EspañolQuestions about towing in San Francisco
Answers taken from the rules Towed in San Francisco uses. Each one gives its official source and the date that source was checked. Which rules apply depends on the facts of each tow; the tool asks about them. Rules current as of September 27, 2026.
How much can a tow company charge for a private-property tow in San Francisco?
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 San Francisco?
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 San Francisco?
SFMTA's tow hearing request page states that a tow hearing must be requested within 30 calendar days of the tow date, but if the vehicle is worth $500 or less and has not been retrieved, within 10 calendar days of the tow. If the owner prevails, a refund is mailed 4-6 weeks after the hearing. The page states SFPD-ordered tows cannot be scheduled on the SFMTA portal and that 415.865.8200 can tell whether SFPD or SFMTA ordered the tow.
Source: SFMTA tow hearing request page (schedule-tow-hearing-service-request) · Checked on September 27, 2026
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 San Francisco?
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 San Francisco?
SFPD's private-property towing FAQ lists who to call to report illegal towing: the District Attorney Consumer Protection Unit (1-628-652-4311), the SFPD Tow Car Permit Division (1-415-553-1115), Small Claims Court (1-415-551-5880; Access Self-Help Center, 75 Polk Street, Room 001), and as tow complaint lines the DA Consumer Complaint Line (1-628-652-4311) and the Commercial Vehicle Unit (1-415-553-1757). The page states that private property owners must notify SFPD within 1 hour of authorizing a tow and tow companies within 30 minutes of removal, and directs owners to the City impound line 1-415-865-8200 to learn whether a car was towed.
Source: SFPD 'Vehicle Towing Rights (FAQs)' page · Checked on September 27, 2026
SFPD's Permits Unit states that permits are required for businesses such as towing and that SFPD is responsible for ensuring those businesses follow city regulations and for investigating complaints against them. The unit is at 1245 3rd Street, 5th Floor, San Francisco, CA 94158 (main line 1-415-553-1115; fax 415-575-6095), Monday-Friday 9:00 am-4:00 pm except holidays.
Source: SFPD Permits Unit page; SF Police Code Arts. 30, 30.1 · Checked on September 27, 2026
What forms of payment must the tow company or storage lot accept in San Francisco?
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 San Francisco?
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 San Francisco?
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 San Francisco?
SFMTA states that vehicles towed by SFMTA/SFPD order go to the City and County of San Francisco Impound at 450 7th Street, San Francisco, CA 94103, operated by TEGSCO, LLC and open 24 hours a day including holidays (phone 415.865.8200). Some oversized vehicles go to a secondary facility in Daly City. The owner must appear in person and pay all fees before release; the claimant must be the registered owner, and a Hold Harmless form may be required for a representative. Cash, ATM cards and most major credit cards are accepted (cardholder present with matching ID); phone/online payments and checks are not accepted. For a vehicle towed by order of SFPD, the page refers owners to the SFPD STOP unit (415.678.3625). If the tow cannot be confirmed, SFMTA says the vehicle may be stolen or towed by another jurisdiction (SFPD 415.553.0123).
Source: SFMTA Towed Vehicles page (SFMTA.com/Towed) · Checked on September 27, 2026
What rules apply when a car is booted in San Francisco?
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