Car Lockout in Los Angeles, CA

If a child or pet is inside, call 911

A closed car in the sun heats far beyond the outside air, and the same goes for anyone inside who cannot open a door on their own. In those cases call 911 rather than wait for a locksmith.

Rules that can put a clock on a lockout

A car stuck at the curb in Los Angeles is still subject to the city's parking rules while you wait.

• Street sweeping. Under Los Angeles Municipal Code 80.69(B), disabled person and veteran placards are not exempt from street cleaning restrictions. If you are locked out on a block with posted sweeping, read the sign and put the sweeping time in your request.
• Driveways. A car blocking any part of a driveway, including the apron, may be towed. If the car is across someone's driveway, say so, and let the owner know if you can.

This is general information, not legal advice.

Pinpointing the car

Los Angeles is large enough that "downtown" or "near the interchange" does not locate a car. Use landmarks and cross streets.

• South Broadway. The theaters of the National Register district make useful landmarks. Naming the nearest theater or cross street puts you on the right block.
• Arts District. The district is bounded by Alameda Street on one side and the Los Angeles River on the other. Give the street you are on and the nearest cross street.
• Parking structures. Give the level, the row or space number and the entrance you used.

Details for the request

1. The neighborhood, street, nearest cross street and side of the street.
2. Whether the car is at a curb, across a driveway, in a lot or in a garage, and any posted sweeping time.
3. The year, make, model and color.
4. Where the keys are: in the ignition, on a seat, in the trunk, or nowhere you know of.

A car whose keys are lost rather than locked inside calls for car key replacement instead. Car lockout is the service page, and Los Angeles explains local parking rules in more detail.