26-0216: Vehicle Towing from Private Lots and Parking Facilities – Revisions FOR the purpose of establishing certain maximum charges for towing services; specifying certain required information to be included on towing service receipts and daily logs maintained by each towing service; specifying certain limitations on incomplete tows; requiring that a towing service accept credit cards; prohibiting certain instances of patrol towing; making certain stylistic changes; conforming, clarifying, and correcting related provisions; and generally related to the regulation of vehicle towing from private lots and facilities in Baltimore City.

Description

Vehicle Towing from Private Lots and Parking Facilities – Revisions FOR the purpose of establishing certain maximum charges for towing services; specifying certain required information to be included on towing service receipts and daily logs maintained by each towing service; specifying certain limitations on incomplete tows; requiring that a towing service accept credit cards; prohibiting certain instances of patrol towing; making certain stylistic changes; conforming, clarifying, and correcting related provisions; and generally related to the regulation of vehicle towing from private lots and facilities in Baltimore City.

Summary

Baltimore City Council Bill 26-0216 revises rules for towing vehicles from private lots and parking facilities. It requires towing companies to be licensed, bans patrol towing and “spotters,” and requires documented authorization, photographic evidence, city notification, and delivery to posted storage locations. Property owners must display detailed signs showing towing conditions, fees, reclaim hours, and contact information. The bill establishes maximum fees, including limits of $250, $585, or $845 based on vehicle weight, a release fee capped at 25% of the towing charge, and storage fees capped at $50 per day after 12 hours. Operators must accept major credit cards, provide detailed receipts, maintain tow logs for two years, and allow prompt vehicle recovery. Violations may result in license sanctions, a $500 misdemeanor fine, or both. The measure would take effect 30 days after enactment.