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

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

Key Facts

Mercantile license fee
$300/year tower, $60/tow truck
Max tow fee
$100-$400 by vehicle weight
Storage facility distance
Within 1 mile of city
Insurance required
$1M liability, $1M property damage
Vehicle release hours
7:00 a.m. to 11:59 p.m.
Max penalty
$1,000 fine or 90 days jail

Summary

Elizabeth requires every private-property tower to hold an annual mercantile license, cap towing fees at $100 to $400 by vehicle weight, post warning signs at every lot, and get police clearance before hooking a vehicle. The chief license inspector can suspend or revoke a tower's license after a hearing.

Each tower shall apply for and maintain a valid mercantile license annually, from division of licenses, which shall be prominently displayed at the storage lot or facility. Said mercantile license shall be issued for a year period from May 1 to April 30 of the next succeeding year.

View official code

Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 31).

Full Breakdown

51 governs towers who remove vehicles from private lots under contract with the property owner. 020). 030). 090). 040). 050). 060). m. 070).

Violations & Fines

A tower found violating this chapter can have its mercantile license suspended or revoked after a hearing before the chief license inspector, and separately faces up to 90 days in the county jail or a fine up to $1,000.00, or both, with each day of a continuing violation counted as a separate offense (Section 5.51.100).

Frequently Asked Questions

How much can a tow company charge to tow my car from private property in Elizabeth?
Section 5.51.060 caps the maximum tow fee at $100.00 for cars and light trucks under 6,000 pounds, $250.00 for vehicles between 6,000 and 14,999 pounds, and $400.00 for vehicles 15,000 pounds and up, plus a $35.00 charge if special equipment is needed.
Does a tower need police approval before towing my car from a private lot?
Yes. Section 5.51.050 requires the tower to file a report with the city police department and get confirmation the vehicle is not stolen or wanted before it is hooked, lifted, or moved, and no vehicle may be towed without that police authorization.
What license does a towing company need to operate in Elizabeth?
An annual mercantile license from the division of licenses, valid May 1 through April 30, which requires proof of $1,000,000 in public liability insurance and $1,000,000 in property damage insurance before it can be issued under Section 5.51.030.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Elizabeth

Fence Regulations: Height LimitsSome RestrictionsMassage EstablishmentsSignificant RestrictionsTobacco Retail LicenseSignificant RestrictionsSecondhand DealersSignificant RestrictionsNoise Ordinances: Decibel LimitsSome RestrictionsParking Rules: Driveway RulesSome RestrictionsFence Regulations: Material RestrictionsHeavy RestrictionsFence Regulations: Retaining WallsSome RestrictionsFence Regulations: Fence Permit RequirementsSome Restrictions

All Elizabeth rules

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