Tow truck operators in unincorporated Orange County must hold California Highway Patrol motor carrier permits and follow Vehicle Code §22658 limits on private-property trespass tows, including signage and immediate-release requirements.
California Vehicle Code §22658 governs non-consensual private-property tows: operators must post conforming signage at every entrance, accept payment 24/7 at storage yards within 10 miles, charge no more than CHP-approved rates, and release vehicles to owners on demand. Tow companies need CHP motor carrier permits and OC business licenses for unincorporated yards. The Sheriff coordinates with CHP on rotation tows for traffic incidents. Predatory towing — patrolling lots, kickback contracts with property owners, or refusing immediate release — exposes operators to four-times-the-charges damages under §22658(l).
Improper signage, refusal to release, or excessive charges expose operators to four-times-fees damages, CHP permit suspension, and civil claims by vehicle owners.
See how Orange's towing companies rules stack up against other locations.
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