Annapolis, MD Business Licensing & Operations: Towing Companies (2026)
Key Facts
- License required
- before towing in city limits
- Filing + license fee
- $50 each, per fee schedule
- Bond required
- $25,000, filed with City Clerk
- Storage requirement
- off-street lot within 1 mile
- Violation penalty
- misdemeanor fine plus license revocation
Summary
Annapolis requires a City license or signed agency contract before any company may tow disabled, illegally parked, or scofflaw vehicles from city streets, with police vetting and a $25,000 bond.
Towing disabled, illegally parked, or scofflaw vehicles in the City of Annapolis is prohibited without a license or signed contract to be an agent of the City.B.Licensed or contracted towing companies shall not tow vehicles while their license is suspended or if the license is revoked.C.Towing company shall tow only disabled, illegally parked, and scofflaw vehicles as defined in this chapter.D.Exceptions.1.A person involved in an accident may use a towing company not licensed with the City.2.A person who belongs to a nationally recognized automotive association may use the towing company provided by the association. (Prior code § 16-39(B); Ord. No. O-23-24, § I, 4-14-2025)
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 2025 Update 2).
Full Breakdown
City Code § 7.52.030 bars towing disabled, illegally parked, or scofflaw vehicles in Annapolis without a City towing license or a signed contract to act as the City's agent. The City Clerk routes applications to the Chief of Police for investigation of off-street storage within a mile of the City, 24-hour service capability, and vehicle condition (§ 7.52.060). Licensees must post a $25,000 bond (§ 7.52.070) and carry a certified license copy in every tow truck (§ 7.52.040). Two narrow exceptions let accident parties or auto-club members use an unlicensed towing company (§ 7.52.030(D)).
Violations & Fines
Violating Chapter 7.52 is a misdemeanor punishable by a fine set annually by City Council resolution, plus costs; the Council may also suspend or revoke the towing license under § 7.52.190.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can any tow truck operator tow cars off Annapolis streets?
Is there an exception if I call my own tow truck after an accident?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Annapolis
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