Broome County, NY Business Licensing & Operations: Towing Companies (2026)

L. No. 5-2004), establishes a County towing list for vehicles that are traffic hazards on public roadways. Dispatchers must route Sheriff-requested tows to firms on the list on a rotating basis (§ 341-3). To get on the list, a tower files a permit application with the Broome County Office of the Sheriff disclosing ownership, business address, hours of operation, and, under § 341-4, meeting eligibility rules: a certificate of general liability, property damage, personal injury and workers' compensation insurance acceptable to the County's Office of Risk and Insurance, no subcontracting, a permit renewable every two years, at least one conventional tow truck with dollies or wheel-lift plus one rollback or large-capacity truck rated 20 tons or more, twenty-four-hour service with a 20-minute-or-less response time, no call-back referrals, storage lots that are lighted, secured, insured and within County limits, and cleaning equipment to remove debris per Vehicle and Traffic Law § 1219(c).

Firms may not tow vehicles outside the County unless directed by the owner or Sheriff. daily (or whenever the firm operates, whichever is greater), and after 30 days in storage the owner must be notified of accruing fees every 30 days thereafter. Section 341-7 preserves an owner's right to call a tower off the list, unless the officer at the scene has safety concerns and the chosen tower cannot respond promptly.