Pasadena, CA Business Licensing & Operations: Towing Companies (2026)
Key Facts
- Franchise required for
- Police-ordered towing/impound, PPD or DOT-directed
- Grant authority
- City council, 6-member affirmative vote
- Franchise term
- 3 years
- Application cycle
- Published at least every 3 years
- Fees
- Quarterly franchise fee by council resolution
- Unlicensed penalty
- Up to $1,000 fine, 6 months jail
Summary
Pasadena requires any company that performs police-ordered towing or impound work for the Pasadena Police Department or Department of Transportation to hold a city council-granted nonexclusive towing franchise; operating without one is a misdemeanor under Section 10.46.030.
Except as specified in this chapter, it is unlawful for any person to solicit or perform the business of police towing in the city unless: A.A franchise therefor has first been granted pursuant to the provisions of this chapter and such franchise is in full force and effect; and B.A written franchise agreement therefor has been executed between such person and the city and such agreement is in full force and effect; or C.This chapter shall not apply to towing, repair or storage services performed for or made available to members of the public by any person.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 79 Update 2).
Full Breakdown
010 as towing vehicles to impound or another location at the direction of the Pasadena Police Department, or towing performed as part of the Pasadena Department of Transportation's parking enforcement operations. 020 declares that police towing affects public health, safety and welfare because impounded vehicles may be valuable or contain evidence, so the city requires towing contractors to demonstrate the facilities, control systems and trained personnel needed to protect vehicle owners and the city. 030 makes it unlawful for any person to solicit or perform police towing in the city unless a franchise has been granted under this chapter and a written franchise agreement is in full force; the chapter does not reach towing, repair or storage services a company makes available directly to the public rather than at police direction.
040, and franchises are nonexclusive, meaning the city can license multiple towing companies rather than a single contractor. 060, requiring applicants to disclose ownership, personnel with California driver's license numbers, a vehicle list and proof of insurance. 140. 170.
Violations & Fines
Section 10.46.190 makes operating a police-towing business without a valid nonexclusive franchise a misdemeanor, punishable upon conviction by a fine of not more than $1,000.00, imprisonment in the city jail for not more than 6 months, or both. A franchisee that falls out of compliance, such as by lapsing on required liability insurance, faces suspension or termination of its franchise under Sections 10.46.110, 10.46.130 and 10.46.140 rather than the criminal penalty.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Pasadena require a special license to tow cars?
How many towing companies can hold a Pasadena police towing franchise?
What happens if a company tows for Pasadena police without a franchise?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Pasadena
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