Towing Companies: Long Beach vs Los Angeles
How do towing companies rules compare between Long Beach, CA and Los Angeles, CA?
Long Beach has fewer restrictions than Los Angeles.
Long Beach, CA
Los Angeles County
Long Beach permits tow companies that contract with the city for police-initiated tows, with rotation rules, fee schedules, and storage standards. Private property tows must follow California Vehicle Code rules.
View full Long Beach rules →Los Angeles, CA
Los Angeles County
Tows from public streets and LAPD-initiated impounds use the Official Police Garage rotation under LAMC §80.77 and Police Commission OPG contracts. California Vehicle Code §22658 caps non-consent tow rates and mandates consumer notice. Private property tows require posted signage and written authorization for each individual tow.
View full Los Angeles rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Long Beach | Los Angeles |
|---|---|---|
| Police rotation | Official Police Garage program | - |
| State authority | Vehicle Code 22658 | - |
| Carrier permit | CHP motor carrier required | - |
| BAR registration | Automotive Repair Bureau | - |
| Sign requirement | Posted at lot entrance | 17 by 22 inches at entry |
| Local authority | - | LAMC §80.77; Charter §573 |
| OPG program | - | LAPD rotation 18 divisions |
| State fee cap | - | CHP-published §22658 rates |
| Pre-hookup release | - | Vehicle must be released |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Long Beach FAQ
Can a tow happen without notice?
On private property, only if signage at the entrance complies with Vehicle Code 22658, or the registered owner authorizes the tow in writing. Otherwise, the operator faces double-fee damages.
How are tow fees set?
Police-initiated tows follow city contract rate schedules. Private-property tows are capped by CVC 22658 to a reasonable rate, typically aligned with local CHP rotation maxima.
Los Angeles FAQ
Who tows my car if LAPD impounds it?
An Official Police Garage on the rotating contract for that LAPD division. The OPG list and rates are published by the Los Angeles Police Commission under LAMC §80.77.
Can a private lot tow my car without warning?
No. Vehicle Code §22658(a)(1) requires posted 17-by-22-inch signs at each entrance plus, in most cases, a property owner authorization signed for that specific tow before removal.
What if I arrive while my car is being hooked?
If the tow truck has not yet driven away, Vehicle Code §22658(l) requires the operator to release the vehicle for a maximum drop fee, which is half of the regular tow rate.
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