This is a general guide and not intended as legal advice.
When a Vehicles is Stored by Law Enforcement (CVC §22851)
When a vehicle is placed in storage by a law enforcement agency, the maximum number of days for a towing/storage lien is 60 days.
The storage lien may be extended to a period not exceeding 120 days if an application for lien sale is submitted:
When a Vehicles is Valued at $4,000 or Under (CC §3068.1[b]) The storage lien may be extended to 120 days if: When a Vehicles is Valued over $4,000 (CC §3068.1[c])
The number of days for a storage lien on a vehicle valued at $4,000 or under is 15 days.
The storage lien may be extended to 60 days if a Notice of Pending Lien Sale for Vehicle Valued $4,000 or Less (REG 668) is sent to:
all interested parties, and
the DMV within 15 days after the lien arises.
A Declaration of Opposition is filed within the appropriate time frame.
The vehicle has out-of-state registration.
The vehicle identification number was altered or removed.
A person who has interest in the vehicle becomes known to the lienholder after the lienholder has mailed the Notice of Pending Lien Sale for Vehicle Valued $4,000 or Less (REG 668).
For vehicles valued over $4,000 the storage lien may be for 120 days if an Application for Lien Sale Authorization and Lienholder’s Certification (REG 656) is submitted to the department within 30 days after the lien arises.