Aurora, IL Business Licensing & Operations: Towing Companies (2026)
Key Facts
- License fee
- $125 per year, issued by police chief
- Fine range
- $250-$2,500 per violation per day
- Sign size
- 24 in. by 36 in. minimum, reflective letters
- Redemption window
- storage site open 2 hrs minimum post-tow
- Rate cap
- set by Illinois Commerce Commission
Summary
Private property owners in Aurora, Illinois must post compliant warning signage and use a licensed commercial relocator before towing an unauthorized vehicle without the owner's consent, under City Code Chapter 46.
The towing or removal of any vehicle from private property within the City of Aurora without the consent of the registered owner or other legally authorized person in control of the vehicle is subject to compliance with the following conditions and restrictions. ... No person shall engage in the removal of vehicles from private property as described in this section without first obtaining a commercial relocator license...
Full Breakdown
Aurora's City Code regulates non-consent ("private property") towing under Chapter 46, Article 46-II. Before towing an unauthorized vehicle, the property owner must post a compliant warning sign at each driveway (24 by 36 inches, reflective lettering). The commercial relocator must notify the Aurora Police Department before the tow and again within 30 minutes after. The relocator needs a City of Aurora commercial relocator's license ($125 annual fee) issued by the police chief, faces a rate cap set by the Illinois Commerce Commission, and must keep the storage lot open at least two hours after the tow for redemption. The rule applies citywide, regardless of which of Aurora's four counties -- Kane, DuPage, Will or Kendall -- the property sits in.
Violations & Fines
Violating Chapter 46's towing rules carries a fine of $250 to $2,500 per violation, with each day of noncompliance charged as a separate violation; the police chief can also suspend or revoke a relocator's license.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a property owner in Aurora tow a car without the driver's consent?
How much can an Aurora tow company charge to release a car?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Aurora
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Towing Companies in Nearby Cities
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