Car towed in Los Angeles?
Here’s how to get it back.
Call directly
How to get there
Official Police Garages (OPG) - Multiple Locations
Various locations across LA (OPG is the official towing partner of the City of Los Angeles)
Estimate your fees
Payment: Cash, Mastercard, Visa, ATM debit card (checking accounts only). Credit card payments have a higher rate.
Estimates based on published rates. Actual fees may vary.
Before you go
Documents: Valid driver's license, current vehicle registration, and proof of insurance. If not the registered owner, bring notarized authorization from the owner.
Payment: Pay with cash or non-credit-card method to get the lower rate. The difference can be $5-15+ per line item.
TimeLimit: Storage fees accrue daily. Lien sale processing begins after approximately 30 days.
Fees: $220 first hour (credit card) / $215 (non-credit card). Storage: $68/day (credit) / $66/day (non-credit). City release fee: $115. 10% parking occupancy tax on storage. EV surcharge: $77/$75. Rates effective January 1, 2026.
Why cars get towed in Los Angeles
Street sweeping violations
Most LA parking tickets are issued during street cleaning hours. Miss the posted window and your car gets towed — check signs for day and time.
Temporary no-parking signs
Film shoots, construction, and events post temporary signs that can appear overnight. If you miss them, your car gets relocated or impounded.
Abandoned vehicle (72-hour rule)
LA enforces a 72-hour parking limit on public streets. Vehicles parked longer can be marked and towed.
5+ unpaid parking tickets
Accumulate five or more unpaid tickets and you'll get the 'Boot of Despair' — or your car towed outright. Call 855-288-2642 to resolve.
Red zone and fire lane parking
Parking in red curb zones or fire lanes results in immediate towing with no grace period.
Parked in a private lot?
Request a post-storage hearing within 10 days if you believe the tow was invalid. You can also request an impound hearing through LADOT.
Know your rights
CA CVC 22658 strictly regulates private property tows. Signs must be at every entrance (17x22 inches, 1-inch lettering). Tow company must release vehicle if you arrive before it leaves the property (for a reduced fee). Post-storage hearing available within 10 days.
Your towing rights in Los Angeles
California state law protects vehicle owners
🪧Signage Requirements
Signs must be at least 17x22 inches with 1-inch lettering. Must be posted at every entrance to the property. Signs must state 'Tow-Away Zone' and include the towing company phone number.
🚗Right to Retrieve
Owner can retrieve the vehicle before it leaves the property. Maximum drop fee (vehicle on the hook but not yet removed) cannot exceed 50% of the tow charge.
🏢Private Property Rules
Property owner must have a written agreement with the tow company. Vehicles cannot be towed within 1 hour of the owner posting new no-parking signs. Tow company must accept credit/debit cards.
📝How to File a Complaint
File complaints with the local police department or the California Bureau of Automotive Repair (BAR) at (800) 952-5210.
Source: CA Vehicle Code §22658
Avoid getting towed in Los Angeles
Parking Apps
💰 Meter Rates
Rates vary by location — check meter signs for zone details
🆓 Free Parking
Only the app listed on the parking meter can be used to pay for that session. Not all meters support app payment.
💡 Pro Tip
LA Express Park adjusts rates based on demand. Always check which app is listed on the specific meter before paying.
Pay for parking → avoid towing. It's that simple.
Parked somewhere else?