Q: Towing company refused to provide written authorization for grounds of tow. What can I do?
Hi! I was towed around 10:30 pm in Los Angeles County, California, for being parked in a private commercial / residential parking lot (spot read 2 hour customer parking, but I was outside of the plaza). I was in the wrong here, but I had a confusing experience releasing my car.
The towers charged me $555 to release my car from a yard 1.5 miles away after it'd impounded for 45 minutes. The invoice reads: $200 unloaded / enroute mileage; $125 loaded / hooked mileage; $50 city fee; $120 gate fee; $60 storage fee
Employees wouldn't give me any reasoning for each rate or grounds, saying something about the landlord and how they just worked there. I paid with a credit card, then started reading the California Vehicle Code. Does 22658(l)(3) mean I'm entitled to the redacted version of the residential owner's written authorization within 24 hrs without needing permission from the police? When I called towers back, an employee refused to show it to me wo permission from law enforcement.
Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
- California
- (916) 704-3009
- View Profile
- Answered
A:
Under California law, particularly Vehicle Code 22658(l)(3), you indeed have the right to request a copy of the written authorization for towing from the property owner or their agent. This authorization should have been obtained by the towing company before they towed your vehicle. The law states that the towing company must provide you with a redacted version of this authorization upon request without needing permission from law enforcement.
If the towing company refuses to provide this documentation, they may be in violation of state law. You should document all interactions with the towing company, including their refusal to provide the written authorization and any other relevant information regarding the tow and your request.
In response to their refusal, you could file a complaint with the local law enforcement agency, the consumer protection agency, or the Bureau of Automotive Repair in California. Additionally, considering consulting with a legal advisor to understand your rights and potential next steps could be beneficial. They can offer guidance tailored to your situation and help you navigate the legal process if you decide to challenge the towing company's actions or fees.
Justia Ask a Lawyer is a forum for consumers to get answers to basic legal questions. Any information sent through Justia Ask a Lawyer is not secure and is done so on a non-confidential basis only.
The use of this website to ask questions or receive answers does not create an attorney–client relationship between you and Justia, or between you and any attorney who receives your information or responds to your questions, nor is it intended to create such a relationship. Additionally, no responses on this forum constitute legal advice, which must be tailored to the specific circumstances of each case. You should not act upon information provided in Justia Ask a Lawyer without seeking professional counsel from an attorney admitted or authorized to practice in your jurisdiction. Justia assumes no responsibility to any person who relies on information contained on or received through this site and disclaims all liability in respect to such information.
Justia cannot guarantee that the information on this website (including any legal information provided by an attorney through this service) is accurate, complete, or up-to-date. While we intend to make every attempt to keep the information on this site current, the owners of and contributors to this site make no claims, promises or guarantees about the accuracy, completeness or adequacy of the information contained in or linked to from this site.
