Towing Laws in San Francisco

What San Francisco Residents Need to Know

Every San Francisco resident should be aware of the towing laws to prevent parking tickets and have your vehicle towed away. The following article will give you a clear indication of how to park legally to avoid the towing of your vehicle and how the same laws apply to towing companies.

Make sure you’re parked approximately 18 inches from the curb and that your vehicle faces the flow of traffic. Curb your tires on hills so that they do not interfere with traffic if your vehicle is accidentally hit. Double check your bumpers so that they are not extending into a crosswalk, driveway or color zone. You may park your vehicle in one spot up to 72 hours or a total of 3 days. Vehicles that exceed the given time frame may be cited or towed away at the driver’s expense. Always check for signs and never park your vehicle in marked areas without a permit.

You will also want to keep a close eye for tow-away zones and sweeping. You may park your vehicle in your own driveway as long as it doesn’t extend into the pedestrian sidewalk. Never obstruct someone else’s driveway or areas that are specifically marked with colors. Leave at least 3 feet of space between a curb ramp and your vehicle. A disabled license plate exempts a vehicle from parking time limits, however, they may not remain parked for over 72 hours at one location.

San Francisco Towing Laws

Now that you’re a bit more familiar with your parking surroundings, it’s time to know your rights with towing laws in the event of a dispute. You have the right to pay the maximum legal towing charges. The charges are $250 for the tow itself, $80 for each day of storage and no more than half the initial tow charge as gate fee if you reclaim your vehicle between the hours of 5pm and 8am. Towing companies are required by law to deliver a written letter of notice of the entire towing procedure.

You can also be towed on site if you are parked in the parking lot of a residential apartment complex or hotel parking lot. Make sure you pay very close attention to disabled parking spots as well. You have the right to receive a copy of the written authorization for the tow signed by the rep of the property owner and to contact the towing company 24/7 to release your vehicle.