Questions about towing in Riverside

How much can a tow company charge for a private-property tow in Riverside?

The RPD 'Private Property Tow FAQs' state that a person whose car is towed from private property has the right to pay no more than the maximum legal towing and storage charges currently listed in Riverside Municipal Code § 5.15.080 (the City's official police tow rates). The same FAQ states that only one day of storage may be charged during the first 24 hours, with storage charged by calendar day after 24 hours, and that payment may be made in cash or by bank credit card.

Source: Riverside Police Department, Private Property Tow FAQs (Traffic FAQ page); Riverside Mun. Code § 5.15.080; Veh. Code § 22658(i), (k) · Checked on September 27, 2026

The law defines a towing and/or storage charge for a private-property tow as 'excessive' if it exceeds the GREATER of: (i) what would have been charged for that towing/storage made at the request of the law enforcement agency with primary jurisdiction in the city where the property is located (under that agency's agreement with a towing company), or (ii) the rate approved for that tow operator by the California Highway Patrol for that jurisdiction.

Source: Veh. Code § 22658(i)(1)(A)(i)-(ii) · Checked on October 5, 2026

What can a storage lot charge for storage in Riverside?

The law limits storage charges: if the vehicle is released within 24 hours from when it was brought into the storage facility, regardless of calendar date, the storage charge may be for only one day; no more than one day's storage may be charged for a vehicle released the same day it was stored.

Source: Veh. Code § 22658(i)(2) · Checked on October 5, 2026

The law treats as presumptively unreasonable storage fees above 50 percent of the daily storage rate when a vehicle is recovered within the first four hours of storage.

Source: Veh. Code § 22524.5(c)(3)(K) · Checked on October 5, 2026

How long do I have to ask for a hearing after a police or city tow in Riverside?

The law requires, when a public agency directs storage of a vehicle, that notice of storage be mailed or personally delivered to the registered and legal owners within 48 hours (excluding weekends and holidays), stating the agency's name, address and phone; storage location and vehicle description (make, manufacturer, plate, mileage if available); the authority and purpose for removal; and that the owner must request a poststorage hearing in person, in writing, or by phone within 10 days of the notice date.

Source: Veh. Code § 22852(b) · Checked on October 5, 2026

The law requires the agency or person directing a public-agency storage to give the registered and legal owners (or agents) the opportunity for a poststorage hearing on the validity of the storage, held within 48 hours of the request (excluding weekends and holidays), by a hearing officer who is not the person who directed the storage. If the hearing finds reasonable grounds for storage were not established, the agency pays the towing and storage costs.

Source: Veh. Code § 22852(a), (c), (e) · Checked on October 5, 2026

What are the rules for tow-away signs on private property in Riverside?

For a private-property tow based on signage, the law requires a sign displayed in plain view at ALL entrances to the property, at least 17 x 22 inches, lettering at least 1 inch high, that (1) prohibits public parking, (2) says vehicles will be removed at the owner's expense, (3) gives the phone number of the local traffic law enforcement agency, and (4) gives the name and phone number of each towing company that has a written general towing authorization agreement with the property owner or person in lawful possession. Signage is one of four alternative circumstances in 22658(a) that allow removal.

Source: Veh. Code § 22658(a)(1) · Checked on October 5, 2026

Where can I file a complaint about a tow in Riverside?

Riverside Municipal Code Chapter 5.15 defines a 'complaint' against an official police tow service to include allegations of discourteous service, unethical business practices, improper handling of impounded or stored vehicles, overcharging, violations of law or city code, and deficient storage conditions. Under § 5.15.145, complaints are reviewed by the Traffic Bureau Administrative Sergeant or designee; the tow service is asked to respond within ten business days; the complaint is assigned a disposition of unfounded, inconclusive, or founded; and written notice of the recommended disposition and any recommended discipline is mailed to the tow service and the complainant within ten business days. A founded finding may be appealed by the tow service to the Tow Board, which may recommend suspension or cancellation.

Source: Riverside Mun. Code §§ 5.15.020 ('Complaint', 'Tow Board'), 5.15.145 · Checked on September 27, 2026

What forms of payment must the tow company or storage lot accept in Riverside?

The law requires the person operating or in charge of the storage facility to accept a valid bank credit card or cash for payment of towing and storage from the registered owner, legal owner, or owner's agent. The card must be in the name of the person presenting it. Retail-store credit cards are excluded.

Source: Veh. Code § 22658(k)(1) · Checked on October 5, 2026

The law gives the owner or agent the right to pay by cash, insurer's check, or a valid bank credit card; credit charges for towing and storage must comply with Civil Code § 1748.1 (no credit card surcharge).

Source: Veh. Code § 22651.07(c)(5) · Checked on October 5, 2026

Can I get my belongings out of the towed car in Riverside?

The law gives the vehicle owner or agent the right, before paying any towing or storage fees, to receive personal property from the vehicle at no charge during normal business hours (Mon-Fri 8 a.m.-5 p.m., except state holidays).

Source: Veh. Code § 22651.07(c)(1) · Checked on October 5, 2026

What happens if I get back to my car before it is towed away in Riverside?

The law provides that the tow company's possession arises only when the vehicle is removed from the private property and is in transit. If the owner or owner's agent asks before that, the towing company or its driver must immediately and unconditionally release the vehicle (the owner must then immediately move it to a lawful location).

Source: Veh. Code § 22658(g)(1)(A)-(C), (g)(2) · Checked on October 5, 2026

The law limits the charge when the owner/agent returns after the vehicle is coupled to or lifted by the tow truck but before it is removed from the property: the towing company may charge not more than one-half of its regular towing charge. The regular towing charge may only be imposed after the vehicle has been removed from the property and is in transit.

Source: Veh. Code § 22658(h) · Checked on October 5, 2026

How do I find out where my car was towed in Riverside?

The Riverside Police Department's Traffic FAQ states that the storage location of a vehicle impounded by RPD can be obtained by calling the Police Department at (951) 826-5700, allowing 24 hours from the time of impound for processing, with the license plate number, VIN, or police report number available. To remove property from the impounded vehicle, the registered owner must be present with a valid government-issued picture ID, and arrangements are made directly with the tow company. Vehicle information is available at the Orange Police Station, 4102 Orange Street, Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Source: Riverside Police Department, Traffic FAQ (Traffic Bureau FAQs) · Checked on September 27, 2026

What rules apply when a car is booted in Riverside?

The law allows a peace officer or parking enforcement employee to immobilize (boot) a vehicle on a highway or public land that has five or more delinquent parking tickets (or five failure-to-pay/appear traffic notices), until the person furnishes identity, a California address, and satisfactory evidence the penalties and bail are paid (or demands a hearing before a magistrate or hearing examiner). It provides that no other person may immobilize a vehicle.

Source: Veh. Code § 22651.7(a)-(b) · Checked on October 5, 2026