California Code, Vehicle Code - VEH § 22651.4

(a) A peace officer, as defined in Chapter 4.5 (commencing with Section 830) of Title 3 of Part 2 of the Penal Code, may impound a vehicle and its cargo pursuant to Section 34517.

(b) A member of the department may impound a vehicle and its cargo pursuant to Section 34518.

(c) A member of the department may store or impound a vehicle upon determination that the registrant of the vehicle or the driver of the vehicle has failed to pay registration, regulatory, fuel permit, or other fees, or has an outstanding warrant in a county in the state.  The impoundment charges are the responsibility of the owner of the vehicle.  The stored or impounded vehicle shall be released upon payment of those fees or fines or the posting of bail.  The driver or owner of the vehicle may request a hearing to determine the validity of the seizure.