Champaign, IL Business Licensing & Operations: Towing Companies (2026)
Key Facts
- License required from
- City Clerk, before any towing (§33-162)
- Application fee
- $25.00, non-refundable
- License expiration
- April 30 every year
- Minimum insurance
- $100,000/$300,000 general liability
- Warning sign size
- 24 x 36 inches, 2-inch letters
- Tow-review deadline
- 14 days after the tow
- Penalty range
- $35-$500 per day or removal
Summary
Champaign requires any towing or vehicle-relocation service to hold a City Clerk license before removing a single trespassing vehicle. Sec. 33-162 sets the licensing mandate, Sec. 33-163 sets a $25 application fee and an April 30 annual expiration, and towers must carry set minimum insurance and post a signed notice before towing from private property.
Sec. 33-162. - License required. No person shall operate as or provide relocation services upon private or public property or towing services within the City without first having obtained a license from the City Clerk. Sec. 33-163. - Application for license.(a)An applicant for a license under the provisions of this Chapter shall submit a written application on forms provided by the City Clerk. The application shall be accompanied by a non-refundable fee of twenty-five dollars ($25.00).(b)All applications for a license under the provisions of this Chapter must be submitted and approved no later than seven (7) days prior to commencing towing services.(c)All relocator licenses expire on April 30th of each year.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 80).
Full Breakdown
Sec. 33-162 makes it unlawful to operate as a relocator or towing service in Champaign without a City Clerk license. Sec. 33-163 requires a written application with a non-refundable $25 fee, submitted and approved at least 7 days before towing begins, and every relocator license expires April 30 each year regardless of issue date. Applicants must carry insurance naming the City as an additional insured: at least $100,000 per-person and $300,000 per-accident general liability, $50,000 property damage, and garage keepers legal liability of at least $10,000 for stored vehicles and $5,000 for towing damage, each with no more than a $500 deductible.
Sec. 33-164 requires each tow truck to display the company's name, address, and phone number in letters at least 2 inches tall, and to carry brooms, shovels, a fire extinguisher, and a two-way radio. Before towing a trespassing vehicle from private property, Sec. 33-168(5) requires a posted warning sign at least 24 by 36 inches, in 2-inch reflective letters, placed within 5 feet of each driveway or curb cut (or every 100 feet of frontage), mounted at least 4 feet high, and maintained for 24 hours before any tow.
Sec. 33-169 requires relocators to post and file a price schedule with the City and bars charging above the filed rate. Sec. 33-171 lets a vehicle owner request a tow review within 14 days, and Sec. 33-172 lets the Police Chief suspend or revoke a license for Code violations.
Violations & Fines
The Police Chief may suspend, revoke, or issue a warning letter for a license violation under Sec. 33-172, plus a fine of not less than $35.00 nor more than $500.00 per day or per removal, assessed daily for zoning, building, health, or safety violations until corrected. Sec. 33-173 requires 3 business days' notice before a suspension takes effect, with a right to a hearing before the Police Chief.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a towing company need a license to operate in Champaign?
Does a private lot need a sign before it can have cars towed?
Can a towing company charge whatever it wants for a tow?
How do I dispute a Champaign towing bill?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Champaign
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