Private-property tows in San Diego: notices, complaints and who to call
A car towed from a private lot was usually not towed by the City, so the City may have no record of it. The sign at the lot and the tow company's papers are your starting point.
General information, not legal advice. The papers you got from the police, the tow company, the storage lot or a state agency control your dates. Agencies change phone numbers and steps, so check the agency's own page too.
Look at the sign and the papers
SDPD says information about getting the car back should be posted at the site. Under SDPD's procedure, the tow company must give you a copy of the written tow authorization before you pay, and a separate English and Spanish notice listing SDPD (619-531-2000) and the City Attorney (619-533-5500) for wrongful tows.
Sources: SDPD Vehicle Impounds and Towing; SDPD Department Procedure 7.08, sec. VII.E
Rules the City Attorney highlights
The City Attorney's 2024 alert explains the one-hour rule for lots open to the public, the property owner's duty to be present and sign, and the sign requirements. The alert and SDPD both cite the Vehicle Code.
Sources: City Attorney consumer alert, August 2024; Vehicle Code section 22658; Vehicle Code section 22953
Overcharging and predatory tows
SDPD's procedure treats violations of the state private-tow rules as misdemeanors and defines predatory towing as patrolling lots and towing without a specific complaint. For an overcharge case it compares the charges with SDPD or CHP rates in the City.
Where to report
For help getting a company to release a car, call local police. Towing violations are reported on the City Attorney's Affirmative Civil Enforcement towing complaint form, linked from SDPD's towing-rights page.
Sources: SDPD Know Your Towing Rights
Check what the law required for your tow
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