East Orange, NJ Business Licensing & Operations: Towing Companies (2026)

Chapter 264 defines nonconsensual towing as towing without owner or operator consent, including police-ordered tows, and private property towing as removing a consumer's illegally parked vehicle for a fee. Any wrecker must carry a $1,000 annual license from the Chief License Inspector, expiring every February 1, and every driver needs a separate $300 license requiring fingerprinting and an annual nationwide criminal history check under Section 264-5. Wreckers must be insured for at least $750,000, or $1,000,000 for vehicles over 26,000 pounds, plus $100,000 in garage-keeper legal liability coverage under Section 264-4.

Before a nonconsensual tow from private property, Section 264-7 requires the East Orange Police Department to issue a summons and notify the property owner or agent, except in emergencies, and the wrecker company must mail certified notice to both the property and vehicle owners within 48 hours. Storage yards must sit within five miles of the City, keep business hours of 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Monday through Friday, and release after-hours tows within one hour under Section 264-7.2. Section 264-9 caps charges at $125 for automobiles, $200 for trucks and $300 for tractor-trailers, plus $25 per day of storage, and Section 264-10.1 sets a flat $25 decoupling fee if the owner arrives before the vehicle is moved. Parking lots under contract with a wrecker company must post signage listing the towing company, its rates and the storage address under Section 264-9G.