Petition for Writ of Certiorari — Lamonte Diondre Gaston, Petitioner v. United States
Supreme Court briefApr 2, 2019
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SAN DIEGO POLICE DEPARTMENT
PROCEDURE
DATE: 01/13/2012
NUMBER: 7.08 - TRAFFIC
SUBJECT: VEHICLE TOWING/IMPOUND AND RELEASE
PROCEDURES
RELATED POLICY: N/A
ORIGINATING DIVISION: — TRAFFIC
NEW PROCEDURE: Oo
PROCEDURAL CHANGE: ll EXTENSIVE CHANGES TO ENTIRE PROCEDURE
SUPERSEDES: DP 7.08 ~ 03/11/2010
IL PURPOSE
This Department procedure establishes guidelines for vehicle towing, impounds, and
releases.
Tl. | SCOPE
This procedure applies to all members of the Department.
fl. BACKGROUND
The purpose of this procedure is to standardize vehicle impound procedures on public
and private properties. It also identifies the procedures for impounds and releases of
vehicles subject to the San Diego Tow Impound Cost Recovery Fee.
IV. PROCEDURES
A. Impound Reports
1. All police tows require a San Diego Regional Vehicle Report (ARIIS-1 1).
DBP 7.08 - Vehicle Towing/Impound and Release Procedures
01/13/12
Vehicles removed from private property at the request of the property
owner are not police tows, therefore, an ARJIS-11 report is not required.
If the vehicle being impounded was illegally parked, a citation may also
be issued.
The impounding officer will complete the vehicle report.
a. The vehicle report will need to be detailed, complete, and accurate.
b. The officer will need to document all visible exterior and/or
interior damage to the vehicle on either the vehicle diagrams or the
“Notes” section of the ARJIS-11.
c, The tow operator may request that the officer review the listed
damage before receiving the vehicle.
d, After the tow truck driver signs the form, the officer will give the
driver the goldenrod copy.
e. If the officer is required to leave prior to arrival of the tow truck,
the goldenrod copy of the vehicle report may be left under the
windshield wiper of the impounded vehicle.
f. The impounding officer is responsible for contacting the tow .
company to ensure the vehicle was taken prior to submitting the
impound report for approval and to answer any questions the tow
operator may have regarding noted vehicle damage or inventoried
items.
gs. Vehicles impounded for abandonment, 72-hour violation, and
abatement are subject to the same 30-minute response, with the
exception of Beat 235 (Rancho San Pasqual) which has a 50-
minute response time, per the tow contract.
h. The approximate value of the vehicle MUST be noted on the
vehicle report under "Appraised Value.” Failure to appraise the
vehicle can make the City liable if the towing company
'scraps/disposes of a vehicle at a lower value than its actual value
(22670 CVC). Use the following appraisal values:
(1) $0 to $300;
(2) $301 to $4,000; or,
(3) Over $4,000 ©
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DP 7.08 - Vehicle Towing/Impound and Release Procedures
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If there are no license plates on the towed vehicle, leave that space
blank on the vehicle report. Include any plate numbers or other
identifying information in the narrative of the vehicle report.
The Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) shall be recorded on the
vehicle report. The VIN shall be checked to ensure it is the same
as the VIN listed on the registration card. If the registration is not
with the vehicle, the VIN should be obtained via CAD or MCT.
A vehicle impound report shall be completed for every vehicle or.
trailer stored at the time of impound. Members may separate and
leave standing a vehicle or trailer that is not subject to impound
with the approval of the owner.
Cargo on a trailer shall be listed in the appropriate box of the
impound report,
If the cargo on a trailer is a vehicle or boat, the officer will
complete a second ARJIS-11 documenting the information of the
vehicle or vessel as “Load”.
B. Vehicle Inventories
1, Areas to be Inventoried
a.
Personnel ordering a tow shall conduct an inventory of all areas of
the vehicle where valuables are likely to be stored, including any
containers within the vehicle.
Under normal circumstances, locked compartments, such as trunks,
do not need to be searched unless the impounding officer is
supplied with a key to the compartment or there is an operable
trunk release.
Locked containers within the vehicle will be described along with
the approximate size and weight of the container, if able to b
determined.
2, Items of Value
a.
b.
All items of value must be listed on the vehicle report.
If items of value within the vehicle are too numerous to be listed
on the vehicle report, the officer will attach an ARJIS-9 or ARJIS-
4 detailing the property,
Page 3 of 26
DP 7.08 - Vehicle Towing/Impound and Release Procedures
01/13/12
3. Civilian employees must call a sworn officer to the scene to impound any
currency, weapons, drugs, or other contraband found in a vehicle.
4, An inventory will not be conducted on vehicles being held as evidence. In
these cases, the responsible investigator will conduct the inventory and
document it in their investigative follow-up report.
Notice of Stored Vehicle
1. When a vehicle is impounded by the Department, the Police Impound
Desk shall mail or personally deliver the Notice of a Stored Vehicle from
the vehicle report (ARJIS-11) to the registered and legal owners of record,
within 48 hours, excluding weekends and holidays. (22852 CVC).
2. The Police Impound Desk must prepare a second Notice of Stored Vehicle
when vehicles are moved from a station to a private tow yard. The notice
informs the owner/agent of their right to a Post Storage Hearing to
determine the validity of the vehicle tow and storage.
Contract Tow Companies
1, Only contract tow companies will perform police tows. Contract tow
trucks will be identified by a decal indicating "Police Authorized Tow
Contractor" and the current year. All police tows shall be dispatched
_ through CAD or via MCT.
