legal help in california

my 72 charger isnt running right now. The tranny is messed up and doesnt have a reverse. I have it registered and i have insurance on it. The cops came the other week and said that since it is not in perfect running condition that they are going to tow it. Can they do this? I pay my registration on it (not no-op) and i have full coverage insurance.

someone help me i dont want this to get towed before i can fix it