Linden, NJ Business Licensing & Operations: Towing Companies (2026)
Key Facts
- License fee
- $1,000 annual
- Insurance minimum
- $500,000 liability/property
- Storage lot limit
- Within 3 miles of Linden, in NJ
- Wheel-lift tow fee (under 6,999 GVW)
- $70
- Booting on private property
- Prohibited without owner permission
Summary
Any towing firm removing unauthorized vehicles from private or quasi-private property in Linden must register with the City Clerk and hold a $1,000 annual license, carry $500,000 in liability coverage, and store vehicles in a New Jersey lot within three miles of the City.
Any towing firm, individual or company engaged in the towing of unauthorized vehicles from private or quasi-private property located within the City shall register with and obtain a license from the City Clerk. ... Own, lease or otherwise provide a secure private garage, lot, facility or property, for the storage of any such towed vehicle, which garage, lot, facility or property shall be located in the State of New Jersey and not more than three miles from any border of the City of Linden. ... ... a. License fee. The fee for said license shall be $1,000. ... It shall be unlawful to immobilize, by use of any wheel-lock device ("boot") or other method, a vehicle that is parked on private property, whether for an unauthorized or authorized purpose, without the permission of the owner, lessee or agent of the motor vehicle.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: rev 4586096; v16 updated 2025-12-16; through 12-16-2025).
Full Breakdown
1 applies to any tower engaged in towing unauthorized vehicles from private property in Linden, but exempts tows requested by the vehicle's own owner. 2 requires the tower to register with and obtain a license from the City Clerk, valid January 1 through December 31 or the remainder of the calendar year issued. 3 requires proof of liability and property damage insurance of at least $500,000, plus a secure storage garage, lot or facility located in New Jersey and no more than three miles from any Linden border.
A. and sets the license fee at $1,000, with a published fee schedule running from $70 for a wheel-lift tow under 6,999 GVW up to $350 for tractor-trailers and buses over 14,500 GVW; the same subsection makes it unlawful to boot a vehicle on private property, authorized or not, without the owner's, lessee's or agent's permission. 9 sets the penalty at the general Chapter 1, Section 1-5 level with each day of violation a separate offense. 10 requires a tower found in violation to refund all monies collected and release the towed vehicle at no charge.
Violations & Fines
Towing from private property without City Clerk registration, lacking the required $500,000 insurance or an in-state storage facility within three miles of Linden, overcharging beyond the posted fee schedule, or booting a vehicle without the property owner's permission are violations of Section 4-37, subject to license suspension or revocation, the Chapter 1, Section 1-5 penalty, and a mandatory refund plus release of the vehicle under Section 4-37.10.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a towing company need a Linden license to remove cars from private lots?
How far away can a Linden-licensed tower store impounded vehicles?
Can a towing company boot a car on private property in Linden?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Linden
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