2. When ordering a tow, specify the condition of the vehicle only. The tow
company will make the decision regarding the necessary equipment and
type of tow truck. The only exception to this would be if a flatbed tow
truck is needed to preserve evidence during transportation of the vehicle;
3. Tow companies will not charge the Police Department a tow interruption
fee when a vehicle is not towed.
4. The companies may charge the City a tow interruption fee if the vehicle
has been hooked-up, but has not been transported and the officer approves
the release.
5. The fee is currently $12.00 for a standard tow interruption fee or “drop
fee” and incrementally increases based upon the size of the vehicle.
6. The officer will write “DROP FEE” across the top of the ARJIS-11 and
document the reason for assuming the cost of the tow interruption/drop fee
within the narrative. The officer will forward the original ARJIS-11 form
to the Tow Administrator at MS 732. The form should not be sent to
Records Division.
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Instances of poor service or "call jumping" by tow companies will be
documented, by the officer at the scene, on an interoffice memo and sent
to the Tow Administrator, Traffic Division at MS 732, describing the
specific incident, the name of the company and the driver(s) involved.
Vv. POLICE TOWS
A.
Police tows may be generated for a variety of reasons. Many of these tows fall
under a cost recovery program. The tow companies are responsible for the
collection of fees that offset the City's costs for impounding vehicles of negligent
owners/operators.
Officers do not need to place a "Treasurer Hold" on the vehicle report to indicate
cost recovery. The tow company automatically charges the appropriate fees based
on the code section written in the "Storage Authority" block of the vehicle report.
It is imperative that the officer writes the correct section on the ARJIS-11. Only
one storage authority will be used per impound
Entry of a “Hold For” Unit When Impounding for Evidence into CAD/MCT
1.
2.
The label “Hold For (name)” has been changed to “Hold For”.
When impounding a vehicle under any of the 22655 Tow Reason
(Authority) codes, the system will now require entry of a “Hold For” unit
value. This will help in determining and tracking responsibility of
evidence impounds for post impound follow-up and tracking.
Officers will still be able to enter detective names and other comments
when impounding for other Reason codes.
Vehicles impounded as evidence under the evidence sections will need to
comply with the requirements outlined above to be entered into the MCT
or through the radio dispatcher.
Officers will be required to identify the investigative unit for which the
vehicle is being impounded as evidence (i.e., Traffic Investigations,
Northern Investigations, Auto Theft, etc.).
The “Tow Request” screen on the MCT has a “drop-down” list of
investigative units and a selection must be made to identify the
investigative unit for tracking purposes.
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When impounding vehicles for driver’s license related offenses (i.e. 12500(a),
14601 sections without prior proof of service, etc.), officers are encouraged.to use
discretion and consider the total circumstances when determining whether to
impound a vehicle (examples: an adult with young children and has a licensed
driver reasonably available; inclement weather, remote location, or location where
the driver’s safety may be put at risk and a licensed driver is reasonably
available).
The following is a partial list of storage and impound authorities that may require
additional action by officers: :
1, 30-Day Impound (CVC 14602.6)
a. A 30-day hold is authorized when:
@)
(2)
(3)
(4)
A person is driving with a suspended or revoked driving
privilege;
(a) The authority for the suspension must be 13200
through 13559 CVC; and,
(b) The driver has previously been served with notice
of a current suspension or has personal knowledge
that his or her driving privilege is suspended (i.e.,
driver admits knowledge of suspension).
A person is driving while his or her privilege is restricted
pursuant to Section 13352 or 23575 of the Vehicle Code,
and the vehicle is not equipped with a functioning, certified
interlock device; or,
A person is driving without ever having been issued a
driver’s license, and either of the following conditions
exists:
(a) The driver has a previous driving violation; or,
(b) The vehicle is in the Stolen Vehicle System (SVS)
as previously being towed for a license violation. ~
When either (1), (2), or (3) above are satisfied, the officer
may immediately arrest that person and impound the
vehicle, or if the vehicle is involved in a collision, the
officer may remove the vehicle without the necessity of
arresting the person.
Page 6 of 26
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Due to time constraints specified in the Vehicle Code, the Tow
Administration Unit is required to conduct Post Storage Impound
Hearings within 48 hours of a request by the vehicle owner. As
such, it is imperative that impound reports, and any related
citations, arrest reports, or ARJIS-9s, be sent to the Tow
Administration Unit as soon as possible, upon completion.
Officers must fax copies of the impound report and all related
reports to the Tow Administration Unit prior to securing at the end
of their shift. The Tow Administration Unit fax number is (858)
495-7989, In the event it is not possible to fax the impound
reports, copies should be sent via inter-office mail to MS 732 prior
to securing at the end of shift. The original reports should be sent
directly to Records Division.
This procedure applies to any vehicles towed under authority
sections 23109.2(a) (1) CVC, 14602.6(a) (1) CVC, or 14607.6(a)
CVC where a Post Storage Impound Hearing is afforded by law.
Failure to send the required reports may result in an early release
of the vehicle, or impound and storage fees being incurred by the
City of San Diego.
CVC 14602.6 does not apply in the following circumstances:
qd) Driver's license is expired, out-of-class, or issued out-of-
State;
(2) _ Driving privilege is suspended for points/negligent
operator;
(3) Driving privilege is suspended for lack of insurance or
proof of insurance or for accidents; or,
(4) _ Driving privilege is suspended for other than California
Vehicle Code violations (i.e., failed to pay child support).
