California Vehicle Code Section 22658 governs private property and police-initiated tows. San Jose Police Department runs an Official Police Tow program that vets, inspects, and rotates tow operators handling police-ordered tows in the city.
Under California Vehicle Code Section 22658, a private property owner can have an unauthorized vehicle towed only after meeting strict signage, written authorization, and notice requirements, and operators must accept on-site cash redemption. For police-ordered tows including accidents, abandoned vehicles, and DUI removals, San Jose Police Department operates the Official Police Tow (OPT) program, which awards rotational service contracts to qualifying towing companies. Operators must hold a California Highway Patrol Motor Carrier Permit, carry required insurance, maintain inspected storage yards inside service area boundaries, employ background-checked drivers, and follow rate caps published by SJPD. Predatory or excessive charges and improper tows from private lots are reportable to the SJPD OPT unit and the Bureau of Automotive Repair.
Towing without proper signage, refusing on-site cash release, exceeding posted rate caps, or operating an OPT rotation slot without current insurance or permits can lead to OPT removal, civil treble damages under CVC 22658, and BAR enforcement.
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