Tow operators in Maricopa County need an Arizona Department of Transportation motor-carrier permit and inclusion on the Maricopa County Sheriff rotation list to perform police-ordered tows on unincorporated highways under ARS Title 28 Chapter 11.
Arizona regulates commercial towing through ADOT under ARS 28-5201 (motor carrier registration) and ARS 28-3511 (immobilization and removal). Tow operators answering MCSO calls must be on the sheriff rotation list with vehicle inspections, insurance ($300,000 minimum liability), and clean-driver records. Non-consensual tow rates are capped under the Maricopa County Sheriff rotation contract. Storage facilities must accept payments 24 hours daily and follow ARS 28-4847 abandoned-vehicle release rules. Cities like Phoenix and Mesa run separate police rotation lists. Predatory private-property towing draws complaints; ARS 28-3512 caps fees and mandates signage.
Operating outside the rotation list, overcharging, or refusing release violates ARS 28-3511 and the Sheriff contract. Penalties include rotation suspension, civil fines up to $2,500, and ADOT permit revocation. Aggrieved owners can sue for double damages plus attorney fees.
See how Mesa's towing companies rules stack up against other locations.
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