(a) Assignment to tow area. The Police Department shall divide the County into specific tow areas established by the size, road networks, demographic characteristics, and density of each geographical area. The Police Department shall assign each licensed towing company to a tow area.
(b) Rotation. For each tow area, the Police Department shall maintain a rotation list that includes all licensed towing companies assigned to the tow area and from which requests for towing service shall be made. In making a request for towing service from a rotation list, the Police Department shall determine which licensed towing company received the last request; request the next towing company on the list to respond; and, if the requested towing company is unable to respond, contact each successive towing company on the list until the service is arranged.
(c) Rotation deviation. The Police Department may deviate from the order of the rotation lists when there is a need for specialized equipment or when the police determine that deviation is necessary for the public welfare. A towing company may respond to a request requiring specialized equipment by using equipment not owned by the towing company if the equipment has a current towing inspection sticker issued by the Police Department. In addition to any mailed notices required under this title, the towing company shall ensure, to the fullest extent possible, that the towed vehicle's owner has full and correct information on where, when and how to retrieve the vehicle at the time the vehicle is towed.
(d) Closure of rotation list. If the Police Department determines that the number of towing companies assigned to a tow area is detrimental to the public safety or welfare, the Department may close the rotation list in that tow area.
(e) Individual choice. Nothing in this title shall preclude the right of an individual to request a towing company of the individual's own choice if the chosen towing company can dispatch a tow truck that will arrive within 30 minutes after the request.
(f) Hearings. The Police Department may immediately suspend a towing company from the rotation list for a violation of this title that adversely affects public health, safety or welfare. Otherwise, a towing company may not be suspended from or removed from the rotation list until a hearing is held before the Director and the towing company has the chance to respond to any alleged violation of this title. A hearing shall be held within seven days of the date of the notice of violation. The Director shall issue a written decision no later than two days after the date of the hearing.
(1985 Code, Art. 16, § 18-301) (Bill No. 80-99; Bill No. 60-16)