Anne Arundel County, MD Business Licensing & Operations: Towing Companies (2026)
Key Facts
- Minimum sign size
- 24 in. high, 30 in. wide
- Sign spacing
- 1 per 7,500 sq ft of lot
- Redemption access
- Available 24/7 by law
- Drop fee cap
- 50% of full tow cost
- Violation class
- Class D civil offense
Summary
Private lots and communities may only tow unauthorized vehicles if they post signs meeting exact size, content, and spacing rules under County Code Title 16.
Without a vehicle owner's permission, the owner or operator of a parking lot...may not have a vehicle towed or otherwise removed from the parking lot or private road unless the owner, operator, or agent has placed in conspicuous locations signs that: (1) are at least 24 inches high and 30 inches wide...and (5) state the maximum amount that the vehicle owner may be charged for the towing or removal of the vehicle.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: 2026 S-93: County Code is current through May, 2026).
Full Breakdown
Anne Arundel County Code § 11-16-402 lets a parking lot or private-road owner have a vehicle nonconsensually towed only if signs are posted that are at least 24 by 30 inches, clearly visible to entering drivers, and list the towing company's name and phone number, the storage facility address, 24/7 redemption availability, and the maximum towing charge. One sign is required per 7,500 square feet of lot, plus one at every entrance. Towing companies must also be licensed under § 11-16-201 and follow the notice, photo-evidence, and drop-fee procedures in § 11-16-404.
Violations & Fines
Failure to comply is a Class D civil offense under § 9-2-101, enforceable by civil citation or injunction; towing companies also risk license suspension or revocation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a private lot in Glen Burnie or Severna Park tow my car without asking?
Can I get my car back before it's hauled away?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Anne Arundel County
Compare Anne Arundel County to another location·View the Maryland business licensing & operations overview
See something wrong?
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.