. The narrative of the vehicle report shall contain the driver's name,
DOB, citation number, driver's license number (if applicable),
charges, reason for stop, driver statements, suspension date,
authority code, and whether the driver had been served or admitted
to the suspension.
When a driver’s DMV history indicates “verbal or personal service
needed,” officers should complete a DL-310 and deliver the pink
copy to the driver. The serving officer shall mail the white copy to
Page 7 of 26
DP 7.08 - Vehicle Towing/Impound and Release Procedures
01/13/12
the DMV and the yellow copy to the Tow Administration Unit at
MS 732.
CVC 14602.8 authorizes extended vehicle impounds for DUI arrests when
the person is found to have a BAC level of .10 percent or more; or, the
person refuses a chemical test.
(1)
(2)
CVC 14602.8 (a) (2) (A) — authorizes the vehicle to be
impounded for five days if the person has been convicted
once of violating CVC sections 23140, 23152, or 23153,
within the preceding ten years.
CVC 14602.8 (a) (2) (B) — authorizes the vehicle to be |
impounded for 15 days if the person has been convicted
two or more times for violating CVC sections 23140,
23152, or 23153, or any combination thereof, within the
preceding ten years.
Vehicle Forfeiture (CVC 14607.6)
a: A vehicle may be impounded and is subject to forfeiture if:
(1) ‘The driver is cited or taken into custody for being
unlicensed, expired over 30 days, suspended, or revoked:
(2) The driver has a prior misdemeanor conviction for 12500
(a), 14601, 14601.1, 14601.2, 14601.3, 14601.4 or 14601.5
CVC; and,
(3) The driver is the registered owner of the vehicle.
b. Officers must determine that the misdemeanor conviction is for a
driver’s license violation.
(1) This-information can be found in the “Convictions” section
of the driver’s history, also known as a B-5 or L-1, in SUN
or on the MCT.
(2) Officers may not use the information in the FTA section of
the driver’s history in lieu of a misdemeanor conviction.
c. Determining whether the driver is the Registered Owner (or should
be treated as Registered Owner)
(1)
Ownership of the vehicle is evidenced by a copy of the
registered or legal owner information of the vehicle history,
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DP 7.08 - Vehicle Towing/Impound and Release Procedures
(2) Ownership may also be shown if the driver is listed on a
release of liability.
(3) If the driver is not listed in the vehicle history, but is in
possession of a bill of sale listing him or her as a purchaser,
officers may forfeit the vehicle and seize the bill of sale.
The original should be sent to the Tow Administration Unit
at MS 732.
Officers shall fax a copy of the impound report, citation, or arrest
report, and proof of ownership to the Tow Administration Unit at
(858) 495-7989 within 24 hours of impound.
If an “on the spot” notice of forfeiture is served on a driver, the
original shall be sent to the Tow Administration Unit at MS 732.
Vehicle forfeiture will be initiated and tracked by the Tow _
Administration Unit at Traffic Division. Records Division shall
forward a copy of all 30-day impounds to the Tow Administration
Unit for evaluation for forfeiture. ;
Stolen/Embezzled Vehicle, Found on a Highway [CVC 22651 (c)]
a.
A stolen vehicle (one for which there is a case report) recovered in
the field will be stored unless it is operable AND the owner can
take possession within a reasonable time. The officer must notify
the Impound Desk to remove the stolen vehicle's description from
the computer when a field release is completed.
“HOLD FOR AUTO THEFT" does not apply to recovered stolen _
‘vehicles unless investigative follow-up is required.
Vehicles will not be towed only as a “POSSIBLE STOLEN.”
(“POSSIBLE STOLEN” means a car that looks like it has been
stolen, but is not entered into the California Law Enforcement
Telecommunication System (CLETS) as stolen.)
Unattended on Freeway for Four Hours [CVC 22651 ()]
When a vehicle, except highway maintenance or construction equipment,
is stopped, parked, or left standing for more than four hours upon the
right-of-way of a freeway that has full control of access and no crossings
at grade and the driver, if present, cannot move the vehicle under its own
power.
Page 9 of 26
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DP 7.08 - Vehicle Towing/Impound and Release Procedures
a 01/13/12
6. Driver Arrested and Taken into Custody [CVC 22651 (h) (1)]
a.
Whenever a person is arrested for any criminal offense and taken
into custody, the vehicle may be legally parked or may be
impounded per 22651 (h) (1) CVC.
_ Officers should keep in mind that not every vehicle should be
impounded. This section should be used as a problem-solving tool.
Officers must consider:
(1) The location of the vehicle, and
(2) | Whether an impound is necessary to prevent the vehicle
from being a hazard to other drivers or being a target for
vandalism or theft.
For the purpose of 22651 (h) (1), “taken into custody” means the
_ physical taking of a person, charged with a crime, and the
transporting of that person to a police facility or the appropriate
booking facility, or to their home in the case of a juvenile arrest.
When preparing the impound report, officers should explain the
reason for the impound, including why the vehicle could not be
legally and safely parked at the scene or released to a licensed
driver at the scene.
7, Officer serves notice of order of suspension or revocation in connection
with either of the following [CVC 22651(h) (2)]:
a.
Per CVC 13388, person under 21 years of age legally detained who
is driving and whom the officer has reasonable cause to believe has
a BAC of .01% or more, and who:
(1) Has a BAC of .01% or more; or,
(2) Refuses to take or fails to complete a PAS test.
Per CVC 13389, person legally detained who is driving and is
currently on probation for DUI whom the officer has reasonable
cause to believe is driving with BAC of .01% or more, and who:
(1) Has a BAC of .01% or more; or,
(2) Refuses to take or fails to complete a PAS test.
