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Cleveland, OH Business Licensing & Operations: Towing Companies (2026)

Significant Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified September 2026

Key Facts

License required
Yes, per tow truck, § 677A.02
Original license fee
$125
Additional truck fee
$30 each
License term
2 years, expires Sept. 30 odd years
Liability insurance
$100,000 garagekeepers / $300,000 general
Max penalty
$750 fine, 90 days jail

Summary

Every tow truck operating for compensation in Cleveland must carry a city-issued owner's license under Codified Ordinances § 677A.02, obtained from the Commissioner of Assessments and Licenses for a $125 fee plus $30 per additional truck.

No owner of a tow truck shall permit such tow truck to be used for the purpose of towing in the City unless a valid tow truck owner's license, obtained pursuant to this chapter, has been issued and is in force for that tow truck.

Source: Cleveland Codified OrdinancesView official code

Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: 2026 S-28: Current through legislation passed September 1, 2026).

Full Breakdown

02(c)). 03(b)). 05). 06). 08). 12).

Violations & Fines

A violation of any provision in Chapter 677A is a second-degree misdemeanor under § 677A.99, punishable by a fine of up to $750, up to 90 days in jail, or both, with each consecutive day of violation charged as a separate offense. The Commissioner of Assessments and Licenses may also deny, suspend or revoke the tow truck owner's license under § 677A.07.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does a tow truck operating in Cleveland need a city license?
Yes. Section 677A.02(a) prohibits any owner from letting a tow truck be used to tow in the city unless a valid tow truck owner's license issued under Chapter 677A is in force for that specific truck, evidenced by a metal tag on the front bumper.
How much does a Cleveland tow truck license cost?
The original license is $125 under § 677A.03(b), plus $30 for each additional truck registered by the same person. Replacing a lost, stolen or missing license tag costs $30.
Who issues Cleveland tow truck licenses and how long do they last?
The Commissioner of Assessments and Licenses issues them under § 677A.04, and each license runs for two years, expiring September 30 of odd-numbered years per § 677A.05, unless the Commissioner revokes it sooner.
What insurance must a licensed Cleveland tow truck owner carry?
Section 677A.09 requires garagekeepers' legal liability coverage of at least $100,000 and general liability coverage of at least $300,000, submitted with the license application or renewal, unless the owner shows they don't operate storage facilities.
What happens if I tow without a Cleveland license?
It's a second-degree misdemeanor under § 677A.99: up to a $750 fine, up to 90 days in jail, or both, with each day of continued unlicensed towing prosecuted as a separate offense.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Cleveland

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All Cleveland rules

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