Davis is defined by UC Davis and a famously parking- and bike-conscious culture, with dense student housing where every space counts. California also has one of the strictest private-property towing statutes in the country, so getting enforcement right matters more here than almost anywhere.
What California law says about towing from private property
Private-property towing is governed by California Vehicle Code § 22658, which is unusually demanding:
- Signs must be posted at all entrances, at least 17 by 22 inches with one-inch lettering, prohibiting public parking and listing the local law-enforcement phone number plus the name and number of each authorized towing company.
- An owner generally cannot authorize a tow within one hour of a vehicle being parked, and the tow company must make a good-faith effort to confirm that hour passed.
- For general-authorization tows of cars blocking fire lanes, hydrants, or entrances, the tow company must photograph the violation before removal.
- Non-compliant signage exposes the property owner to double the towing and storage charges.
How Davis operators stay compliant and get paid
- Plate-level permits so authorization is an instant lookup before any tow is ordered.
- Timestamped permit records that help document the one-hour rule and prove a car was unauthorized.
- QR-code signage that lets students and guests self-register and pay.
Why Davis properties choose OpenParking
Guests scan a QR code, register their plate, and pay directly to you — your property keeps 100% of the parking revenue via Stripe. Five-minute setup, no contract, $50/month flat with a free 14-day trial.
This page is general information about California parking enforcement, not legal advice. Confirm current Vehicle Code 22658 requirements with a California attorney or your local ordinance before towing.