If you’re like most people, you’ve probably had your car towed at some point. And if you live in California, you know that towing fees can be pretty high. But how much are towing fees in California, really?
This article will give you a breakdown of the standard impound fees in California, as well as the fees charged by individual law enforcement agencies. We’ll also discuss the differences between heavy-duty and standard vehicles, and how those fees can vary. Finally, we’ll provide some tips on how to avoid getting your car towed in the first place.
So if you’re wondering how much are towing fees in California, read on. We’ve got all the information you need right here.
So, how much are towing fees in california?
The standard impound fee in California is $136.50. However, if the police impound a heavy-duty vehicle, the fee is usually $80-$100. There is no statewide maximum fee that towing companies can charge—instead, individual law enforcement agencies set their own fees. The base fee when you get towed varies even more: from $168 in Palm Springs to $537 in San Francisco. “The disparities in these fees obviously create a financial hardship for some motorists,” said Rosemary Shahan, founder of Consumers for Auto Reliability and Safety.
Let’s dig into it and see if we can figure it out.
What Are The Average Towing Fees In California?
According to the California Highway Patrol, the standard impound fee for a vehicle is $136.50. However, this fee may vary depending on the size of the vehicle and how far it needs to be towed. For example, the CHP notes that the base fee for a truck that needs to be towed over 20 miles is $50.00. Therefore, the average towing fee in California will depend on the size of the vehicle and how far it needs to be towed.
The average towing fee in California will depend on the size of the vehicle and how far it needs to be towed. The standard impound fee for a vehicle is $136.50, but this may increase for larger vehicles or longer distances.
What Is The Most Expensive Towing Fee In California?
Towing fees in California can vary depending on the distance the vehicle needs to be towed and the type of vehicle being towed. The average cost of a tow in California is around $135, but this fee can increase to $500 or more for heavy-duty vehicles or vehicles that need to be towed over a long distance.
The most expensive towing fee in California is around $500.
What Is The Cheapest Towing Fee In California?
The cost of towing a car in California ultimately depends on how far a vehicle needs to be towed. Most tow companies charge between $50 to $125 for a five or ten-mile local tow, or a $75 hook-up fee and $2 to $4 per mile for long-distance towing. The average price for a long-distance tow of 100 miles or more is typically around $700. Several factors determine the impound costs, such as the type of vehicle, mileage rate, and payment method for the expenses. All impounded vehicles get sent to a tow yard, which charges a daily storage fee. The average daily storage fee is about $35, but it can range from $20 to $60 per day.
The cost of towing a car in California ultimately depends on how far a vehicle needs to be towed. Most tow companies charge between $50 and $125 for a five- or ten-mile local tow, or a $75 hook-up fee and $2 to $4 per mile for long-distance towing. The average price for a long-distance tow of 100 miles or more is typically around $700.
Are Towing Fees Regulated In California?
Towing fees in California are set by statute and cannot exceed the tow charges from local law enforcement. However, it is important to note that the standard impound fee increased to $136.50 on January 1st, 2021. If the police impounded an upright heavy-duty vehicle, the impound fee would be $181.50.
In addition, according to California Civil Code Section 1748.1(a), Official Police Garages offer a discount rate to all individuals paying for towing and storage fees incurred as a result of a vehicle being towed at the request of a law enforcement agency.
Lastly, if you feel you have been wrongly charged for towing or storage fees, you can sue for recovery of damages in small claims court.
Towing fees in California are regulated by statute, and the maximum allowable tow charges cannot exceed those set by local law enforcement. However, it is important to note that the standard impound fee increased to $136.50 on January 1st, 2021. If the police impounded an upright heavy-duty vehicle, the impound fee would be $181.50.
How Often Do Towing Companies Tow Vehicles In California?
There is no set fee for towing and storage services in California, but most tow companies will charge an initial fee for the tow plus a daily storage fee. The total cost will depend on the distance of the tow and the length of time the vehicle is stored. If your vehicle is towed without your permission, you may be able to get a refund of the tow and storage fees if you can prove that the tow was illegal.
