Questions about towing in San Jose

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

San Jose Municipal Code § 6.66.290 lets the City Council set a schedule of maximum tow-company fees (towing, storage, lockouts, special equipment, private-property towing and more) after a public hearing; once effective, no tow business may charge more, and proof of an overcharge is grounds for permit suspension or revocation. The schedule must be posted at the tow business. All tow companies in San Jose must release vehicles on full payment in U.S. currency, personal check, or MasterCard/Visa; for checks they may require a personalized California-bank check and California ID, and for cards a California ID or bank verification.

Source: San Jose Mun. Code § 6.66.290 · 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 San Jose?

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 Jose?

For vehicles towed under SJPD authority, the registered or legal owner or their agent may request a tow (impound) hearing from the SJPD Tow Hearing Unit, 201 W. Mission St., (408) 277-5429, in person, by mail, email, or telephone, within 10 days of the date on the Police Department's notice. An informal hearing is held within 2 business days of the request (excluding weekends/holidays). The hearing officer reviews whether the tow was authorized; the owner may have the decision reviewed by the Tow Hearing Sergeant or Supervisor. Requests should state by whose authority the car was towed, the reason, and the location. Tows ordered by San Jose DOT go to DOT instead.

Source: SJPD 'Recover Towed Vehicle' page; Veh. Code § 22852 · 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 Jose?

San Jose Municipal Code § 6.66.280 makes the property owner solely responsible for posting and maintaining required signs before causing a removal, and states the property owner is liable to the vehicle owner if required signs were not properly posted. Each sign must be at least 18 inches high by 24 inches wide, carry the stated 'PARKING RESTRICTED 24 HRS. A DAY - UNAUTHORIZED VEHICLES WILL BE TOWED AWAY...' warning and the authorizing business name, use 3-inch letters for key phrases and 1-inch letters for the rest, and tell people to contact the SJPD auto desk and the tow company (name and phone).

Source: San Jose Mun. Code § 6.66.280 · Checked on September 27, 2026

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

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

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 Jose?

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 Jose?

San Jose Municipal Code § 6.66.310 makes it unlawful to charge a vehicle owner any fee to drop or release the vehicle at any point between its location on the private property and arrival at the storage facility (a 'drop charge', including for unlocking, tying off the steering wheel, disconnecting the drive shaft, or the operator's time). It is also unlawful to remove a vehicle once its owner or person in lawful control returns and declares opposition to the removal; no identification is required to make that declaration, but the person must move the vehicle to a legal parking area within five minutes or it will be towed.

Source: San Jose Mun. Code § 6.66.310(B)-(C) · Checked on September 27, 2026

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 Jose?

SJPD's official page directs people checking on a towed vehicle in San Jose to the SJPD Vehicle Records Assistance Line (Auto Desk), (408) 277-4263, answered 24/7 except a 12:00-2:00 PM daily break, with a case number, plate number or VIN ready. The Auto Desk is at 201 W. Mission Street; public counter hours effective July 1, 2026 are Monday-Thursday 8:00 AM-4:00 PM. The Records Unit also answers questions about repossessed, stolen/recovered and private-property-towed vehicles. Personal property in a towed vehicle is obtained from the tow company; SJPD does not issue property releases.

Source: SJPD 'Recover Towed Vehicle' page · Checked on September 27, 2026

What rules apply when a car is booted in San Jose?

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

What do I need to show to get my car back in San Jose?

The statutory Towing and Storage Fees and Access Notice states that the owner, insurer, or insurer's representative has the right to immediate release of the vehicle on (1) payment of all towing and storage fees, (2) valid photo ID, (3) reliable documentation of ownership or authorization, and (4) if applicable in a fatality or crime, any required police release.

Source: Veh. Code § 22651.07(e) (text of Notice) · Checked on October 5, 2026