Islip, NY Business Licensing & Operations: Towing Companies (2026)
Key Facts
- Governing law
- Code of the Town of Islip Ch. 51
- Core rule
- No tow without owner or officer consent
- Written authorization
- Required, retained 6 months
- Fine range
- $250 to $500 per violation
- License action
- Suspension or revocation possible
Summary
Town of Islip Code § 51-24 bars any tower not on the Town's official rotation roster from hauling away a disabled or accident vehicle unless the police officer at the scene or the vehicle owner consents. § 51-30 additionally requires a signed written authorization before any tow.
It shall be unlawful for any person or entity who is not designated from the accident, nonaccident or heavy-duty towing roster to tow away any motor vehicle which has been disabled or involved in an accident, unless such removal is with the consent and by the direction of the police officer at the scene or the owner or person in charge of the motor vehicle. [§ 51-24] No vehicle damaged in an accident or otherwise disabled shall be removed without a written authorization signed by the owner or other person in charge of the motor vehicle or, if no such person is present, by the police officer in charge thereof. [§ 51-30A]
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: rev 4826765; v112 updated 2026-02-24; through 02-24-2026).
Full Breakdown
Chapter 51 of the Code of the Town of Islip (Towing Businesses) makes non-consent towing a violation. " That authorization must list the vehicle's make, model, year and VIN, the owner's name and address, the responding officer's badge number if applicable, the towing charge, and the destination, and the tower must keep it for six months and produce it on demand to the vehicle's owner or to any Town or Suffolk County Police official investigating a violation. Section 51-25 separately bars soliciting towing or repair work at the scene of an accident or disablement.
A tower conducting business in the Town at all must first hold a Town Clerk license under § 51-3 and a truck medallion under § 51-4; operating unlicensed, towing without authorization, or falsifying records are all grounds for suspension or revocation of that license or medallion under § 51-28.
Violations & Fines
A violation of Chapter 51, including unauthorized non-consent towing under § 51-24 or towing without the written authorization required by § 51-30, is a violation punishable under § 51-33 by a fine of not less than $250 nor more than $500 upon conviction. The Town Board may separately suspend or revoke the tower's license or medallion under § 51-28 after a hearing before a Town Attorney-appointed hearing officer.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a tow company remove my car from an accident scene without asking me?
Does the tower have to give me anything in writing before towing?
What happens if a tower ignores these rules?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Islip
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