Towing From Private Lots, Private Property and Driveways.

The City of Philadelphia has recently changed several of the laws, pertaining to, Towing From Private Lots, Private Property and Driveways.

Here is a summary of some of the changes that pertain to Private Parking Impounds:

• No such tow is permitted unless the parking lot or private property has posted in a conspicuous place near its entry which can be easily seen by the public a sign no smaller than thirty-six (36) inches high and thirty-six (36) inches across or, for single-family residential properties, no smaller than eighteen (18) inches high and eighteen (18) inches across, with text of sufficient size to ensure that the sign can be easily read. The towing company is responsible for the information on the sign, which shall give notice:
  

  1) That unauthorized parking is prohibited and unauthorized vehicles will be towed.

  2) That vehicles whose authorized parking time has elapsed will be towed.

  3) Of the name, address, and telephone number of the towing company.

  4) Of the charges for the towing and storage of towed vehicles.

  5) Of the place where the towed vehicle can be redeemed after paying the allowable charges and the hours of operation.

  6) That payment shall be made by cash, credit card or debit card.

  7) That towing related complaints shall be reported to 3-1-1.



• No towing company may charge more than the amounts set forth in subsections 9-605(11)(b)(.1) through (.3) for towing and storage of a vehicle pursuant to this subsection 9-605(11). Neither the towing company, owner of the property from where the vehicle was towed nor any other person may charge the vehicle owner or operator any other charges, amounts or fees in connection with the towing and storage of the vehicle. The towing company or person storing such towed vehicle may not refuse to release the vehicle based on a claim to any charges in excess of the permitted amounts.

  (.1) One hundred and seventy-five ($175.00) dollars for the towing of vehicles or combinations under 11,000 pounds (i.e. passenger vehicles, cars, pickup trucks, SUVs, and light duty vans) and twenty-five ($25.00) dollars for the storage of these vehicles for each twenty-four hour period or fraction thereof;

  (.2) Two hundred and fifty ($250.00) dollars for the towing of vehicles or combinations at or over 11,000 pounds up to 17,000 pounds and forty ($40.00) dollars for the storage of these vehicles for each twenty-four- hour period or fraction thereof;

  (.3) Three hundred and sixty ($360.00) dollars for the towing of vehicles or combinations at or over 17,000 pounds and seventy-five ($75.00) dollars for the storage of these vehicles for each twenty-four-hour period or fraction thereof.



• No vehicle shall be hooked, towed, or handled in any manner under this subsection until the towing company has notified the Police Department that the vehicle is to be towed, and has received confirmation from the Police Department as to the vehicle's status, except that in a licensed parking lot, a vehicle may be moved to another location in the parking lot prior to being towed.

  (e)Prior to towing a vehicle under this subsection, the towing company shall take digital photographs that clearly show the following:

  (.1) The vehicle's license plate;

  (.2) The violation for which the vehicle is being towed; and

  (.3) The posted sign identifying that unauthorized parking is prohibited where the vehicle is parked, and that unauthorized vehicles will be towed.

Sign Info

The image labeled old sign is an example of a sign that the City of Philadelphia no longer allows to be displayed, mostly because of the statement, PAYMENT IN CASH ONLY. For this reason if you have this sign, or a one simular to it posted on your property please get in contact with us, so we can provide you with one that is in compliance, and we would also need to update your Private Property Impound Aggreement.

At a minimum you should remove the statements, payment in cash only, 150.00 & up for commercial vehicles, and exetenuating charges min. $35 (dollies,etc.). To be in compliance with the new ordinance.

The image labeled new sign is an example of a sign that is in full compliance with the City of Philadephia's Towing Ordinance.

Click on the images below for a larger example of our old sign, and our new sign.

Old Sign

New Sign