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Atlantic County considers new towing ordinance that raises fees and addresses unclaimed vehicles
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Summary
On first reading, Atlantic County commissioners heard that the proposed towing ordinance would set towing charges by vehicle weight ranging from $200 to $500 and add sections covering unclaimed and abandoned vehicles to align county rules with New Jersey State Police and local municipalities.
Atlantic County commissioners advanced a first reading of a rewritten towing and storage ordinance intended to replace a 2014 county code section on motor vehicle towing.
"The primary changes to the ordinance is the amount charged for towing, and it's based upon weight of vehicle, and it ranges from $200 up to $500 per vehicle," Arthur Murray, assistant county counsel, told the board. Murray said two new sections (addressing unclaimed and abandoned vehicles) were added after consultation with private tow companies and coordination with law enforcement lists from the New Jersey State Police and county public safety officials.
Murray said the earlier draft introduced in late 2025 was pulled after private companies identified gaps related to abandoned or unclaimed vehicles; the current text includes sections labeled 'm' and 'n' to cover those circumstances and align county practice with municipal and state standards.
The ordinance was moved and seconded for first reading; with no further discussion the clerk called the roll and commissioners recorded affirmative votes for the introduction. Because this was a first reading, the measure will return to the board for further review, potential amendment and a final vote at a later date.
No public comments were recorded on the ordinance during this meeting.
