Buffalo, NY Business Licensing & Operations: Towing Companies (2026)
Key Facts
- License renewal
- Biennial (every 2 years), expires April 1
- Standard tow rate cap
- $80 (vehicles up to 10,000 lbs)
- Flatbed rate cap
- $90
- Storage rate cap
- $20/day
- After-hours release fee cap
- $20
- Response time requirement
- 30 minutes for authorized City towers
Summary
Tow truck operators and owners in Buffalo must obtain a city license from the Department of Permit and Inspection Services, renewed biennially. Authorized City towers who tow for the Police or Parking Enforcement must also obtain a letter of authorization and are subject to capped rates.
§ 454-2. License required.
A. It shall be unlawful after the effective date of this chapter for any person to conduct the business for compensation of owning and operating or causing to be operated a tow truck within the City of Buffalo without first having obtained a license in the manner hereinafter set forth.
§ 454-24. Rate schedule. Authorized City towers shall not charge more than the following rates for the following respective services:
A. Passenger vehicles and light trucks:
(1) Standard tow (vehicles up to 10,000 pounds): $80.
(2) Flatbed: $90.
(3) Additional fees for labor, recovery and towing:
(a) Truck and driver hourly rate: $75.
(b) Dolly wheels: $25.
(c) Trailer for motorcycle, ATV/C, snowmobile: $20.
(d) Winching (per 1/4 hour): $20.
(4) Storage (per day): $20.
(5) Releasing after 5:00 p.m. weekdays or other than required business hours on Saturday, Sunday and holidays: $20.
Full Breakdown
No person may own or operate a tow truck for compensation in Buffalo without a city license (§ 454-2). The license application requires criminal background checks; those convicted of felonies, vehicle theft, insurance fraud, or sex offenses may not be licensed. The biennial license expires April 1 every two years. Authorized City towers (those towing for the Police or Parking Enforcement) must additionally obtain a Letter of Authorization. Rates for authorized tows are capped by ordinance: standard tow up to 10,000 lbs is $80, flatbed $90, storage $20/day.
Violations & Fines
Violations of towing license requirements subject the owner or operator to penalties under Chapter 137, Article I of the City Code. The Commissioner may revoke a license after notice and hearing for false statements, failure to comply, or other cause. Letters of authorization may be rescinded with 24 hours' notice.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a city license to run a towing company in Buffalo?
What is the maximum rate a tow company can charge for a standard tow in Buffalo?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Buffalo
New York rules heatmap·Compare Buffalo to another location·View the New York business licensing & operations overview
See something wrong?
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.