(A) No private tow operator shall privately impound any motor vehicle or offer to provide such services unless the private tow operator possesses a valid license issued in accordance with this section.
(B) Application and fee.
(1) Application for licensing as a registered private tow operator shall be made on forms furnished by the Department, shall be signed by the applicant or an authorized agent, and shall include the following information:
(a) The name and physical address of the person, firm, partnership, association, or corporation under whose name the business is to be conducted;
(b) The names and physical addresses of all persons having an interest in the business, or if the owner is a corporation, the names and addresses of the officers of the corporation;
(c) The full physical address of each storage yard where vehicles may be stored;
(d) The physical address of the business location where the files of the private tow service operation are kept;
(e) The full name and physical address of each person who, either as an owner, employee, or an independent contractor, operates a tow truck on behalf of the business;
(f) A fee schedule which states the fee that is charged for private parking lot towing services, the fee that is charged for the storage of a vehicle, and any other charges which may be incidental to a private parking lot impoundment, which fees may not exceed any fees prescribed by this subchapter;
(g) Name of current liability insurance carrier and policy number; any information regarding change in coverage during a license term must be provided to the Department ten days prior to the effective date of such new coverage; and
(h) A list of all private property from which applicant is authorized to tow vehicles, such list to be kept current and up to date within ten days of any change during the entire term of the license.
(2) Any lapse in liability insurance coverage shall be grounds for suspension or revocation of the license.
(C) All vehicles used in the operation of a licensed private tow operator are to be properly identified and such identification shall be visible on the outside of the vehicle at all times. The vehicle shall bear the name and license number of the licensed private tow operator. All such identification shall be in letters not smaller than three inches high and must be kept legible at all times.
(D) License non-transferrable. A license issued under this section is not transferable.
(E) Fees. Simultaneously with the submission of the initial license application, the applicant shall pay to the Department a nonrefundable application fee of $25. When the license is issued, the private tow operator shall pay to the Department an annual license fee of $200, which fee is due and payable upon the issuance of a license and on or before January 1 of each year thereafter.
(F) Renewals. Each license shall expire on December 31 of each year, unless earlier suspended or revoked. A license may be renewed by making a renewal application and payment of the annual license fee prescribed in subsection (D). Application for renewal shall be made at least 30 days prior to the expiration date.
(G) Liability. The private tow operator holding the license shall ultimately be responsible for all actions of the operator and all agents and employees thereof related to the towing or removal of motor vehicles.
(Lou. Metro Ord. No. 169-2021, approved 11-16-2021, effective 1- 16-2022)