AB-2174 (Chen) Vehicles: removal from private property.

Would include a shared mobility device such as a motorized scooter, electric bicycle, bicycle, or similar transportation device that is made available to the public for shared use in the definition of a vehicle for towing purposes.

Current Status: Chaptered

FindHOALaw Quick Summary:

Existing law authorizes the owner or person in lawful possession of private property to cause the removal of a vehicle parked on the property to a storage facility when signs are posted prohibiting public parking and warning that vehicles will be removed at the owner’s expense. Existing law requires the tow truck operator removing the vehicle, if the operator knows or is able to ascertain the name and address of the registered and legal owner of the vehicle, to immediately give, or cause to be given, notice in writing to the registered and legal owner of the fact of the removal and the amount of mileage on the vehicle at the time of the removal. Existing law makes it a misdemeanor for the towing company to remove or commence the removal of a vehicle from private property without first obtaining the written authorization from the property owner or lessee, or an employee or agent thereof, and requires the written authorization to include specified information, including the make, model, vehicle identification number, and license plate number of the removed vehicle.

This bill would amend Vehicle Code Section 22658 to require the notice of removal to the vehicle’s registered and legal owner to include the amount of mileage on the vehicle only if the vehicle has a visible odometer. If the vehicle is a shared mobility device or does not have an identifiable make, model, vehicle identification number, or license plate number, require the written authorization of the property owner or lessee to include any identification numbers on the vehicle, including, but not limited to, a quick response (QR) code or serial number.

This bill would add Vehicle Code Section 554 to define vehicle to include a shared mobility device, which the bill would define as an electrically motorized board, motorized scooter, electric bicycle, bicycle, or other similar personal transportation device that is made available to the public by a shared mobility device service provider for shared use and transportation in exchange for financial compensation via a digital application or other electronic or digital platform.

**AB-2174 was signed into law on August 29, 2022 and takes effect January 1, 2023.