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8. Vehicle Other Than Rental with Five or More Unpaid Parking Citations
[CVC 22651 (i)]
a.
A vehicle on a highway or any public lands may be impounded if
the following criteria are met:
(1) The vehicle has five or more outstanding parking citations
issued; and,
(2) . At least 30 calendar days have passed since the issuance of
the fifth qualifying citation.
A vehicle in a rented status is exempt
Prior to towing, officers must verify City of San Diego citations
through the Auto Process program, via Communications Division.
They must verify that the current registered owner of the vehicle
was also the registered owner at the time of the qualifying
citations.
The narrative of the vehicle report MUST include:
(1) Where the vehicle was found (on highway or public lands),
(2) Astatement that the vehicle has at least five unpaid parking
citations;
(3) The issuance date of the fifth citation which qualifies the
impound to justify the tow (it is no longer required to list
the individual dates of all unpaid citations or the bail
amounts); and,
_ (4) How, when, and with whom the verifications were made to
determine the number of unpaid qualifying citations and the
issuance date of the fifth citation.
9. Parking Over 72 Hours [CVC 22651 (k)]
a.
This section authorizes Department members to remove a vehicle
from a highway when the vehicle has been parked or left standing
upon a street or highway in excess of 72 consecutive hours in
violation of a local ordinance authorizing removal
| (1) SDMC 81.09(a) (1) authorizes a vehicle to be removed
when it is parked in the same location for more than 72
consecutive hours.
Page 11 of 26
(2)
(3)
DP 7.08 - Vehicle Towing/Impound and Release Procedures
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SDMC 86.09.06 makes it unlawful for a person to park or
leave standing a vehicle on any street or highway in excess
of 72 consecutive hours.
SDMC 86.23(g) makes it unlawful for a person:to store a
vehicle on a street; a vehicle is considered to be stored
when it has been left standing on a street without having
been moved more than one-tenth of a mile within a
consecutive 72-hour period.
The Traffic Division's Abandoned Vehicle Abatement (AVA) Unit
has primary responsibility for processing vehicles parked in
violation of the 72-hour Ordinance. The person taking the
complaint of a long-term parked vehicle on the highway will notify
Communications Division via MCT message (TO CT02), voice
radio, or telephone. The dispatcher will format an "ADVISED"
incident using the type code "72HR."
mes)
Q-
The following information should be documented on the
incident:
(a) Location of the vehicle;
' (b) ~~ Complainant's name, address, and phone number (if
known). (Field personnel will use their unit
number);
(c) Vehicle information including color, vehicle type,
license number, and state of registration;
(d) ‘Vehicle registration information will be added t
the incident from the CLETS system by. ,
Communications Division when plate/state
information is provided;
(e) Premise history information obtained from the CAD
system; and,
mea) The complainant shall be advised that the
. information will be forwarded to the Abandoned
Vehicle Abatement (AVA) Unit for follow-up.
Telephone reports of long-term parked vehicles received by
the Communications Division will be processed through
CLETS for "Possible Stolen."
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(a) | A Communications dispatcher will immediately
dispatch a unit to impound or release the vehicle to
its owner if the vehicle is stolen.
(b) _— All. 72-hour violations reported to Communications
Division will be forwarded to the Abandoned
Vehicle Abatement (AVA) Unit via CAD.
The following procedures may be utilized and reported to the
dispatcher or placed in the comments sections when an
"ADVISED" incident is formatted:
(1)
@)
(3)
(4)
(5)
(6)
(7)
A chalk mark will be placed on the wall of the tire
(preferably the left rear) in such a fashion that the mark will
continue onto the pavement from the wheel;
Write the date and time the vehicle was marked onto the
pavement next to the extended line;
Record the location of the mark or any other method used,
such as rocks on the top of the tire;
Record the odometer reading (to the tenth of a mile);
Attach a Vehicle Violation Warning Notice form (PD-87)
to the vehicle in a conspicuous place, preferably under the
windshield wiper;
If the officer intends to finalize the "72HR" enforcement by
marking and following up with a tow, the officer must
inform Communications Division, who will note this in the
comments section. This will avoid duplication; and,
The incident generated will automatically provide the
date/time the complaint was made, the service area, and the
dispatcher taking the information.
72-Hour Impounds
(1)
(2)
The officer impounding the vehicle should make a
reasonable attempt to locate the owner of the vehicle before
the tow is called. If the owner is located, the officer will
advise that the vehicle will be impounded if it is not moved.
The officer impounding the vehicle will include in the
impound report all the data from the incident: date and
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time marked, by whom, how marked, odometer reading at
the time it was marked, the time it was impounded, and,
__ other pertinent information should also be included. (i.e.
unusual facts about car.)
(3) If the vehicle has been moved ANY distance from the
marks, it cannot be impounded. It may, however, be cited
for section 86.23(g) SDMC, if moved less than 1/10 mile,
10. Temporary Tow-away Signs for Street Cleaning, Repairs, Construction, or
for Installation of Underground Utilities [CVC 22651(D]
a.
Violations of Temporary “No Parking” or “Tow Away” signs are
enforced when a complaint is received.
(1) The officer must determine that the signs had been posted
24 hours prior to any enforcement action.
(2) The complainant will provide the officer with the posting
time.
Ifa vehicle is impounded for being in a temporary tow-away zone,
the following information shall be included in the vehicle impound
report:
(1) Date and time the signs were posted;
(2) Location of the signs in relation to the impounded vehicle;
(3) Who posted the signs (a company name is sufficient); and,
2
(4) Who requested that the vehicle be impounded and his/her
title (.e., John Q. Driver, Foreman of Fix-it Construction).
