Tow operators in Albuquerque need a New Mexico Public Regulation Commission permit, a city business registration, and must follow APD rotation list rules, posted rate schedules, and consumer-protection requirements for nonconsensual tows.
Towing in Albuquerque is jointly regulated. The New Mexico Public Regulation Commission licenses operators and approves maximum rates under NM §65-2A-1, while Albuquerque administers the police-initiated rotation list and enforces local consumer-protection rules. Tow companies must post rates, accept multiple forms of payment, allow owners reasonable access to retrieve personal property, and provide written invoices. Nonconsensual tows from private property require posted signage and notification to APD within set timeframes so vehicles are not reported stolen. Predatory practices and unlicensed towing draw both state and city penalties.
Towing without state authority, exceeding PRC rates, ignoring APD notification rules, or refusing access to personal property can lead to fines, removal from the police rotation list, and PRC license actions.
See how Albuquerque's towing companies rules stack up against other locations.
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