Monroe Township (Middlesex County), NJ Business Licensing & Operations: Towing Companies (2026)
Key Facts
- Permit term
- Three years, January 1 to December 31 of third year
- Permit cap
- Maximum of seven permits
- Standard tow rate
- $150 weekdays 6:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.; $175 otherwise
- Storage rate
- $50 per day outdoor, $90 per day indoor
- Light duty response
- 25 minutes days, 35 minutes nights
- Penalty
- $100 to $500 fine, up to 90 days, or both
Summary
In Monroe Township, Middlesex County, towing at the Township's direction requires a three-year permit issued after Township Council approval, with a maximum of seven permits. Permit holders rotate on the Police Department's on-call tow list and cannot charge more than the rates printed in Chapter 116.
§ 116-3. Permit required. ... It shall be unlawful for any person to engage in the activity of towing or storing motor vehicles at the direction of the Township without first having obtained a permit therefor in accordance with the requirements of this chapter. Nothing in this chapter shall be construed to require a permit for the rendering of road service or for the provision of towing and storage services within the Township other than at the request of the Township. ... (a) Monday-Friday 6:00 a.m.-6:00 p.m.: $150. (b) Monday-Friday 6:00 p.m.-5:59 a.m.: $175. (c) Weekends and Holidays: $175. ... § 116-20. Violations and penalties. Any person who violates any of the provisions of this chapter or who fails to comply with any requirements of this chapter shall, for each such violation or offense, upon conviction thereof, be punished by a fine of not less than $100 or more than $500 or imprisoned for a term not to exceed 90 days, or both.
Full Breakdown
Chapter 116 of the Monroe Township Code (Middlesex County) governs towing and storage at the direction of the Township. Section 116-3 makes it unlawful to tow or store vehicles at the Township's direction without a permit, and it does not require a permit for road service or for towing and storage other than at the Township's request.
Applications go to the Township Clerk with the original and four copies, the fee set in Chapter 39, and a certificate of insurance. Each permit runs three years, from January 1 to December 31 of the third year, and applications are due by November 1 of the third permit year. Section 116-8 caps issuance at seven permits and bars transfer. The Chief of Police investigates and gives the Township Council a written recommendation within 30 days. Minimum standards include a storage facility within five miles of the Township boundaries (15 miles for heavy duty), at least 10 outside spaces and an inside secured facility. Insurance requires $2,000,000 comprehensive general liability and $500,000 automobile liability, naming the Township as additional insured.
Permit holders go on the on-call tow list, which the Chief of Police runs on a nondiscriminatory rotating basis. Light duty operators must answer within 25 minutes on days and 35 minutes at night. Medium and heavy duty operators must answer within 45 minutes. An operator who misses the standard forfeits that turn, and exceeding the standards can mean removal from the list for at least six months.
Section 116-13 caps charges for vehicles up to 8,000 lbs. Towing is $150 Monday to Friday 6:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. and $175 at other times. Storage is $50 per day outdoor and $90 per day indoor. A passenger car service call is $125 per hour plus parts. A tow outside the Township is priced by mutual agreement. An owner whose vehicle was towed other than at the owner's request can send a written complaint to the Chief of Police, who reports back within 30 days.
Violations & Fines
Section 116-20 punishes a violation by a fine of not less than $100 or more than $500, imprisonment up to 90 days, or both, and each day of a continuing violation is a separate offense. The Police Department enforces. The Chief of Police can suspend or revoke a permit on seven days' written notice. A permit holder can appeal to the Township Council within 14 days.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a towing company need a Monroe Township permit to do private-property or customer-requested tows?
How long does a Monroe Township towing permit last?
What can a tow operator charge for a standard tow in Monroe Township?
Can I pick my own tow truck after an accident in Monroe Township?
Where do I complain about a tow fee in Monroe Township?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Monroe Township (Middlesex County)
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