Traffic
West Covina Police Department
Traffic
Unit
The West Covina Police Department investigates all reported traffic collisions that occur in the City of West Covina. When an initial report is taken at the scene by patrol officers, it is forwarded to the Traffic Unit for further investigation if it involves a hit and run. The Traffic Unit finalizes the determination of fault and, if necessary, issues a citation for the traffic violation.
The Traffic Unit responds to and investigates all fatal traffic collisions that occur within the City of West Covina. In the unfortunate event of a fatal traffic collision, the area of the collision must be preserved until the field investigation is complete. This may result in street closures for several hours.
The Traffic Unit, along with patrol officers, identify areas in the city where an abnormal amount of collisions take place. These areas are analyzed to determine if a change can be made to reduce the likelihood of future collisions. In some cases, heavier traffic enforcement may be implemented by the traffic unit in an effort to reduce the number of collisions and injuries to motorists.
The Traffic Unit investigates all reported hit and run collisions. These investigations can result in collecting evidence, interviewing witnesses, arresting suspects, and the possibility of criminal charges being filed. California law requires you to stop if you are involved in a collision.
The Traffic Unit is also responsible for the scheduling and deployment of DUI checkpoints and/or roving DUI patrols. These deployments often involve several other local agencies in an effort to prevent individuals from driving under the influence or apprehending violators.
The department’s parking enforcement is part of the Traffic Unit. Police officers, community service officers, parking enforcement officers, cadets, and volunteers all enforce city parking codes including street sweeping violations, extended parking, and abandoned vehicles.
You can contact the Traffic Unit at (626) 939-8500.
Abandoned Vehicles
An abandoned vehicle is defined by the California Vehicle Code Section 22651(k) and West Covina Municipal Code 22-22 as any vehicle left parked or standing upon a street or highway for seventy-two (72) or more consecutive hours. Vehicles that are reported as being possibly abandoned will generally be marked and left tagged for the required 72 hours before receiving a citation or being removed.
Identifying a possible abandoned vehicle
The following are some signs of an abandoned vehicle:
- Cobwebs extending to the roadway
- Dirt and debris gathered under the vehicle
- An obvious layer of dust on the vehicle windows and body
Reporting a Vehicle
When calling in to report a vehicle, please have the following ready:
- The exact location of the vehicle (address or nearest cross streets)
- License plate number (if available)
- Vehicle description (make, model, color)
To report a possible abandoned vehicle, please call (626) 939-8426.
Vehicle Release
Occasionally, the West Covina Police Department may have a vehicle stored or impounded. In order to retrieve a vehicle, an impound release must be obtained from the Records Bureau at the West Covina Police Department. An impound release can be obtained during regular business hours of the Records Bureau, which is 7:30 am to 5:30 pm – Monday through Friday (Excluding holidays).
Vehicle Impound Release:
Fee: $200.00, which is payable by credit card (Discover, MasterCard, or Visa) or cash (exact change only)
To obtain a release of a stored/impounded vehicle, you must present all of the following:
- Valid driver’s license
- Proof that you are the current registered owner or legal owner. If the vehicle was taken for 30 days due to a licensing violation, the registered owner (if the driver at the time the vehicle was impounded) must have valid identification and have a second person with a valid driver’s license to have the vehicle released
- Payment of appropriate fee – cash or credit card only
You must first obtain a release from the police department prior to picking up at the towing company. After paying the vehicle release fee at the West Covina Police Department, towing and storage fees are charged by the tow company. The towing company fees will vary with the type of vehicle stored and the time elapsed since the date of storage.
Currently, the West Covina Police Department utilizes the following company:
- Royal Coaches Towing – 14827 Ramona Blvd, Baldwin Park, CA 91706 – (626) 960-1824
Please call (626) 939-8500 during regular business hours (7:30 am to 5:30 pm | Monday through Friday | Excluding holidays) for further questions regarding the release of vehicles.
Collision Report
If you need a copy of your traffic collision that occurred after September 1, 2016, click here to obtain it online. A fee of 10.00 will be charged (Reports before that date are available in person at the West Covina Police Department).
Traffic Citations
The West Covina Police Department does NOT accept traffic (moving) citation payments. All payments and hearing dates for traffic citations are handled by the Los Angeles Superior Court. Please visit here for questions related to paying a fine, requesting an extension, requesting traffic school, or reserving a court date for a traffic citation issued in Los Angeles County.
Almost all traffic citations issued by the West Covina Police Department are handled at the West Covina Courthouse. The West Covina Courthouse is a separate government entity. To verify which courthouse will handle the citation, please refer to the bottom portion of the citation.
West Covina Courthouse
1427 West Covina Parkway
West Covina, CA 91790
Traffic Clerks Office