Los Angeles County, CA Business Licensing & Operations: Towing Companies (2026)
Key Facts
- License required
- Yes, per tow truck operating in unincorporated area
- New license fee
- $168.00
- Renewal fee
- $131.00
- Issuing authority
- County Tax Collector
- First-offense fine
- $500-$1,000
Summary
In unincorporated LA County, operating a tow truck on a public highway for a fee requires a county license under Code § 7.28.030, unless the operator already holds a city-issued tow license within the county.
Every person who, either as a separate business or in connection with or as a part of any business in which he is engaged, operates one or more tow trucks upon or along any public highway, except a tow truck which complies in all respects with Sections 22513, 24605, 25253, 27700 and 27907 of the Vehicle Code and for which a current license for regulation issued by a city within this county is in full force and effect, shall first procure a license and pay an annual fee in the amount set forth in Section 7.14.010 of this title, under the appropriate heading.
Full Breakdown
Los Angeles County Code § 7.28.020 deems any vehicle used to tow or push another vehicle on a public highway for a fee to be a "tow truck," triggering the license requirement in § 7.28.030. That section requires every person operating one or more tow trucks in the unincorporated area to first procure an annual license from the tax collector, unless the truck already carries a valid city-issued regulatory license from a city within the county. The current fee is $168 for a new license and $131 to renew, per the Title 7 master fee schedule. Operators who also run ambulances face license suspension or revocation for runner/capper violations under § 7.08.170.
Violations & Fines
Operating a tow truck without the required county license is a misdemeanor under § 7.04.330: fines run from $500 for a first offense up to $1,000 for repeat violations, or up to six months in County Jail, or both; each day of continued operation is a separate offense.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a city tow license exempt me in the county?
What counts as a tow truck under this code?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Los Angeles County
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