Tow operators in Westchester need a NY DOT certificate and must follow NY Vehicle and Traffic Law Section 1224 plus municipal trespass-tow rules covering signage, fees, storage, and authorization for non-consensual tows from private property.
Tow companies operating in Westchester must register with NY DOT and display the certificate on each truck. NY VTL Section 1224 governs abandoned vehicle handling and police-directed tows. For private-property tows, host cities require posted signs identifying the tow company and storage yard, capped fees, and a 24-hour release window. Yonkers, White Plains, and New Rochelle license tow operators and inspect rate cards. Westchester County Police rotate authorized tow lists for parkway and county-road incidents. Storage facilities must be within reasonable distance of the tow location.
Predatory towing without proper signage or authorization can be unwound at no cost to the driver and exposes the tow company to fines, license suspension, and civil treble damages under state law.
See how New Rochelle's towing companies rules stack up against other locations.
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