A car is sitting in your assigned spot at the apartment off the 101 in Van Nuys, in the condo garage in Koreatown, in the driveway in Eagle Rock, or at the townhouse community in Carson. Pulling in, you find somebody else where your car should be. The next move is not to call the police; the next move is a private-property tow under California Vehicle Code 22658. The law allows it, and it sets the rules that keep it from being reversed.

Here is the legal path, written for LA County property owners and tenants with assigned spaces.

Yes, it is legal to tow an unauthorized vehicle from your private property in LA County, but there are specific rules you must follow. CVC 22658 governs the removal of vehicles from private property. This code protects property owners while also preventing predatory towing practices. It is critical to understand these requirements before calling a tow truck. If you skip the steps, you could be liable for an illegal tow.

For example, you cannot have a car towed away instantly without prior notice or appropriate signage in most cases. The law requires specific conditions to be met, such as clearly posted signs warning drivers that unauthorized vehicles will be towed. These rules apply whether you own a single-family home with a reserved driveway spot, rent in an apartment complex, or manage a commercial property.

The good news is that if the criteria are met, you can absolutely exercise your right to remove an illegally parked car. Quick Tow LA matches properties and tenants with local licensed operators who specialize in private-property towing and understand the LA-specific regulations. For a deeper dive on the specific sections of the law, see our CVC 22658 private property towing explainer.

Step 1: Check for proper signage first

This is the most critical step and where LA County property owners or renters run into issues. For a tow company to legally remove a vehicle from your private property, specific signage must be present and visible. CVC 22658 outlines these requirements precisely. Without correct signage, a tow company cannot legally perform the tow, and any attempt to do so can result in penalties for both you and the towing company.

What counts as proper signage in LA County:

  • Clear warning. Signs must clearly state that unauthorized vehicles will be towed at the owner’s expense.
  • Tow company information. The sign must include the name and telephone number of each towing company under written general towing authorization agreement with the property, plus the telephone number of the local traffic law enforcement agency. That second number is the one properties most often leave off.
  • Location. Signs must be displayed in plain view at all entrances to the property.
  • Minimum size. At least 17 by 22 inches, with lettering at least 1 inch high.

CVC 22658 sets no minimum period that signs must be posted before a tow can occur, and no general waiting period before a vehicle can be removed. If you have read that signs must be up for 24 hours first, that rule is not in the statute.

If you do not have proper signage, it is often the first thing a reputable tow company will ask about. If your HOA handles parking enforcement in LA, they should have these signs in place. If not, work with your property management or HOA to get compliant signage installed before a tow can proceed legally. If the vehicle is blocking access, like a car sitting in front of your driveway in Highland Park, the signage requirements can be slightly different, allowing for quicker removal.

Step 2: Call the tow company, not the police

When you find an unauthorized vehicle in your assigned parking spot, the immediate instinct is to call LAPD or the Sheriff. For private-property towing, the police typically do not handle dispatch of tow trucks unless there is a traffic hazard or a criminal element involved, such as a stolen vehicle. Their role is generally limited to verifying that the vehicle is not stolen and that no crime is in progress.

Instead, call a towing company that specializes in private-property towing in Los Angeles. Quick Tow LA matches you with an experienced local operator. When you call, we walk you through the process and confirm all legal requirements are met. The operator asks a series of questions to confirm compliance with CVC 22658, especially regarding your signage.

Calling the right company is critical for a smooth and legal tow. A reputable operator prioritizes compliance and ensures the tow is performed without issues for you or the vehicle owner. Avoid any company that suggests circumventing the legal requirements, since that puts you at risk. Dispatch is open around the clock, so no matter when you discover an unauthorized car in your parking space, you can reach out for assistance. Dispatchers know LA-specific towing regulations and can advise you on the next steps.

What the tow company will need from you

When you call to request a tow from your private parking spot, the operator needs certain information and documentation to proceed legally. This helps protect everyone involved and ensures compliance with CVC 22658. Having these details ready significantly speeds up the process.

