Philadelphia, PA Business Licensing & Operations: Towing Companies (2026)
Key Facts
- Sign size
- 36x36 in (18x18 for houses)
- Base tow cap
- $175 tow + $25/day storage
- Undocumented-tow fine
- $1,000 first offense
- Permission required
- Prior written property-owner consent
- Documentation
- Photos of plate, violation, sign
Summary
Licensed towing companies need written property-owner permission and posted signage before towing an unauthorized vehicle from private lots, driveways, or common driveways in Philadelphia.
Only towing companies licensed under subsection (3) of this Section shall be permitted to tow any illegally parked vehicle from any licensed or unlicensed parking lot, from private property, from any common driveway and from in front of any driveway where the vehicle is blocking access to that driveway, and provided that such towing companies must have the prior written permission of the owner or other person in lawful possession of the property, or of a designated agent of such person, prior to towing from or in front of such property.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: 2026 Code: Electronic version of The Philadelphia Code and Home Rule Charter is current through August 19, 2026).
Full Breakdown
Philadelphia Code § 9-605(11) bars any towing company from removing a vehicle from a parking lot, private property, or driveway unless it holds the City's towing-company license, has the property owner's prior written permission, and the lot posts a 36-by-36-inch warning sign (18-by-18 inches for single-family homes) listing the company's name, phone number, and towing/storage charges. The vehicle must first be ticketed for the underlying parking violation, and before hooking it the crew must photograph the plate, the violation, and the sign, then get the property owner's signed certification. Towing and storage fees are capped by vehicle weight class.
Violations & Fines
Towing without required signage, ticketing, photos, or owner certification: $1,000 fine, mandatory free release of the vehicle, damage reimbursement, and repeat-offense license suspension.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a private lot tow my car without warning in Philadelphia?
How much can a Philadelphia tow company charge for towing from private property?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Philadelphia
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