New state law: tow yards must take debit cards starting January 1, 2027
The Governor signed AB 2437 on September 30, 2026 (Chapter 942). Starting January 1, 2027, tow and storage yards must accept a valid bank debit card, not just cash or a credit card. The law also changes the fee notice that yards must post, and it limits the extra papers a yard can demand from a car's legal owner, such as a lender.
Signed September 30, 2026. Takes effect January 1, 2027.
Governor vetoes bill on leftover lien-sale money (SB 1029)
SB 1029 would have changed what happens to leftover money after a car is sold at a lien sale: starting in 2030, money nobody claimed in three years would have gone to the State Controller. The official bill history shows the Governor vetoed it on September 30, 2026. So the current rule stays: if your car sold for more than you owed, you can claim the extra money from the DMV within three years (Civil Code section 3073).
Vetoed September 30, 2026. Current law does not change.
City Council adopts a new contract for police tow yards
The Los Angeles City Council adopted a new standard contract for future Official Police Garage (police tow yard) contracts. Contracts like this set what a police tow yard must do for the public. Between June 24 and September 1, 2026, the Council also approved new tow yard contracts for Service Areas 6, 14, 16 and 18.
We read public records, laws and official reports and explain them in plain words. We do not say that any company
broke the law; we report what the records show, with a link so you can check. If you see a mistake, email
corrections@towedinla.org.