In Philadelphia, a car can be towed from a private lot or driveway only by a licensed towing company that has the property owner’s written permission, only if a required sign is posted, and, in most cases, only after the vehicle has been ticketed. These rules come from Philadelphia Code § 9-605(11). They protect drivers and also tell property owners what to arrange. O’Hara & Sons Towing offers private-property towing in Philadelphia. Call (267) 377-3246 to talk through your property.

What does the city require before a private-property tow?

  • A licensed towing company. Only companies licensed by the city may tow from lots, private property, shared driveways, or from in front of a driveway where a car blocks access.
  • Written permission. The company needs prior written permission from the owner or person in lawful possession of the property, or from that person’s designated agent. The company keeps it on file.
  • A conspicuous sign near the entrance. It must be a minimum size set by the code and easy to read. The code lists what it must say: that unauthorized parking is prohibited and vehicles will be towed, the towing company’s name, address and phone, the charges, where the car can be reclaimed and the hours, how payment is accepted, and that towing complaints go to 311. The sign location must be reported to the city.
  • A police ticket first. In general, the vehicle must have been ticketed for the violation at that location before it can be hooked or towed. The code has a separate rule for hospitals.
  • Photos. Before towing, the company must photograph the license plate, the violation and the posted sign. The owner or agent gets a printed copy free of charge when claiming the vehicle, before paying.
  • A signed certification from the property owner or agent, with the plate number, the violation, and the date and time, or a letter on file in the truck that spells out the company’s authority.
  • A cap on charges. A company may not charge more than the amounts set in the code for towing and storage from private property, and nobody may add other fees. The company may not refuse to release the car over amounts above the cap.

What should a property owner do?

  1. Choose a licensed towing company and sign a written agreement that covers your property.
  2. Make sure the sign meets the code and has been reported to the city.
  3. Know that police must usually ticket the vehicle first.
  4. Keep the certification forms and the photo records the company sends you.

O’Hara & Sons Towing supplies signs and goes over written authorization, signage and photos with property contacts on a call. See private-property towing.

What if I was towed from private property?

Find the company on the tow sign and call it. It must give you the location where the vehicle can be reclaimed. Ask for the photos before you pay. If you think the tow broke the rules, you can report it by calling 311. See how to find and get your towed car.

Sources and notes

A little clarity goes a long way

GOOD QUESTIONS.STRAIGHT ANSWERS.

Can a property owner tow a car without calling police?

Under Philadelphia’s code, a vehicle generally must be ticketed by police first. The code makes an exception for hospital premises.

What does the tow sign have to say?

It must state that unauthorized vehicles will be towed, name the towing company with address and phone, list the charges and the place and hours for reclaiming a car, say how payment is made, and tell people to report towing complaints to 311.

Can a tow company charge extra storage or fees?

The code limits what may be charged for private-property tows and says no other charges may be added. Ask for the itemized charge and a receipt.

Do these rules apply in New Jersey or Delaware?

No. This page covers Philadelphia only. Other places have their own rules.

Does O’Hara & Sons Towing do private-property towing?

Yes. See private-property towing or call (267) 377-3246.

Talk to us about your property

O’Hara & Sons Towing, (267) 377-3246, open 24/7. Private-property towing · Contact