Frequently Asked Questions

RVs that are legally registered can park on public streets. The City requires that RVs and boats parked on the street be moved 1/10 of a mile every 72 hours. We cannot start the 72-hour  'clock' until we have identified the vehicle and marked its tires or parking space.

Public Safety enforces State laws and the Municipal Codes fairly and evenly. There are residents who park or store their RV on the street. Everyone with an RV can park it in a location that does not violate the rules.

RVs and their occupants cannot block public access to sidewalks or discharge waste onto the steet.

The City has the authority to have RVs, boats, and cars towed when they have been parked in the same location beyond the 72-hour limit. however, there is limited capacity to tow larger vehicles.

Towing companies will not tow vehicles if someone is actively residing inside. It is legal to reside in an RV if the owner complies with the legal requirements applying to all RVs.

There are two reasons for an expired registration sticker. The Public Safety Department can determine the reason for the expired registration stickers which will direct the enforcement decisions of the Community Services Officer (CSO).

1. The registered owner has paid the registration fee and the sticker has been been applied to the license plate. The CSO will advise the registered owner to apply the updated sticker as soon as possible and will advise of the 72-hour parking limit. 

2. The registered owner failed to pay the fees or complete required steps such as smog. Enforcement action can begin with a citation. Should the registration remain uncompleted, a second citation will be issued. This is followed by a legal process referred to as abatement. 

The obtain a vehicle release, follow these steps: 

Timing

Visit the Records Bureau during business hours. For recovered stolen vehicles, contact the on-duty Sergeant at 707-584-2600 outside these hours.

Documents Needed

Bring current registration (with all fees paid) and a moving permit if smog is an issue. The registered owner or an authorized representative with a photo ID must be present.

Driver

If the registered owner or representative doesn't have a valid license, bring someone who does to drive the vehicle from the tow yard.

Payment

Bring EXACT CASH, a cashier's check, credit/debit or a money order for the vehicle release fee of $176.00

Tow hearings are conducted pursuant to CA Vehicle Code Section 22852.

Tow hearings may be scheduled weekdays by visiting the Records Bureau or by calling Records during business hours at 707-584-2600. The hearing may not be granted if this request is made 10 or more days since the date of the tow/impound.

If a VALID REQUEST for a post-storage hearing is received, the hearing shall be conducted within two business days after the receipt of the request for the hearing (excluding holidays).

If you wish to meet the Hearing Officer, please complete the Tow Hearing Questionnaire.

The Tow Hearing will only address issues concerning the validity of a tow and possible early release of a vehicle impounded for 30 days. Discussion concerning Officer actions prior to the tow/impound, probable cause, search and seizure, guilt or innocence, or any details about the pending criminal case will not be discussed. You should direct those issues to a criminal defense attorney.

If you are the registered owner of the towed vehicle, you can visit the tow yard with a valid photo ID and retrieve your belongings. 

Property is only released by the tow yard during business hours. Call ahead of time and make an appointment. 

In no circumstance will you be able to remove anything that is connected to the vehicle. This includes, but is not limited to, any components of the sound system. This specifically includes a Stereo or CD face plate. 

If you have a Bluetooth device for your cell phone or a radar detector, etc., you may take those, unless the device is connected by wiring, with the exception of a power cord plugged into an accessory outlet.

Driver Arrested

When the driver is arrested and booked at the jail the officer may tow the vehicle.

Registration Expired

IF the registration is expired for over 6 months the vehicle may be towed.

Evidence Impounds

If you vehicle was used in a crime it is subject to impound for evidentiary purposes.

30 Day Impound

The driver of the vehicle has never had a license or was driving with a suspended license. Before you loan your car to anyone, it is YOUR responsibility to make sure they are properly licensed.

Recovered Stolen Vehicle

If your car was stolen, and we recover it, we will tow it at your expense if we are unable to reach you to pick it up. Any vehicle release fees will be waived. The tow company will still charge for the cost of the towing and any incurred storage.

Parked for over 72 hours Without Moving

It is illegal to leave your car parked on the city street for more than 72 hours without moving it. Generally, we will respond to a complaint about an abandoned vehicle and may store it any time after 72 hours. If the vehicle has been subject to a longer formal "abatement process" and towed pursuant to Vehicle Code Section 22669A, the vehicle release fee will be waived. 

Abandoned vehicles can be reported through the Gov Reach application or by calling (707) 584-2600.