11. | Temporary Tow-away Signs For Special/Civic Events [CVC 22651 (m)]
a.
This may be enforced wherever the use of the highway, or a
_- portion of the highway, is authorized by a local authority for a
‘ purpose other than the flow of traffic or for the movement of
equipment, articles, or structures of unusual size, and the parking
of a vehicle would prohibit or interfere with that use or movement,
and signs giving notice that the vehicle may be removed are
erected or placed at least 24 hours prior to the removal by a local
authority pursuant to the ordinance.
Page 14 of 26
12.
DP 7.08 - Vehicle Towing/Impound and Release Procedures
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If a vehicle is impounded for being in a temporary tow-away zone,
the following information shall be included in the vehicle impound
report:
(1) - Date and time the signs were posted;
(2) Location of the signs in relation to the impounded vehicle;
and,
(3) | Who posted the signs (a company name is sufficient); and,
(4) | Who requested that the vehicle be impounded and his/her
title (.e., John Q. Driver, Special Events Coordinator).
Vehicle on Highway, Public Lands, or Off-street Parking Facility Open for
_ Public Use, Registration Violations (see descriptions) [CVC 22651 (o) (1)
(A) through (C)]
a.
Occupied vehicles can be impounded by police officers only.
Officers may also issue a "Notice to Appear" to the vehicle owner
or may issue an "Owner’s Responsibility" citation per 40001 CVC
to the driver of a borrowed vehicle.
When DMV records indicate a vehicle may be towed for a
registration violation, but the vehicle displays a current registration
tab, temporary operating permit, or dealer report of sale, the
vehicle will not be impounded, unless it can be shown that the
displayed information is false.
Vehicles with expired registration that are parked on private
property, and otherwise qualifying for impoundment, shall not be
impounded. Citizens requesting an officer to remove a vehicle
from private property for expired registration shall be directed to
contact the property owner or management office to arrange for a
private tow off of the property.
Vehicles may be impounded pursuant to the following authorities
for the respective registration violations:
(1) 22651(0) (1) (A) for vehicles with registration expired over
six months,
(2) 22651(o0) (1) (B) for vehicles displaying a registration or
temporary belonging to another vehicle.
Page 15 of 26
13.
14.
15.
16.
DP 7.08 - Vehicle Towing/Impound and Release Procedures
- 01/13/12
(3) 22651(0) (1) (C) for vehicles displaying a registration or
temporary that has been forged or altered.
Driver Cited for Never Having a License or an Out-of-Class License, or -
Whose License is Expired More Than 30 Days, or Driving When Their
Privilege is Suspended or Revoked for any Reason [CVC 22651 (p)]
a.
When a driver’s license is suspended and the driver history
indicates “verbal or personal service needed,” a DL-310 form must
be completed and forwarded to DMV. In these instances, a
citation should be issued charging 12500 (a) CVC and the officer
may impound the vehicle.
When a driver’s license has inadvertently expired and the license
history does not indicate suspended or withheld, officers may cite
the violator for VC 12500(a), but should allow a 30-day grace
period before impounding the vehicle.
The narrative of the impound report must include the driver's
name, date of birth, driver’s license number if applicable, citation
number, charge, and PC for the stop. A driver statement may also
be included to facilitate post storage hearings, especially if the
driver admits knowledge of suspended or revoked driving
privilege.
Iegally Parked in Handicapped Space (CVC 22652)
a.
Vehicles parked in violation, on a City street or in a . a public lot, may
be impounded.
Vehicles ‘parked in violation on private property open to the public
are the responsibility of the property owner or agent.
Proper signs and markings per 22511.7 and 22511.8 CVC must be
posted.
Stolen/Embezzled Vehicle, Found on Private Property [CVC 22653 (a)]
Use same procedure as with stolen vehicles found on highway. See
22651 (c) CVC, above.
Hit and Run Vehicle (Traffic Investigations Hold) (CVC 22655)
a.
This section should generally be avoided due to the delay in
processing vehicle collision and hit & run reports within the
Department. Instead, officers should impound the vehicle per
Page 16 of 26
17.
18.
DP 7.08 - Vehicle Towing/Impound and Release Procedures
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CVC 22655.5(a) to prevent premature releasing of evidence after
48 hours (see subsection “c”).
This section allows the removal for inspection as long as the
vehicle is on a highway or on private property open to the general
public where the public is explicitly or implicitly invited.
The vehicle may be held for 48 hours (weekends and holidays: not
included), and then must be released upon demand of the owner.
When a field arrest is made, the vehicle should normally be left
parked legally at the scene.
Vehicle Involved in a Pursuit and Abandoned (Traffic Investigations Hold,
48-Hour Hold) [eve 22655.3]
a.
This impound j is intended to assist the officer in investigating,
identifying, and apprehending the driver.
The vehicle may be impounded only if the driver has not been
arrested and when the vehicle has been abandoned and left
unattended on property other than that of the registered owner.
When impounding under this section, officers shall prepare a
vehicle report and a detailed ARJIS-9. The ARJIS-9 shall include: .
(i) Details of the pursuit;
(2) Suspect description; and,
(3) | Whether the officer feels he/she can identify the suspect in
a photo line-up.
Forward one copy of the vehicle report and the original and two
copies of the ARJIS-9 to the Traffic Investigations Sergeant at MS
732.
