The amended Predatory Towing Prevention Act became effective in New Jersey on April 15, 2009. The amended Act regulates tows from private property, and tows initiated by law enforcement, without the prior consent of the vehicles owner or operator.
Please read the Laws & Regulations for further information.
Predatory Towing Prevention ActPrivate
Property and Non-consensual Towing / Title 13, Chapter 45A, Subchapter 31
Unattended cars cannot be towed from private parking lots unless:
- There is a sign, no smaller than 36" high by 36" posted at vehicular entrances to the property stating;
- The purposes for which parking is authorized
- The times when parking is permitted
- That unauthorized parking is prohibited and unauthorized vehicles will be towed at the owner's expense
- The name of, and contact information for, the towing company and the address of the storage facility- which must be secure and located within a reasonable distance of the property - to which the vehicle will be towed; The charges for the towing and storage and the times during which the vehicle may be redeemed;
- The charges for the towing and storage and the times during which the vehicle may be redeemed
- Contact information for the NJ Division of Consumer Affairs (1-800-242-5846)
The act requires that after a vehicle is towed:
- The vehicle must be stored in a secure facility
- The facility's business office must be open to the public between 8 AM and 6 PM at least five days a week
- The towing company must make reasonable accommodation for after-hours release of a stored vehicles. The towing company may charge for after-hours release.
Unlawful Practices for Towing Companies
- Failing to release a vehicle hooked or lifted, but not actually removed from private property, upon request of the vehicle's owner
- Trolling (cruising for vehicles parked without authorization
- Paying for information about vehicles parked without authorization
- Refusing to accept an insurance company check or a debit card, charge card, credit card or check for towing or storage services; if the towing company ordinarily accepts such payment at its place of business
- Charging unreasonable or excessive fee
- Towing and storage charges cannot exceed rates set by town ordinance.
Other Information
- The property owner and the towing company must have a contract for the towing and the property owner has authorized the towing company to remove the particular vehicle.
- The requirements do not apply to a single family home or an owner-occupied multi unit structure, and the signage requirements are different for a residential community with clearly assigned spaces for residents.
Please read the Laws & Regulations for further information.
Predatory Towing Prevention ActPrivate
Property and Non-consensual Towing / Title 13, Chapter 45A, Subchapter 31