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

Chapter 5.84 governs tow companies that respond to police-directed removals, distinguishing a consensual tow initiated at a driver's request from a non-consensual tow ordered for storage or impoundment under the Vehicle Code. Section 5.84.030 lets the city contract with one or more towing entities whose storage facility sits within the city or within two miles of its boundaries, with no ownership ties between multiple contracted companies, and requires at least twenty-four months of prior California towing experience unless the city council waives that for good cause.

Companies are placed on a rotation list set by the chief of police; the top company on the list gets first call for a scene, and a company that cannot respond within the specified response time is passed over for the next company, though it becomes eligible again at its next turn. Section 5.84.040 requires twenty-four-hour, seven-day service with at least one driver on duty and one on standby, dispatching capability, and a business office open Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Section 5.84.050 sets the service area as the entire city and any outside area where the police department needs towing.

Section 5.84.070 sets response time at fifteen minutes from the service call, extended to forty-five minutes when a big rig tow vehicle is required. Section 5.84.080 requires drivers to clear debris and fluids from tow scenes, coordinate with the fire department on hazardous spills, and stay out of a closed roadway or crime scene until directed by police.