Syracuse, NY Business Licensing & Operations: Towing Companies (2026)

Section 46-3 bars anyone from operating a towing company or towing vehicle for hire in Syracuse without a towing company license, unless exempted under Sec. 46-11 (through-city tows, tows without a local storage lot, or tows done solely at the vehicle owner's own request). Section 46-4 routes applications to the commissioner of licenses, requiring owner and storage-lot addresses, hours of operation, a full vehicle and fee listing, proof of state safety compliance, and minimum insurance of $100,000/$200,000 bodily injury and $50,000 property damage naming the city as additional insured, plus a police background investigation and site inspection.

Section 46-6 sets the annual fee at $200, with every license expiring April 15. Section 46-10 governs non-consent tows from private property: a sign meeting size, contrast and English-language requirements must be posted stating tow hours, the towing company's name, phone number and retrieval address, and the fee. A towing company cannot charge more than the posted fee and, for passenger vehicles, cars, pickups and vans, may never charge more than $150 plus tax for removal and up to 24 hours of storage, with no mileage fee; storage beyond 24 hours is capped at $40 per day, plus itemized add-ons (a $25 four-wheel-drive/flatbed/dolly fee, a $25 winching fee, and time-based fees of $50 for the first 30 minutes and $25 per additional 15 minutes).

If the owner arrives before the vehicle is hooked up, it must be released free; if it arrives after hookup but before removal, release is capped at $100. daily or during the company's normal hours, whichever is longer, and police must be notified immediately of every non-consent tow.