My question involves towing laws for the State of: California


Hello, I have a question about my car almost being towed, and a fee I had to pay.

I live in an apartment complex(that is gated) and parked in an "emergency vehicle only" space. I had to carry my gf up to our apartment, she had just been to the hospital and could not walk, so I had to carry her-Im not making this up haha, I dont really have a reason to lie about this, but this is the reason I was in the spot to begin with.

Anyway, I walk down the stairs within 10 minutes to move the car, and there is a man attempting to break into the car. Once I got closer, I saw he works with the local towing company, he is holding a slim jim, and the front right tire is up on a dolly (it had 4 wheels, and the tire/wheel of the car was sitting on top of it). He tells me that Im parked in an emergency vehicle only lane, and that he would release the car for $55-cash or credit. The car was NOT hooked up to his tow truck yet, he had just rolled down the window slightly, and the front right tire was on top of his dolly thing. Was he allowed to charge me money?

I tried talking/yelling at him, but he refused to do anything for me. I understand I was parked illegally, Im not denying that, but was he allowed to charge me a $55 fee? Also, I was initially going to pay by cash, but decided to pay by credit card at the end. He did not give me a receipt, ask me to sign anything, or explain what the $55 dollar fee was, hell, he didnt even ask for an i.d. or registration for the car (which is NOT in my name). Is there anything I can do?

Thanks

ps. I did try searching, but I couldnt find anything for the specific case I have.