History of towing in San Jose
How towing rules in San Jose took shape: ordinances, contracts, court rulings and state laws, in date order. Every entry links to its source.
How to read this timeline. Entries are in date order. Most rest on a court opinion, a law or a government record. Entries marked "Not yet verified" rest on one secondary or self-reported source, and entries marked "From a news report" rest on news coverage. We leave out private people's names and accusations against companies that have no published outcome.
Zone towing and CHP-based rates (1983 to 2017)
Council Policy 9-8, the rate review process for City tow car services, takes effect. It is amended March 25, 2008.
Source: Staff memorandum, Jan. 2, 2019
The Council adjusts the zone tow fee schedule to stay in line with CHP rates.
Not yet verified Named in a 2019 City memo; the resolutions themselves were not opened.
Source: Staff memorandum, Jan. 2, 2019
The Council approves City-Generated Zone Towing agreements with six tow companies, each with an exclusive zone.
Source: Staff memorandum, Jan. 2, 2019
Council Resolution 78118 sets the zone tow fee schedule: $215 basic tow and $87.50 a day outdoor storage.
Source: Staff memorandum, Jan. 2, 2019; Fee schedule resolution (recitals)
DOT responds to about 55,000 abandoned-vehicle requests; the City's release fee is $252.
Source: City Auditor Report 18-04
Two audits and a lower release fee (2018 to 2019)
The release fee rises to $290, with plans to phase in more.
Source: City Auditor Report 18-04
The City Auditor's vehicle abatement audit finds San Jose's cost to recover a car higher than other large cities and calls for recalculating the release fee.
Source: City Auditor Report 18-04
The City Auditor's towing services audit finds contract violations by two zone contractors and recommends a new request for proposals.
Source: City Auditor Report 18-10
The Council hears the towing audit; a new zone fee schedule ($225 tow, $90 a day) takes effect January 16.
Source: Staff memorandum, Jan. 2, 2019; Fee schedule resolution
The City's towed vehicle release fee drops to $122.
Source: SJPD Public Safety Fees
Data and automation (2020 to 2026)
San José Spotlight reports SJPD tow and impound records were still mostly on paper.
From a news report
SJPD begins replacing the paper CHP 180 form with an electronic City tow slip through Autura's Aries system.
Source: SJPD Department Order 2025-001
SJPD's posted police tow rates for 2026-27: $335 a tow and $130 a day storage.
Source: SJPD Public Safety Fees
For the rates over the years, see tow and storage rates. Know a record that belongs here? Email corrections@towedhelp.org.
Last checked .