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AB-1022

AB-1022: Removing Authority to Tow or Immobilize Vehicles for Unpaid Parking Tickets

Last scannedAug 24, 2026, 7:05 AM

In one sentence

This law removes the power of peace officers and public employees to tow, impound, or immobilize vehicles when owners have five or more unpaid parking tickets or traffic violations.

What it does

  • Removes authority to remove a vehicle from highways or public land if it has received 5 or more unresponded-to parking violation notices within designated time periods.
  • Deletes the rule allowing removal of vehicles for having 5 or more failure-to-pay or failure-to-appear court notices without a certificate issued by the magistrate or clerk.
  • Eliminates the power to tow cars from off-street parking facilities when they have received 5 or more parking tickets over at least 5 days with no response.
  • Removes provisions that allow law enforcement to impound vehicles until owners provide identity, an in-state address, and proof of bail deposit for violations.
  • Deletes rules requiring vehicle immobilization on highways or public lands due to delinquent parking notices or unpaid traffic violation penalties.

Who it affects

  • Peace officers who enforce traffic laws
  • Regularly employed city, county, or state agency employees who direct traffic or enforce parking rules
  • Vehicle owners with five or more outstanding parking tickets or court notices

Limits and unknowns

  • The bill text does not state when this law will officially go into effect.
  • The source material does not explain what other methods agencies might use to collect unpaid fines after these removal powers end.
  • The document does not specify if any exceptions remain for vehicles blocking traffic or creating immediate safety hazards.

Plain language

Terms to know

Peace officer
A law enforcement official authorized to enforce laws and regulations.
Immobilize
To make a vehicle unable to move, often by using a device like a wheel clamp or boot.
Impound
To take possession of a vehicle and hold it in custody until requirements are met.

Official record

Sources

Source attached
Official bill pageStored full record

Official summary

Authority to remove vehicles.

Official activity

Bill history

  1. Assembly - Died - Appropriations