without one
- Consent for non-emergency tow
- Registered/legal owner or law enforcement
- Minimum general liability insurance
- $1,000,000 per occurrence
- Vehicle release hours
- Mon-Fri, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
- License term
- 12 months from issuance
- Appeal path
- Chapter 2.44 Uniform Appeal Procedure
Summary
Lancaster requires every towing operation to hold a city operating license before hooking up a single vehicle, and drivers may not attach a car to a tow truck without written authorization from the registered owner, legal owner, or law enforcement. Lancaster Municipal Code Chapter 5.32 makes unlicensed towing a misdemeanor and lets the city manager deny or revoke licenses for criminal history or lapsed insurance.
A. Unlawful to Conduct Towing Operations Without a License. It is unlawful for any person to conduct any towing operation in the city without first obtaining a license authorizing such operation pursuant to the provisions of this chapter. Any such unlawful operation shall constitute a misdemeanor. ... B. Towing Authorization. A towing unit driver shall not attach a vehicle to a towing unit without first receiving written authorization to do so by the registered owner, legal owner, driver, law enforcement personnel or other person in control of such vehicle. The authorization shall list the services offered and the rates and charges for that service. A copy of the authorization shall be furnished to the person authorizing the towing service. The copy shall state the name, address and telephone number of the operator and the days and hours the business is open for release of vehicles.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 10 - 2025).
Full Breakdown
5 (Sec. 030). Applicants must carry commercial general liability coverage of at least $1,000,000 per occurrence and automobile liability of at least $300,000 combined single limit, and the license lapses if that coverage is cancelled (Sec. 030(C)). Licenses run twelve months and each towing unit also needs its own operating permit displayed on the driver's side rear window (Sec. 040). Non-consent, non-emergency tows require signed authorization from the registered owner, legal owner, insurance carrier, or their agent before a truck may hook up a vehicle, and the operator must hand over an itemized statement of services and charges without demanding payment first (Sec.
050). , rate signs must use letters at least one inch tall, and rate changes require ten days' written notice to the city manager and ten days' posting. The chapter exempts auto-club towing done only for members, DMV-licensed dismantlers under Vehicle Code Section 11505, and licensed repossession agencies. Drivers must wear the operator's insignia and may not stop unrequested to solicit a disabled vehicle, tow to an unauthorized location, or misstate charges.
Violations & Fines
Operating without a license, or falsifying a license application, is a misdemeanor (Sec. 5.32.030). The city manager may revoke a license or permit for lapsed insurance, a negative Sheriff's Department background finding, employing an unlicensed driver, or prohibited acts such as fraud, unauthorized relocation of a towed vehicle, or charging for services not performed (Sec. 5.32.050(H)). A licensee aggrieved by denial, suspension or revocation may appeal under the Uniform Appeal Procedure in Chapter 2.44 of the code.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a Lancaster tow truck take my car without asking me first?
What happens if a Lancaster towing company operates without a city license?
When can I pick up my towed vehicle in Lancaster?
Can I appeal a Lancaster towing license denial?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Lancaster
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