Vehicles Involved In or the Object of a Crime; Removal from Public or
Private Property (CVC 22655.5) (Evidence Hold for the appropriate
investigative unit.)
a.
This section allows officers to impound and store vehicles in order
to preserve and retrieve evidence. °
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(1) 22655.5(a) - when the officer has probable cause to believe
that the vehicle was used as the means of committing a
crime; or,
(2) 22655.5(b) - when the officer has probable cause to believe
the vehicle is itself evidence which tends to show that a
crime was committed or that the vehicle contains evidence,
which cannot be readily be removed, which tends to show
that a crime was committed.
The impounding officer is responsible for notifying the
investigative unit when a vehicle is impounded for evidence. This
includes forwarding a copy of the impound report to the
investigator.
Vehicles impounded at a tow facility will become the
responsibility of the case investigator. The investigator will be
responsible for processing and releasing the vehicle.
(1) The vehicle must be released within three working days,
unless extenuating circumstances exist. The investigator’s
lieutenant must approve exceptions to the three-day rule.
The tow companies have been instructed to require the
name and identification number of the investigator and
lieutenant who authorized a hold over three days.
(2) Vehicles impounded for evidence where the crime is
homicide or robbery will be towed to 9265 Aero Drive
(Traffic Division) and stored inside the building in the
southeast corner of the parking lot.
(a) Vehicles shall not be impounded at the Traffic
Division facility or impound lots without prior
approval of the Watch Commander’s Office. The
Watch Commander’s Office will document all
impounds to the Aero Drive facility.
(b) The impounding officer must notify the Watch
Commander’s Office prior to entering the storage
facility so the alarm can be disabled.
(c) The impounding officer will attach a "hold" form
(PD-831) in clear view on the vehicle listing the
investigative unit or detective for whom the vehicle
was impounded, the name and ID number of the
impounding officer, and the reason for the impound,
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DP 7.08 - Vehicle Towing/Impound and Release Procedures
(d) The officer must fill out the log in the impound
garage listing the location from which the vehicle
was impounded, investigative unit, date of
impound, case location, and/or case number, if
known. The officer will also fill out the “Sign
In/Out Log” regarding entrance into an evidence
facility.
(ec) | Upon securing the facility, the Watch Commander’s
Office must be notified so the alarm can be reset.
(f) The Tow Administrator at Traffic Division is
responsible for the vehicle impounds facility and
tracking of impounded vehicles.
(g) The case investigator will process the impounded
vehicle and release it within three working days
unless extenuating circumstances exist. A
Lieutenant from the impounding unit must approve
exceptions to the three-day rule.
Abandoned Vehicle on a Highway, Public Lands, or Private Property
:[CVC 22669 (d)]
" An abandoned vehicle is any vehicle or part that is parked, stored
or left on public or private property in such an inoperable or
neglected condition that the owner's intention to relinquish all
rights or interest in it may be reasonably concluded, Any vehicle
or part that is wrecked, dismantled, or inoperative and that is
parked, stored, or left on public or private property or, any vehicle
left, parked, resting, or otherwise immobilized on any highway or
public right-of-way which lacks an engine, transmission,
windshield, or any other part or equipment necessary to operate
safely on the highway.
Any vehicle that is parked, resting or otherwise immobilized on
any highway or public right-of-way which lacks an engine,
transmission, wheels, tires, doors, windshield, or any other part or
equipment necessary to operate safely on the highway, is declared
a hazard to public health, safety and welfare and may be removed
immediately.
When a vehicle is a nuisance, inoperable, wrecked or dismantled
on private property, open to public view, and is not obviously
abandoned, or the property owner will not give consent to tow the
Page 19 of 26
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DP 7.08 - Vehicle Towing/Impound and Release Procedures
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vehicle, the vehicle may be abated in accordance with 22660.
CVC/81.10 SDMC,
d. Public nuisance vehicles on private property are to be referred to
the Abandoned Vehicle Abatement Unit at (858) 495-7856.
Driver Arrested for Engaging in a Speed Contest, Exhibition of Speed,
Reckless Driving or Reckless Driving in an Off-street Parking Facility
[CVC 23109.2(a)]_-
When a driver is cited or taken into custody for 23103 (a) or (b), or 23109
(a) or (c) CVC, officers may impound the driver’s vehicle with a “hold”
for 30 days.
VI. RELEASE OF IMPOUNDED VEHICLES
A. Vehicles impounded under cvc Section(s) 14602.6, 14607.6, 22651 (i), (0), (p),
or 23109.2 will be released only in compliance with the following:
1.
- Section 14602.6(d) — the vehicle may be released prior to the 30th day
upon completion of a post storage hearing with the approval of the Traffic
Division employee designated as the hearing officer. The tow companies
will accept no other releases.
Section 14607.6(d) — vehicles subject to forfeiture may be released under
certain circumstances upon completion of a post storage hearing with the
approval of the Traffic Division employee designated as the hearing
officer. The tow companies will accept no other releases.
Section 22651(i) — the vehicle may be impounded until the owner
furnishes all of the following items:
a Evidence of identity and a California address at which he or she
can be located;
b. Evidence that all parking violations issued against the vehicle and
all other vehicles registered to the RO of the impounded vehicle,
and all traffic violations of the RO have been cleared; and,
c. Evidence of current registration.
Section 22651(0) (1) (A), (B), or (C)-the vehicle may be impounded until
the owner provides the following:
a, Evidence of current registration or a temporary operating permit.
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b. A licensed driver.
