Westchester County, NY Business Licensing & Operations: Towing Companies (2026)
Key Facts
- First-mile tow cap
- $65 maximum
- Added mileage rate
- $1.50 per mile
- Storage rate cap
- $5 per 24 hrs
- Booting fee cap
- $65 max
- Enforcing agency
- Dept. of Weights & Measures
Summary
Westchester County caps non-consent tow charges at $65 for the first mile, $1.50 per added mile, and $5 per 24-hour storage day, enforced by the County Department of Weights and Measures.
A charge of up to $65.00 may be imposed if vehicle is towed for distance of one mile or part thereof.b.An additional charge of up to $1.50 per mile may be imposed for each additional mile or part thereof.c.Storage charges shall be at the rate of not more than $5.00 for each 24 hours or part thereof. All vehicles must be stored on the premises of the towing operator, unless a waiver is granted by the County Department of Weights and Measures-Consumer Protection.2.This section shall apply to any vehicle registered as a passenger vehicle and to any commercial vehicle not exceeding three tons gross weight, as determined by the vehicle's registration document. The towing of those commercial vehicles, for which the maximum permitted towing and storage charges do not apply, remains subject to Article II, Section 863.61 of the Consumer Protection Code prohibiting deceptive or unconscionable trade practices.3.A receipt reflecting all charges shall be provided to the vehicle owner or person(s) to whom the vehicle is released. (Added by L.L. No. 5-1979, § 803; amended by L.L. No. 7-1981; L.L. No. 8-1983; L.L. No. 15-1990; L.L. No. 9-2001; L.L. No. 10-2025, § 3, 6-3-2025)
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 47).
Full Breakdown
Under the county's Consumer Protection Code, a tow-truck operator removing a vehicle from private property at an owner's or agent's direction must immediately notify the police agency with jurisdiction and may charge no more than $65 for the first mile towed, $1.50 for each additional mile, and $5 per 24-hour storage period; vehicles must be stored on the operator's premises absent a waiver from the County Department of Weights and Measures-Consumer Protection. Booting is capped separately at $65 for placement and removal, and operators must give the vehicle owner a receipt.
Violations & Fines
Overcharging, failing to notify police of a non-consent tow, refusing to provide a receipt, or storing a vehicle off-site without a Weights and Measures waiver violates the code.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a Westchester towing company charge whatever it wants for a non-consent tow?
Does the operator have to notify police before towing from private property?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Westchester County
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