Commissioner: residents report predatory towing in Leonardtown; county has no towing ordinance

Commissioner (unnamed), a St. Mary's County commissioner, told the meeting that several constituents reported predatory towing practices in Leonardtown, including cash-only fees of about $250 to $350 and limited ability to contest tows.

The commissioner said county law contains no ordinance to regulate towing companies and advised residents to file a complaint with the Maryland Attorney General’s Consumer Complaint Division, which has a towing-specific complaint form on its website. He said the county attorney confirmed the lack of a local towing ordinance and noted that Charles County is exploring local legislation to limit which companies may tow vehicles or to create a list of qualified towers.

Why it matters: Without a county ordinance, residents must rely on state consumer protections and the Attorney General’s complaint process. Local legislation — if pursued — would be needed to impose rules on towing operators within St. Mary’s County.

The commissioner recounted residents’ appeals, saying constituents asked him, “Mike, what can you do about this?” He reported citizens described being charged $250 to $350 and told to pay in cash, and said some towers do not permit disputing the tow at the site. The county attorney, the commissioner said, suggested Charles County’s effort as a possible model and the commissioner added that the issue could be considered during the next General Assembly session.

No formal motion or vote was recorded during the meeting on towing regulations. The commissioner said he reached out to the county attorney and provided the Attorney General complaint route to residents as the immediate remedy.

Looking ahead: The commissioner said the county could consider local legislative options next year, but did not specify a timetable or draft language for an ordinance.