Here is what a legitimate tow company typically requires:

  • Proof of property control. You need to demonstrate legal control over the parking spot. This could be a lease agreement showing you are a renter with an assigned spot, a property deed if you are the owner, or a letter from your HOA or property management. If you are managing an HOA parking enforcement matter, you may need to provide proof of your authority to act on behalf of the association.
  • Identification. A valid form of identification from you to confirm your identity and ensure you are authorized to request the tow.
  • Vehicle information (if possible). While not strictly required for the tow itself, providing the make, model, color, and license plate number of the unauthorized vehicle helps the tow truck driver quickly identify the correct car.
  • Signed authorization. The tow truck driver requires your signature on a specific authorization form at the time of the tow. Do not pre-sign blank forms. Always review and sign at the time of service.
  • Confirmation of signage. The operator verifies the necessary “No Parking/Tow Away” signs are correctly and visibly posted on your property. If they are not compliant, the operator cannot proceed with the tow.

The team guides you through all these requirements, making sure you understand each step before the truck is on the way.

Who pays for the tow

This is a common question, and the answer usually comes as a relief: the owner of the illegally parked vehicle is responsible for all towing and storage fees. This is explicitly stated within CVC 22658. The property owner or renter requesting the tow is not typically responsible for these costs.

When the operator removes an unauthorized car from your spot, the vehicle goes to the operator’s storage yard. The vehicle owner then contacts that yard, pays the towing and storage fees, and presents valid identification and proof of ownership to retrieve the vehicle. This system keeps the financial consequence on the violator rather than on the property rights holder.

There is a critical caveat. If the tow is found to be illegal because the property owner or renter did not follow CVC 22658 (inadequate signage, no authorization, no law-enforcement notification), then the property owner who requested the tow could potentially be held responsible for the towing and storage fees, and possibly face other legal repercussions. That is why working with a reputable operator who prioritizes strict adherence to the law matters.

Avoiding confrontation with the vehicle owner

Discovering an unauthorized car in your private parking spot can trigger strong emotions. While those feelings are natural, it is always best to avoid direct confrontation with the owner of the illegally parked vehicle. Engaging directly can escalate the situation, potentially leading to arguments or even unsafe encounters. The priority is to get the vehicle removed legally and safely.

A few reasons to keep your distance:

  • Safety first. You do not know the vehicle owner or their temperament. Direct confrontation can be unpredictable and dangerous.
  • Legal process. Following CVC 22658 and working with a professional tow company handles the situation through proper channels. That removes the need for personal interaction.
  • Reduced stress. The professionals handle the difficult parts. Your role is to authorize the tow, not to confront the violator.

If the vehicle owner returns while the tow truck is present, the operator is trained to handle the interaction professionally. In some cases, if the owner returns before the vehicle is fully hooked up and off the property, they may be allowed to pay a “drop fee” to avoid the full tow and impound charges. That is at the discretion of the tow company. Your involvement should remain limited to confirming your request for the tow and providing required documentation.

Frequently asked questions

Can I have a car towed from my spot in Los Angeles without a sign?

Generally no, with one narrow exception. CVC 22658 allows immediate removal of a vehicle that is completely blocking access to a single-family dwelling’s driveway even without compliant signage. In apartment, condo, or HOA settings, compliant signs at every entrance are the usual path. Ask the operator to confirm what applies before dispatch.

Who pays for the tow when a car is removed from my LA County spot?

The vehicle owner pays the towing and storage fees directly to the operator upon retrieval. The property owner or tenant who requested the tow pays nothing, as long as CVC 22658 was followed, including signage, written authorization, presence at the time of removal, and law-enforcement notification within one hour.

How quickly can the truck arrive in LA County?

Operators dispatch from across the basin. Most LA County properties see a truck within a couple of hours during the day, faster for confirmed blocking situations. The operator gives you the window when you call, with location and traffic acknowledged.

What if the vehicle owner disputes the tow?

Signed authorization from someone who was present at the time of removal and verified the violation, plus the law-enforcement notification within one hour, plus timestamped photos, is what holds up in a dispute. Compliance with CVC 22658 is the protection, not the operator’s quote or dispatch time.

Can the tow company move another car to reach mine?

The operator you dispatch will move only the unauthorized vehicle that was the basis for the call. Repositioning other cars to reach yours is a separate decision and should be discussed before dispatch if it applies.

When you have confirmed the violation and have the documentation ready, the next step is dispatch. Quick Tow LA connects LA County properties and tenants with licensed operators who run compliant enforcement under CVC 22658. Call (213) 410-1414 to set up a Los Angeles private-property tow.