Towing

CWP enforces vehicle towing on your property as per your instructions.  All tows are verified by our watch commander using TVS, our towing verification system.  TVS ensures that your rules are followed to the letter and removes any ambiguity from our procedures. 

TVS is just one of many useful features of our online Guardworks database system.  As our client, you will have access to this database 24-7 via the Internet.  Guardworks allows you to view:

• Vehicle citations
• Tows and tow photos
• Inventories
• Safelist permits
• Parking permits

California Vehicle Code:

Property managers should be aware of a few key features of the California Vehicle Code.  Please review the synopsis below at your convenience:

Sign Requirements:

Size:  17” by 22”

Color:  White with contrasting lettering

Lettering:  Not less than 1” in height

Posting:  Signs must be posted at each vehicle entrance and readily visible upon entering the property

Drop Fees: Towing companies can charge up to one half the regular cost of a tow if the owner returns to the car after it is hooked. This generally has been interpreted to mean attached to the tow truck and at least two wheels are off the ground. CVC Section 22658 (h) is not specific.  Additionally, the tow company can charge the full towing fee if the vehicle has left private property and is in transit.

Overcharging: Tow companies may not charge more than the amount local law enforcement would charge for towing or storage. If they do overcharge, they are liable for four (4) times the towing and/or storage charges.

Storage Days: A request to release any time during the first twenty-four (24) hours of storage of a vehicle can result in no more than normal storage charges for one (1) day. The day of the week does not matter.

Credit Cards: Tow companies must take valid bank credit cards or they are liable to the owner of the vehicle up to four (4) times the amount of the tow and/or the tow or storage up to $500.00.

Making Change: Tow companies must keep amounts of cash on hand to make change for reasonable monetary transactions. CVC Section 22658 (k).

Cruise and Tow Agreements: Under CVC Section 22658 (1) a towing company cannot tow from an association without the owner or a representative of the association being present except for cases where the violation is within fifteen (15) feet of a fire hydrant, in a fire lane or blocking an access road.  Tow companies are not allowed to enforce general parking rules on their own. If they do, the owner of the vehicle in question is entitled to four (4) times the towing/storage fees and any applicable civil penalties.  Associations may hire a security or other firm as their agent and authorize them to represent the association with regard to towing for various violations. This third party arrangement protects vehicle owners from unscrupulous tow companies.  Associations may authorize (written) tow companies to tow vehicles from fire lanes, within 15 feet of a fire hydrant, and for blocking access roads.

If the tow company tows a vehicle on its own, from a fire lane, within fifteen (15) feet of a fire hydrant or a vehicle blocking an access road, they must take two photographs clearly depicting the violation. They must keep one on file and give the second to the owner of the vehicle or his agent.

Please call CWP at (800) 815-7784 or email us for a discussion of your security concerns and a free cost estimate.  We will be glad to discuss our services and solutions with you and look forward to learning how we can meet your needs today.