Wheel Lock and Boot

A wheel lock, commonly called a boot, clamps around a vehicle's wheel and prevents it from rolling, typically used by property management or a contracted enforcement service to immobilize vehicles parked in violation of posted rules, or by a vehicle owner as an anti-theft device on their own car. Removal generally requires a key or a paid release process depending on who applied it.

On a real property, booting programs require clear, compliant signage stating that unauthorized vehicles may be booted, along with a documented removal and payment process; enforcement without adequate signage or process can expose the property to disputes or complaints. Some California cities and counties separately regulate vehicle immobilization by private companies, and rules vary by jurisdiction.

Improperly applied boots can be defeated by removing the wheel entirely, and booting a vehicle that turns out to be authorized — a visitor whose permit wasn't logged, for example — creates a customer service and liability problem, so many properties require a verification step before booting occurs.

In a patrol program, officers applying or verifying boots should follow a specific post order procedure, photograph the vehicle and its violation before booting, and log the action in the daily activity report given the direct dispute potential with vehicle owners.