There is no set fee for towing and storage services in California, but most tow companies will charge an initial fee for the tow plus a daily storage fee.
What Do Most Towing Companies Charge?
Most towing companies charge between $50 to $125 for a five or ten-mile local tow, or a $75 hook-up fee and $2 to $4 per mile for long-distance towing. The average 40-mile tow will range from $125 to $250. However, some companies may charge more or less depending on the services they provide, the distance of the tow, and other factors.
What Are The Towing Laws In California?
According to California Vehicle Code section 22651, automobiles may be towed and impounded if the driver gets a DUI, has five unpaid parking tickets, or parks illegally on private property, in a handicapped space, at a bus zone, or anywhere that impedes traffic.
If your vehicle is towed and impounded, you will have to pay a towing and impound fee to get it released. The towing and impound fees can vary depending on the city and county where your vehicle was towed, but they are typically around $200-$300.
How Can I Reduce My Impound Fees In California?
The best way to reduce your impound fees in California is to avoid paying with a credit card. According to California Civil Code Section 1748.1(a), you can receive a discount on the towing and storage fees if you use other payment methods, such as cash or a check. This is because credit card companies typically charge a higher rate for these services. So, by paying with cash or a check, you will likely save money on your impound fees.
How Much Does It Cost To Tow A Car 20 Miles?
The cost of towing a car 20 miles will vary depending on the towing company, the reason for towing, and the weather or traffic conditions at the time. However, on average, you can expect to pay between $50 and $140 for this service. Additionally, you may incur additional costs if your car needs to be winched or if it is being towed because of a collision.
What Is The Maximum Storage Fees Per Day In California?
The maximum daily storage fees for cars and motorcycles in California are $42.50 and $11.50, respectively. If a truck weighing over 2,000 pounds is towed, the maximum fee is $84.00.
My Car Got Towed How Much Will It Cost?
If your car has been towed, you can expect to pay several fees in order to get it back. These can include an execution fee, a tow fee, a tow dispatch fee, and the judgment amount. Additionally, there may be other fees charged by the impound lot or tow company. In some cases, you may also be responsible for paying a release fee.
How Much Does A 30-Day Impound Cost In California?
The average cost of impounding a vehicle in California for 30 days is $53 per day, plus the charges for towing and storage, which can amount to several hundred dollars. If the police impound an upright heavy-duty vehicle, the impound fee is $136.50.
FAQs:
- What Are The Tow Yard Fees Per Day?: The tow yard fees per day are $125 for cars, $70 for trucks, and $140 for tractor-trailers.
- What Is The Average Cost Of Car Storage Fees Per Day?: The average cost of car storage fees is $21.03 per day for vehicles 25 feet in length or less, and $36.80 per day for vehicles over 25 feet in length.
- What Are Impound Fees In Los Angeles?: The impound fees in Los Angeles are as follows: Standard Vehicle: $45.00, $44.00; Trucks Over One Ton – Trucks, Boats and trailers Under 20′: $50.00, $49.00; Trucks Over One Ton – $55.00, $54.00. The standard impound fee was previously $135.00, but on January 1st, 2021, the impound fee increased to $136.50. If the police impounded an upright heavy-duty vehicle, the fee is $140.50. If the vehicle is a motorcycle, the fee is $89.50. The number of days your car is impounded is $43.50 per day with card, or $42.50 cash. The city of Los Angeles also charges a Vehicle Release Fee, which is currently $115.00.
- What Are The Rates For Towing A Vehicle On A California Highway?: The rates for towing a vehicle on a California highway depend on a number of factors, including the distance the vehicle needs to be towed and the type of vehicle being towed. In general, the cost of towing a car in California ranges from $75 to $200, but a storage fee may be charged in addition to the tow fee if a vehicle is impounded.
Final Word
The average towing fee in California is around $100. However, there are many factors that can affect the price, such as the distance of the tow, the type of vehicle, and the time of day. If you’re ever in need of a tow, be sure to call around and get a few quotes before making a decision.
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