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 patrol officers take an initial report at the scene, 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, identifies areas in the city where an unusually high number of collisions occur. These areas are analyzed to determine whether changes can reduce the likelihood of future collisions. In some cases, the traffic unit may implement stricter enforcement to reduce collisions and injuries among motorists.
The Traffic Unit investigates all reported hit-and-run collisions. These investigations may involve collecting evidence, interviewing witnesses, arresting suspects, and filing criminal charges. California law requires you to stop if you are involved in a collision.
The Traffic Unit is also responsible for scheduling and deploying DUI checkpoints and/or roving DUI patrols. These deployments often involve several other local agencies to prevent individuals from driving under the influence and to apprehend violators.
The department’s parking enforcement is part of the Traffic Unit. Police officers, community service officers, parking enforcement officers, cadets, and volunteers enforce city parking codes, including violations related to tree sweeping, 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 reported as 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. 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 the Records Bureau’s regular business hours, 7:30 am to 5:30 pm, Monday through Friday (excluding holidays).
Vehicle Impound Release:
Fee: $206.40, 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 impounded for 30 days due to a licensing violation, the registered owner (if the driver at the time of impoundment) must present valid identification and have a second person with a valid driver’s license to release the vehicle.
- Payment of appropriate fee – cash or credit card only
You must first obtain a release from the police department before picking up at the towing company. After paying the vehicle release fee at the West Covina Police Department, the tow company will charge for towing and storage. Towing company fees vary based on the type of vehicle stored and the time since 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) with any questions regarding vehicle releases.
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. The Los Angeles Superior Court handles all payments and hearing dates for traffic citations. Please visit this page for questions about 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 Clerk’s Office