In Final Action : Limit on Fees Charged for Towing

Charges that towing firms impose when taking cars from private property would be strictly limited under a bill passed and sent to the governor. The Assembly voted 65 to 9 on the measure by Assemblyman Richard Robinson (D-Garden Grove), who says some property owners--often they are merchants--have “sweetheart deals” with towing firms to take away cars moments after they are parked and charge vehicle owners as much as $125. The bill would, among other things, limit the charge to $20 if the motorist returned to the car before the tow truck took it away. The bill would also prohibit property owners who provide public parking from ordering a car towed until at least one hour after it had been parked.