Bethlehem, PA Business Licensing & Operations: Towing Companies (2026)

Article 538 governs every non-consent tow in the city. 01 lets the Police Commissioner or the Parking Authority's Executive Director remove and impound any vehicle parked in violation of the Pennsylvania Motor Vehicle Code or a City ordinance, and lets them seize and immobilize the vehicle of any owner delinquent on five or more City or Commonwealth parking tickets. The Police Commissioner contracts directly with qualified Tow Operators, while the Parking Authority may contract with no more than six. 02 requires each contracted Tow Operator to maintain a single storage facility inside Bethlehem holding at least ten full-sized cars plus a secure building for one more vehicle.

03 requires $50,000 in aggregate property-damage liability coverage naming the City as an additional insured. 04 lets the City and Parking Authority charge a fee to cover administrative towing costs. 05, the Police Department must mail notice of the impoundment within twelve hours, listing the removal location, reason, and storage garage; an unclaimed vehicle with no protest filed within fifteen days can be declared abandoned. 07 gives an owner who protests in writing a hearing within twenty-four hours before a City hearing officer, who can order the vehicle released without charge if the protest is upheld. 00 surcharge for release at any other hour.