Why Police Tow Cars in Ontario, CA: 5 Common Reasons Under California Law

If you walk outside and your car is gone, your first thought might be that it was stolen. 

But in many cases, it was police authorized towing, and there are specific legal reasons why it happened. 

In Ontario, California, law enforcement can tow vehicles under California Vehicle Code §22651 and related statutes. These rules allow officers to remove vehicles that create safety risks, violate registration laws, or meet certain enforcement thresholds. 

At Foglesong Towing, we regularly handle police tow Ontario CA situations. Understanding why police tow a car, and what happens next, can save you time, stress, and unnecessary fees. 

Here are the five most common reasons vehicles are towed by police in Ontario. 

1. The Car Was Blocking Traffic or Creating a Safety Hazard

One of the most common reasons for police authorized towing is obstruction.

Under California Vehicle Code §22651, officers can order a tow if a vehicle:

• Blocks the normal flow of traffic 
• Is parked in a way that creates a hazard 
• Blocks a driveway
• Parks in front of a fire hydrant 
• Blocks emergency access 

This also applies to vehicles left on freeway shoulders for extended periods. On major roads in Ontario and throughout the Inland Empire, a disabled car can quickly become dangerous.

When a vehicle creates immediate risk, officers do not have to give prior notice before towing.

2. The Driver Was Arrested (DUI or Other Offenses)

If a driver is arrested during a traffic stop, especially for DUI, driving without a license, or driving on a suspended license, police may impound the vehicle. 

Common triggers include: 

• DUI arrests 
• Driving without a valid license  
• Driving on a suspended or revoked license
• Outstanding warrants 

In many of these cases, especially under CVC 14602.6, the vehicle may be placed on a 30-day hold. 

This type of police tow in Ontario CA is not optional, it’s a statutory requirement in certain situations. 

3. Expired Registration or No Valid License

Even legally parked vehicles can be towed under certain conditions.

Police may tow a vehicle if: 

• Registration is expired more than six months 
• The vehicle displays no plates
• The driver has no valid license 
• The driver is cited under 12500 CVC (unlicensed driver)

It’s also important to know how to wait safely for a tow truck if you ever need one:

• Move your vehicle out of traffic if possible
• Turn on hazard lights
• Stay inside the car if it’s unsafe to stand nearby
• Call a trusted, local towing provider

While a simple expired tag doesn’t always result in immediate towing, longer lapses or repeat violations can escalate quickly. 

If you’re wondering why police tow cars for paperwork issues, this is usually the reason. 

4. Five or More Unpaid Parking Tickets

Many drivers don’t realize this one. 

Under CVC §22651(i), if a vehicle has five or more unpaid parking citations, it can be impounded even if it is legally parked at the time officers locate it. 

Officers use license plate databases to identify vehicles with excessive unpaid tickets. Once the threshold is met, the vehicle becomes eligible for tow and impound.

To retrieve the vehicle, the owner must typically:

• Pay all outstanding citations 
• Pay the police administrative release fee 
• Pay towing and storage charges 

This type of police authorized towing is primarily a debt enforcement tool.

5. The 72-Hour Rule (Abandoned Vehicles)

Ontario enforces a 72-hour parking limit on public streets. 

If a vehicle: 

• Remains parked in the same location for more than 72 consecutive hours  
• Appears abandoned or inoperable  
• Is reported by a resident 

Police or code enforcement may mark and monitor the vehicle. If it does not move within the required timeframe, it can be towed. 

This rule helps prevent public streets from becoming long-term vehicle storage areas. 

What Happens After a Police Tow in Ontario?

If your vehicle was towed by police: 

1. Contact Ontario Police Department non-emergency line to confirm the tow location. 
2. Obtain a police release form.
3. Pay:
   • Police administrative release fee
   • Towing fee
   • Daily storage fees

Under California law, vehicles can remain impounded for up to 30 days depending on the violation. If not retrieved, they may enter lien sale proceedings. 

If you believe the tow was improper, you may request a post-storage hearing. 

Police Authorized Towing vs. Private Property Towing

It’s important to understand the difference:

• Police authorized towing happens under California Vehicle Code authority. 
• Private property towing happens when a property owner requests removal under CVC 22658 (with proper signage.)

Both are legal, but the process and appeal rights differ. 

Know the Law, Avoid the Tow 

Most police tow situations in Ontario, CA usually come down to a few common issues, including safety hazards, arrests, licensing or registration problems, unpaid citations, or 72-hour abandonment rules. Understanding why police tow a car helps you avoid costly surprises, reduce storage fees, and respond faster if your vehicle is already gone. At Foglesong Towing, we work closely with local law enforcement and understand the legal framework behind police authorized towing. If you need help locating or retrieving your vehicle in Ontario or anywhere in the Inland Empire, we’re available 24/7 to guide you through the process. When it comes to towing, a little knowledge goes a long way in protecting your time, your vehicle, and your wallet.