23-174 Prohibition on Towing Vehicles for Vehicle Code 2265l(i) Five or more unpaid/delinquent parking tickets
Department Notice
This document is not an official representation of the published policy. To access the official signed policy, please contact us at [email protected].
The Court of Appeal of the State of California recently ruled in Coalition on Homelessness v. City and County of San Francisco (CPF-18-516456) that local government agencies may no longer tow a vehicle solely on the grounds that it has five or more unpaid delinquent parking tickets, as authorized by Vehicle Code 22651 (i), without first obtaining a judicial order.
Members shall no longer request a tow under the authority of Vehicle Code 22651 (i) without first obtaining a judicial order.
Nothing in the ruling prohibits local government for towing a vehicle with five or more unpaid delinquent parking tickets if the reason comes from another lawful authorization.
Tow Desk has been advised to not provide tows when requested under this authority.
/s/
WILLIAM SCOTT
Chief of Police
Per DN 23-152, all sworn & non-sworn members shall electronically acknowledge this Department document in PowerDMS within (30) thirty calendar days of issuance. Members whose duties are relevant to this document shall be held responsible for compliance. Any questions regarding this policy should be sent to [email protected] who will provide additional information.