Any person operating a motor vehicle without a valid driver license will result in the vehicle being towed away, regardless of who owns the car (see §14602.6 California Vehicle Code). It is the registered owner’s responsibility to ensure that drivers are properly licensed to operate their vehicle (see §14604 California Vehicle Code).
Vehicles operated by unlicensed drivers can be impounded for up to 30 days. These costs are charged to the registered owner and are very expensive. Oxnard Police Department vehicle release fees are $495 and tow company fees are $60-$90 plus $25 per day for storage. A typical car stored because of an unlicensed driver can cost the car’s owner over $1,300.