Bergenfield, NJ Business Licensing & Operations: Towing Companies (2026)

Chapter 284 licenses official towers through the Borough Administrator and Police Department, but § 284-10G separately governs nonconsensual towing from private property, like apartment complexes and shopping-center lots. Under § 284-10G(1), no person may tow a vehicle parked for an unauthorized purpose from a privately owned lot, other private property or a common driveway without the owner's consent, unless the property owner has authorized the tower and posted a sign at least 36 inches by 36 inches at every vehicular entrance. That sign must state the parking rules, warn that unauthorized vehicles will be towed at the owner's expense, and list the towing company's name, address, phone number, and the posted towing and storage charges.

Section 284-10G(2) separately requires that a towing company not remove a motor vehicle from private property without first obtaining written authorization from the property owner or lessee, or its employees or agent. The signage requirement does not apply to single-family lots, small owner-occupied buildings of six units or fewer, or vehicles blocking a driveway. A tower must release a vehicle to an owner who returns before it's hooked, charging only the $75 to $100 decoupling fee rather than the full tow. Every nonconsensual tow must be reported to the Bergenfield Police Department before the vehicle leaves the property, including the plate number, VIN, make, model and destination.

Violating any of Chapter 284's provisions, including the private-property towing rules, is punishable under § 284-14 by a fine up to $750 per day, with a second violation costing the tower its official license for the rest of the year plus another full year.