5. Section 22651(p) - the vehicle may be impounded until a licensed driver
responds, at the request of the legal owner or registered owner of the
vehicle,
6. Section 23109.2 — a 30-day hold for engaging in a speed contest or.
reckless driving may be reduced during a post storage hearing. Traffic
Division will be responsible for providing a hearing for cases initiated by
patrol officers. The vehicle shall be released if the vehicle was stolen, or
if the RO was neither the driver nor a passenger of the vehicle at the time
of the alleged violation, or was unaware that the driver was using the
vehicle to engage in the alleged illegal activity that caused the vehicle to
be impounded. The owner is not liable for any towing and storage charges
related to the vehicle impound if acquittal or dismissal of the underlying
criminal case occurs.
The Department may pay towing and storage fees if a victim’s vehicle is
impounded with “HOLD FOR EVIDENCE.” If the assigned detective determines
the Department should assume any of the fees, the detective shall contact the Tow
Administrator at (858) 573-5067 or the Tow Administration Unit at (858) 495-
7832/7826 to ensure the proper fees are applied. The owner pays any fees
occurring after the vehicle’s release from an evidentiary hold (i.e., storage
occurring due to the owner failing to pick up the vehicle within the time specified
by the Tow Administrator), All other towing or storage fees associated with
legally towed vehicles are the responsibility of the owner. Owners who contest
the charges will be referred to the Tow Administration Unit at (858) 495-7830 in
order to conduct a Post-Storage Hearing.
A tow company will not release a vehicle with expired registration without the
approval of the impounding agency.
If'a vehicle has been impounded for Investigations and also has unpaid parking
citations, owners should be referred to the Treasurer's Vehicle Release Section for
payment of the citations and clearance of the registration.
Releasing a “Police Hold" for sections CVC 22655, 22655.3, 22655.5°
‘Ll Release to Owner or a Representative Designated by the Owner
a. The Vehicle Release Form (PD-368) should be completed only if
all holds are being released. The owner, or owner’s representative,
will be provided the original unless a referral is made to the City
Treasurer for additional clearances.
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b. The tow company will release the vehicle when the owner/
representative presents the release form and personal identification
and pays all appropriate tow fees.
2. Release to the tow company when the owner/representative fails to
retrieve the vehicle
a. The tow yard will be informed that the hold is being released after
the vehicle owner has been notified.
b. The Impound Desk (531-2844) will be notified by the assigned
. investigator of the transfer if the vehicle is being transferred from a
police storage facility to a tow yard.
PRIVATE TOWS
Private tows are those that are not initiated or facilitated by the City. Private tows
are those that occur when tow companies are hired by private property owners to
remove vehicles from their parking lots (shopping centers, apartment complexes,
etc.). On occasion, officers may be summoned to assist with disputes involving private
property tows and predatory tows. “Predatory tows” involve tow operators patrolling
private property to enforce parking violations and impound vehicles without specific
individual complaints. The following guidelines and Vehicle Code sections should be
used by officers to determine the best course of action to be taken while investigating
towing violations. The following Vehicle Code sections are misdemeanor crimes and
subject the violator to arrest.
A. Immediate and Unconditional Release of Vehicle (22658(g) (1) (B) CVC)
1. Upon the request of the owner of the vehicle, or the owner’s agent, the
towing company or its driver shall immediately and unconditionally
release a vehicle that is not yet removed from private property and in
transit.
2. To prove a violation:
a. The owner or owner’s agent requested the release of the vehicle;
b. The vehicle must still be on private property and not yet in transit;
and,
c, The tow operator failed to immediately and unconditionally release
the vehicle.
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3. The arresting officer shall provide the following information in the arrest
report:
a.
Evidence of ownership or agency (i.e., possession of the vehicle
keys) .
' How and when the owner or agent discovered the car was being
towed;
The period of time that passed since discovery;
What was said to the tow operator; and,
Whether the tow operator placed any conditions on the car’s
release (i.¢., insist that the owner or agent pay a fee for the
vehicle’s release).
B. Charging Excessive Rate and Disclosure of Rates (22658(j), (1) and (2) CVC)
1. . It is unlawful for a tow operator to knowingly charge a vehicle owner an
excessive rate for a towing, service, or storage fee, or fail to make
available the tow rate within 24 hours of a request by law enforcement, the
Attorney General, a District Attorney, or a City Attorney.
2. The following proof is required for prosecution:
a.
Violation of 22658(j) (1) - the rates charged at the time of the
incident and law enforcement rates for San Diego Police
Department or California Highway Patrol tows that are within the
City of San Diego; and,
b. Violation of 22658(j) (2) - the facts regarding the failure to
produce the rates within a 24-hour period.
Cc. Vehicle Code section 22658(h) allows a tow operator to charge not more than
one-half of the regular towing charge if the vehicle owner, or agent, returns to the
vehicle after the vehicle is coupled to the tow truck by means of a regular hitch,
coupling device, drawbar, portable dolly, or is lifted off the ground by means ofa
conventional trailer, and before it is removed from the private property.
However, a tow operator cannot hold the vehicle hostage for this fee. The tow
operator must release the vehicle on demand and without condition. Regular
towing charges may only be imposed after the vehicle has been removed from the
property and is in transit.
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D. Failure to Accept Credit Cards or Post Notice (22658(k) CVC)
1.
1.
Towing company or vehicle storage operators must accept valid major
credit cards as payment and post a notice that all valid credit cards are .
acceptable as a means of payment.
