Abandoned Vehicles & Vehicle Release

Abandoned Vehicles

An abandoned vehicle is defined by the California Vehicle Code Section 22651(k) and West Covina Municipal Code 22-22 as any vehicle left parked or standing upon a street or highway for seventy-two (72) or more consecutive hours. Vehicles that are reported as possibly abandoned will generally be marked and left tagged for the required 72 hours before receiving a citation or being removed.

Identifying a Possible Abandoned Vehicle

The following are some signs of an abandoned vehicle:

• Cobwebs extending to the roadway
• Dirt and debris gathered under the vehicle
• An obvious layer of dust on the vehicle windows and body

Reporting a Vehicle

When calling in to report a vehicle, please have the following ready:

• The exact location of the vehicle (address or nearest cross streets)
• License plate number (if available)
• Vehicle description (make, model, color)

To report a possible abandoned vehicle, please call 626-939-8426.

Vehicle Release

Occasionally, the West Covina Police Department may have a vehicle stored or impounded. In order to retrieve a vehicle, an impound release must be obtained from the Records Bureau at the West Covina Police Department. An impound release can be obtained during regular business hours of the Records Bureau, which is 7:30 am to 5:30 pm - Monday through Friday (Excluding holidays).

Vehicle Impound Release

Fee: $206.40, which is payable by credit card (Discover, MasterCard, or Visa) or cash (exact change only)

To obtain a release of a stored/impounded vehicle, you must present all of the following:

• Valid driver's license
• Proof that you are the current registered owner or legal owner. If the vehicle was taken for 30 days due to a licensing violation, the registered owner (if the driver at the time the vehicle was impounded) must have valid identification and have a second person with a valid driver's license to have the vehicle released
• Payment of appropriate fee - cash or credit card only

You must first obtain a release from the police department prior to picking up at the towing company. After paying the vehicle release fee at the West Covina Police Department, towing and storage fees are charged by the tow company. The towing company fees will vary with the type of vehicle stored and the time elapsed since the date of storage.

Currently, the West Covina Police Department utilizes Royal Coaches Towing.

Please call 626-939-8500 during regular business hours (7:30 am to 5:30 pm | Monday through Friday | Excluding holidays) for further questions regarding the release of vehicles.