Charleston, SC Business Licensing & Operations: Towing Companies (2026)

Article XIII of Chapter 19 governs nonconsensual tows, meaning any tow authorized or directed by someone other than the vehicle owner, the authorized operator or the owner's agent. A private property tow, a tow against the owner's specific direction and a tow done without disclosing rates all count. Repossessions by a lienholder holding title are carved out.

Permit. Section 19-396 bars a towing carrier from running nonconsensual tows inside city limits without a towing permit from the Department of Traffic and Transportation. The application lists the carrier's names and addresses, its corporate officers, LLC members or partners, a description of its equipment, whether it offers storage and where, a signed statement that its books and records are open to department staff during business hours, and written authorizations for the lots it tows from. Proof of $100,000 in garage liability coverage is required, plus garage keepers liability of at least $50,000 per vehicle. The permit costs $10 per tow truck, renews every February 1 at the same $10, and can be denied, suspended or revoked for violating any section of the chapter or the Code.

Price caps. Section 19-400 sets the ceilings. A nonconsensual tow of a vehicle under 10,000 pounds gross vehicle weight rating tops out at $200, which must cover hookup, gate fees and every other service. If the owner arrives before the vehicle leaves the lot, the drop charge cannot exceed $100, and the carrier must take that payment immediately and hand the vehicle back. Dollies add at most $10. Storage can be charged only once the car has sat on the lot more than four hours: $15 for the first 24-hour period, then $25 for each later 24-hour period. A certified-mail notice to owner and lienholder can add up to $30. Carriers cannot fold in money owed to a third party, including payments to the property owner, and the code declares that an unfair trade practice. Ordinance 2026-075, adopted April 23, 2026, is the latest amendment to this section.