To prove a violation of 22658(k) (1) - if a tow company or vehicle storage
operator refuses to accept a credit card from the vehicle owner or their
agent, the arresting officer must provide the following information:
a. A statement from the vehicle’s owner or agent;
b. Proof of payment by some means other than credit card; and,
c. Proof that the owner or agent had a valid credit card to offer as
payment (Credit cards issued by a retail seller are not acceptable;
the tow operator must only accept major credit cards.)
To prove a violation of 22658(k) (2) - if a tow company or vehicle storage
operator fails to post a notice that all valid credit cards and cash are
acceptable means of payment, the arresting officer must provide proof that
no notice was posted. This may be in the form of photographs or
descriptions of that portion of the storage facility where business is:
conducted with the public.
Written Authorization from Property Owner or Agent (22658(1) (1) (A) CVC)
A tow operator must get written authorization from the property owner,
lessee, or an employee or agent, who is present at the time of removal and
verifies the violation, before commencing removal.
There is an exemption for a residential rental property of 15 or fewer units
with no onsite-management. In that case, a tenant may authorize a tow
from the tenant’s assigned parking space.
To prove a violation of (22658(1) (1) (A) - the arresting officer must
obtain the following:
a. Information or statements showing that the tow operator cannot
produce written authorization signed by an appropriate party
present at the tow; and,
b. A description of the private property from which the vehicle was
towed, including the address and property owner, if available.
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om If the tow operator produces a signed authorization form, the
officer should interview the property owner or the party who
signed the form to find out when the form was signed and who was
on site at the time of the tow.
4, Per 22658(1) (1) (C) G@) CVC, when a vehicle owner redeems a vehicle,
and prior to payment of towing or storage fees, the towing company is
required to provide a photocopy of the written authorization to the vehicle
owner or agent. The written authorization must include:
a, The make, model, VIN number, and license plate of the vehicle;
b. The name, signature, and other identifying information of the
authorizing party;
c. The grounds for removal of the vehicle;
d, The time that the vehicle was first observed parked at the private
property; and,
@ The time that authorization to tow was given.
5. The towing company is required to redact the name, signature, and other
identifying information of the person authorizing a tow from residential
property. For this reason, in order to identify who authorized the tow, it is
important to get a copy of the original tow authorization from the tow
operator.
6. The tow company must also give the vehicle owner or agent a separate
notice that provides the telephone number of local law enforcement or
prosecuting agency that states: “If you believe that you have been
wrongfully towed, please contact the local law enforcement or prosecuting
agency at: San Diego Police Department (619) 531-2000, San Diego City
Attorney (619) 533-5500.” This notice must be in English and Spanish.
F, General Authorization to Remove or Commence Removal of a Vehicle
1. A property owner or manager may not delegate general authorization to
remove or commence removal of a vehicle from private property to the
discretion of a towing company or its affiliates, except:
a. When the vehicle is unlawfully parked within 15 feet of a fire
hydrant or in a fire lane; or,.
b. When the vehicle is parked in a manner which interferes with an
entrance to, or exit from, the private property.
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G.
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2. . In these cases, the tow company must take a picture of the vehicle prior to
hooking it up that clearly shows the parking violation. Additionally, the
towing company shall keep the photograph and present it to the vehicle’s
owner or agent, prior to accepting payment. The tow company shall also
provide a photocopy of the vehicle, without charge, to the owner or their
agent at the time that person claims the vehicle.
Notice of Tow to San Diego Police Department (22658(m) CVC)
1. - A tow company must notify local law enforcement within 60 minutes of
removing a vehicle from private property, or within 15 minutes after
arriving at a vehicle storage facility, whichever time is less.
2. If a violation has occurred, the arresting officer must obtain:
a. A copy of the impound report;
b. The written authorization form; and,
c. Acopy of the tow report log from the San Diego Police
Department Teletype Unit.
3, The tow company may claim they delayed notification because it was
impracticable, however, it must be proven by the tow company. If the tow
company claims it was impracticable, the officer shall get a complete
statement as to why this occurred.
VID. PREDATORY TOW ENFORCEMENT
A.
Violations of the private tow provisions in Vehicle Code section 22658 are
misdemeanors. Officers who take enforcement action for these violations will
apply the same standards as other misdemeanor arrests. Violators may be issued a
misdemeanor citation or taken into custody. If the violation did not occur in the
presence of the officer, a citizen’s arrest may be necessary.
All investigations, arrest reports, citations, and notify warrants shall be handled by
investigators at the area command wherein the violation occurred. All complaints
regarding predatory tows shall also be handled by the area command where the
violation occurred.
Page 26 of 26
IN THE SUPREME COURT OF THE UNITED STATES
LAMONTE DIONDRE GASTON,
Petitioner,
Vv.
UNITED STATES OF AMERICA,
Respondent.
Certificate of Service
I, Chelsea A. Estes, appointed to represent the petitioner under the Criminal
Justice Act, certify that on April 2, 2019, one copy of the Petition for a Writ of
Certiorari, the Appendix, and a Motion to Proceed In Forma Pauperis in the abovecaptioned case were served by first-class mail, postage prepaid, to respondent’s
counsel. I further certify that all parties required to be served have been served.
Service was addressed as follows:
Noel Francisco
Acting Solicitor General of the United States
Room 5614
Department of Justice
950 Pennsylvania Avenue, N.W.
Washington, D.C. 20530-0001
Vln A YEE.
Chelsea A. Estes
Federal Defenders of San Diego, Inc.
225 Broadway, #900
San Diego, California 92101
Chelsea_Estes@fd.org
619-234-8467
Counsel for Mr. Gaston
This is a copy of a public record, reproduced as it was published. It is not legal advice, and it may not be the version a court would rely on. Check the official source before you cite it.