LA to Resume Towing of Vehicle Dwellings

The city of Los Angeles will resume towing vehicle dwellings such as RV’s in violation of posted signage after a vote by the City Council on April 6.   

Enforcement and towing of vehicle dwellings was suspended in March 2020, when the city declared a local emergency, relaxing enforcement for all parking violations. The city resumed general enforcement in October 2020, but vehicles that officers believed were being used as dwellings were exempt. 

According to the Los Angeles Department of Transportation, vehicle dwellings were exempt from enforcement so "the unhoused did not meet additional burdens during a health crisis.'' Officials added that the definition's broadness has led to abandoned vehicles not being impounded either. 

In February, the department created criteria for distinguishing between abandoned vehicles suitable for towing and vehicles used as dwellings that warrant additional engagement. 

The City Council on Wednesday voted to approve LADOT's criteria, and Councilman Joe Buscaino added an amendment to have the department resume parking enforcement for all motor vehicles, including vehicle dwellings, that are in violation of posted signage on May 15.  Source