California Vehicle Code Section 22658 governs private-property towing; tow operators serving Santa Clara County Sheriff calls must qualify for the Official Police Garage rotation, meeting equipment, response time, storage, and rate-posting standards.
California Vehicle Code Section 22658 controls non-consensual private-property tows, requiring proper signage, photo evidence, immediate notification to local law enforcement, half-price release if the owner returns before tow completion, and 24-hour storage release. Operators serving Santa Clara County Sheriff calls must qualify for the Official Police Garage (OPG) rotation: minimum truck classes, GPS dispatch, secure storage yards, posted CHP-approved rates, drug testing, and background-checked drivers. Predatory towing patrols are tightly limited; tow trucks may not patrol private lots without written authorization per tow. Storage fees and lien sale procedures follow Civil Code Section 3068. Cities including San Jose run their own rotation lists.
Towing without proper signage or authorization, failing to release for half price before completion, missed law enforcement notification, charging unposted rates, or patrolling lots without written contracts triggers state fines and OPG removal.
See how Santa Clara's towing companies rules stack up against other locations.
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