Section 22953 Of Chapter 11. Parking Lots From California Vehicle Code >> Division 11. >> Chapter 11.
22953
. (a) An owner or person in lawful possession of private
property that is held open to the public, or a discernible portion
thereof, for parking of vehicles at no fee, or an employee or agent
thereof, shall not tow or remove, or cause the towing or removal, of
a vehicle within one hour of the vehicle being parked.
(b) Notwithstanding subdivision (a), a vehicle may be removed
immediately after being illegally parked within 15 feet of a fire
hydrant, in a fire lane, in a manner that interferes with an entrance
to, or an exit from, the private property, or in a parking space or
stall legally designated for disabled persons.
(c) Subdivision (a) does not apply to property designated for
parking at residential property, or to property designated for
parking at a hotel or motel where the parking stalls or spaces are
clearly marked for a specific room.
(d) It is the intent of the Legislature in the adoption of
subdivision (a) to avoid causing the unnecessary stranding of
motorists and placing them in dangerous situations, when traffic
citations and other civil remedies are available, thereby promoting
the safety of the general public.
(e) A person who violates subdivision (a) is civilly liable to the
owner of the vehicle or his or her agent for two times the amount of
the towing and storage charges.