San Diego Council policy: cite, don't tow, for registration expired more than six months
Council Policy 500-03, renamed 'Police-Initiated Towing' and amended by Resolution R-316931 effective September 29, 2026, states that the City should issue citations instead of towing vehicles whose registration expired more than six months ago. It also requires SDPD to report on the towing program, including tows and lien sales by tow reason, at least every three years.
In effect September 29, 2026. A Council policy guides City staff; it is not an ordinance.
KPBS: expired registration was still the top reason for San Diego police tows in 2025
Using SDPD records it requested, KPBS reported that nearly 30% of 2025 impounds were for registration problems, led by 6,533 tows for registration expired more than six months. It noted that three of the City Auditor's four 2022 towing recommendations were still not done.
News report. The Council policy change followed in September 2026.
Council committee backs ending tows for long-expired registration
On November 11, 2025, the Public Safety Committee unanimously approved amendments to Council Policy 500-03 and sent them to the full Council: citations instead of tows for registration expired more than six months, and SDPD towing reports at least every three years.
The Council adopted the policy change effective September 29, 2026.
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@towedhelp.org.