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Council passes towing ordinance tightening rules for private-property tows and signage
Summary
After committee work and public input, Allentown City Council approved Bill 28 to regulate private-property towing: clearer signage, operator identification and insurance, limits on fees and a decoupling fee when vehicles are hooked but not removed.
Allentown City Council on April 2 adopted an ordinance regulating private-property towing to address resident complaints about allegedly predatory towing practices.
Councilman Napoli, who led the effort, said residents reported vehicles towed from private lots and released only after paying hundreds of dollars in cash. The ordinance targets four areas: clearer signage listing the tow operator and phone number, requirements that tow operators maintain insurance and business licensing, limits on fees consistent with Pennsylvania law, and a capped “decoupling” fee to allow vehicle owners to recover a hooked vehicle at a reduced rate if the vehicle was not removed.
Council members and the police department said the measure is intended to protect residents from unreasonable, cash-only demands and to provide the Allentown Police Department with clearer information when a vehicle is towed. Police Chief Roca said the change will help the department identify whether a vehicle reported missing was towed by a private operator and will improve enforcement against operators who lack insurance or proper licenses.
The council considered and approved several housekeeping amendments before voting on the ordinance. Amendments included updating minimum sign size to 12 by 18 inches, changing label language to read "Private Parking Only," revising the contact-line requirement, and clarifying an exception for overnight parking. Council members said the ordinance applies to private property towing arrangements only and does not change towing on city streets.
Council voted in favor of the amendments and then passed Bill 28 in a recorded vote with unanimous support from councilmembers present.
The ordinance sets a decoupling fee no greater than one-half the towing fee for vehicles that were hooked but not removed, requires towing operators to identify themselves on vehicles and signage and to provide a phone number, and requires insurance and business licensing to operate within the city. The law instructs city staff and the police department to notify property owners and tow companies of the new requirements and to pursue enforcement where appropriate.
