Pittsburgh, PA Business Licensing & Operations: Towing Companies (2026)
Key Facts
- Licensing agency
- Director of Public Safety (License Officer)
- License term
- Nov 1 – Dec 31, renewed annually
- First-offense fine
- $500 unlicensed tow business
- Impound lot rule
- 6-ft fence, lighted, or enclosed building
- Police report deadline
- Electronic notice within 1 hour
Summary
Any tow business or operator doing non-consensual (trespass) tows in Pittsburgh must hold a City Tow Business License and Tow Truck Operator badge from the Director of Public Safety before towing a single vehicle.
No Tow Business or Tow Truck Operator may engage in a Non-consensual Tow within the City of Pittsburgh without having first obtained a City of Pittsburgh Towing License or a City of Pittsburgh Tow Operator License from the License Officer.
(b) Any Tow Business or Tow Truck Operator that performs only Consensual Tows in the City of Pittsburgh may elect, as a means of demonstrating to their customers that they are in compliance with the City's insurance and background check requirements, but will not be required, to a obtain a City of Pittsburgh Tow Business License or a City of Pittsburgh Tow Truck Operator License.
Full Breakdown
Chapter 764 of the Pittsburgh Code requires a City of Pittsburgh Tow Business License and, for each driver, a Tow Truck Operator License before any non-consensual (private-property/trespass) tow. Applicants must submit insurance certificates (general liability, auto liability, garage keeper's, cargo, workers' comp), VINs of all tow trucks, a secure fenced or enclosed impound lot, driver background info, and proof they can electronically report every non-consensual tow to Police within one hour. Licenses run November 1 through December 31 and must be renewed annually. Consensual-only tow operators may license voluntarily but aren't required to.
Violations & Fines
Towing without a Tow Business license: $500 first offense, $1,000 each subsequent offense, plus 1-year licensing ban. Operating without a driver license badge: $50 first offense, $100 repeat. Towing with no operator license at all: $250 plus 1-year ban.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do all tow companies in Pittsburgh need a city license?
What happens if a Pittsburgh tow truck operator has no badge?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Pittsburgh
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