Stockton, CA Business Licensing & Operations: Towing Companies (2026)
Key Facts
- Governing chapter
- SMC Chapter 10.16, Removal and Impounding Vehicles
- Model
- Single City-contracted towing operator
- Driver permit issuer
- Chief of Police
- Permit term
- One year, renewable
- Residency requirement
- 30 days continuous in San Joaquin County
- Dispute hearing
- Municipal Court Clerk's Office, 8:15 a.m.-noon
Summary
Stockton contracts with a single towing operator for all police-ordered vehicle removals under SMC Chapter 10.16, and every driver who operates a tow truck in the City must first hold a Chief of Police-issued tow vehicle driver's permit.
§ 10.16.040. City to enter into contract. The City shall enter into a contract on behalf of the City of Stockton with an operator which contract shall provide that the said operator shall agree to tow and to store vehicles which are ordered removed from the highway and other places by police officers, officers, or parking enforcement officers, pursuant to this chapter, and the laws of the State, and shall further agree to charge the owner of the vehicle so removed a fee which shall not be in excess of that agreed upon in said contract. (Prior code § 10-080.5; Ord. 2015-07-21-1201 C.S. § 3) § 10.16.200. Permit required. It is unlawful for any person to drive or operate any towing vehicle described in California Vehicle Code Section 615(a) and regulated herein without first obtaining a permit in writing to do so from the Chief of Police of the City.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: rev 4970744; v11 updated 2026-07-07).
Full Breakdown
16 governs both non-consent towing by police order and the licensing of the drivers who perform it. 090 makes it unlawful for the operator to charge more than the contracted rate. 060 requires the contract and fee schedule to be posted conspicuously in the garage and on file with the City Clerk. 210 makes the operator liable for allowing an unpermitted driver to work. 260(F)). 260 disqualifies anyone under 18, anyone with a felony conviction within five years, a DUI or reckless-driving conviction within five years, or a state tow truck certificate denial. 270); a temporary 90-day permit, renewable once, issues while the background check is pending. 130, held no later than the next court day.
Violations & Fines
Operating a tow truck without a Chief of Police permit, an operator allowing an unpermitted driver to tow, or an operator charging fees above the City contract's fee schedule are each unlawful under Chapter 10.16; failing to carry required sand or grease-sweep absorbent per § 10.16.190 is an infraction, and the Chief of Police may suspend or revoke a driver's permit for a disqualifying conviction under § 10.16.290.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can any tow company respond to a Stockton police-ordered tow?
Does a Stockton tow driver need a special City permit?
How does a vehicle owner contest a Stockton tow?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Stockton
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