philadelphia police department directive 121. check the registration number and/or vin number...
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PHILADELPHIA POLICE DEPARTMENT DIRECTIVE 12.5
SUBJECT: POLICE TOWING OF VEHICLES PLEAC 1.2.3.e
INDEX
SECTION TITLE PAGE
1 Policy 1
2 Procedures 1
3 Rotational Towing of Accident 3
Or Disabled Vehicles
4 Repossession of Motor Vehicles 6
Appendix “A” Towing of Recovered Stolen Vehicles
Example Towing Report
Appendix “B” Towing from Private Lots and Driveways
Example 1 Pennsylvania Repossessor’s License
Example 2 75-48 for Repossession
Example 3 Philadelphia Tow Truck Decal
Example 4 Philadelphia Tow Operations License
Example 5 Fee Schedule
Example 6 Towing Agreement
Example 7 AutoReturn Dispatch Confirmation
Example 8 PA Dept. of Banking and Securities Repossessor License
Issued Date: 06-12-15 Effective Date: 06-12-15 Updated Date: 12-05-19
DIRECTIVE 12.5 - 1
PHILADELPHIA POLICE DEPARTMENT DIRECTIVE 12.5
SUBJECT: POLICE TOWING OF VEHICLES PLEAC 1.2.3e
1. POLICY
A. The primary function(s) of the Police Tow Squad is the relocation or impoundment of
vehicles for the following situations:
1. Vehicles relocated for parades, special events, major accidents, including tractor-
trailers, and disabled vehicles which cause a hazardous situation.
2. Impoundment of vehicles involved with homicides, crime scenes, “Guard for
Fingerprints” and investigations (major crimes, etc.). Fatal accidents or accidents
involving vehicle safety checks will be determined by the Accident
Investigation District (AID).
NOTE: All policies concerning the towing of police vehicles will be followed as
outlined in Directive 9.8, “Maintenance, Servicing and Repair of Police
Vehicles”.
2. PROCEDURES
A. Police Officer/Investigator seeking to tow a vehicle will:
1. Supply Police Radio with the following:
a. Location of the vehicle,
b. Make, model, color, and condition of vehicle,
c. State, license plate number, and vehicle identification number (VIN),
d. Specific reason for tow request,
e. Weight/cargo, if possible, of any overturned tractor-trailer and placard
information of any hazardous cargo.
2. Complete a Complaint/Incident report (75-48) and a Vehicle/Pedestrian
Investigation Report (75-48A) with pertinent information and give it to the
Operations Room Supervisor.
B. Police Supervisor will ensure:
Issued Date: 06-12-15 Effective Date: 06-12-15 Updated Date: 12-05-19
DIRECTIVE 12.5 - 2
1. Any vehicle to be guarded for fingerprints, or crime scene, is not to be tampered
with by police personnel or civilians, until it is processed and/or released by an
investigator or detective supervisor.
a. Vehicles in “Guard for Prints” status will only be towed by Police Tow Squad.
2. A Property Receipt (75-3) is on location with the vehicle to be towed before
notifying Police Tow Squad.
a. The Property Receipt is to be signed by the tow truck operator prior to the
removal of the vehicle.
C. Police Radio will:
1. Check the registration number and/or VIN number through the NCIC/PCIC files
and relay the information back to the requesting officer/investigator.
2. Contact the Police Tow Squad operations desk or “T” band to dispatch the proper
tow truck to the scene (flatbed, etc.).
a. Ensure all pertinent information about the vehicle to be towed is conveyed to
the Tow Squad Operations desk. This will include the DC#, investigators
name, badge number and when possible, add the investigator’s control number
and Property Receipt number.
3. Enter all vehicle information received from the police tow truck operator into the
PCIC towed vehicle file.
D. Police Tow Truck Operator will:
1. Prepare a Towing Report (75-7), in duplicate, for each vehicle towed.
a. Distribution as follows:
Original: Tow Squad
First carbon: Storage location of vehicle
NOTE: Under no circumstances should a copy of the Towing Report (75-7)
be left with a vehicle, which was simply “relocated.” The Police Tow
operator will notify police radio of the location where the vehicle was
“relocated” to.
2. Sign the Property Receipt and include the payroll number and the tow truck
number.
DIRECTIVE 12.5 - 3
3. Retain agency and final disposition copy of Property Receipt along with vehicle
and deliver to the supervisor at Tow Squad headquarters.
4. Insert on the Patrol Activity Log (75-158):
a. Time received,
b. Time completed and,
c. Location where vehicle was removed from, make/model of vehicle, registration
number and/or VIN, and location where vehicle was taken.
5. Notify Police Radio with:
a. Location where vehicle was removed,
b. Type of vehicle,
c. Registration number and/or VIN and,
d. Location where vehicle was taken.
NOTE: Radio Room Supervisors will ensure that information received from
Police Tow Truck operators is entered into and purged from the PCIC
towed vehicle file, as needed.
E. Operations Room Supervisor will:
1. Ensure each 75-48 or 75-48A brought into the operations room for a towed vehicle
is examined for accuracy, legibility, and is coded properly.
2. Ensure any information pertaining to a vehicle towed (homicide, guard for prints,
crime scene, etc.) is entered on the S&R.
______________________________________________________________________________
3. ROTATIONAL TOWING OF ACCIDENT OR DISABLED VEHICLES
*2 A. No person shall engage in towing from the scene of an accident where police have been
dispatched or otherwise respond to the scene of the accident unless that person has been
selected through operation of the AutoReturn rotational system.
*2/*4 B. This policy is applicable to all accidents and disabled vehicles where police are
dispatched to the scene or sight accidents/disabled vehicles are observed by officers.
*4 C. The AutoReturn Rotational Tow Policy is not applicable to those roadways currently
patrolled by the Pennsylvania State Police. Nor shall such policy be applied to City-
owned vehicles requiring towing (both Police and non-police city vehicles); these
vehicles will be towed in accordance with the policy of the respective city agency.
DIRECTIVE 12.5 - 4
D. Definitions:
1. Towing Company. Any person, partnership, corporation, fiduciary, association
or other entity owning, operating, or conducting the business of towing.
2. Disabled Vehicle. A motor vehicle which has been damaged or rendered
inoperative or unsafe to drive as the result of wear and tear, mechanical failure,
collision or accident.
3. Limited Access Highway. A major divided highway designed for high-speed travel,
having few or no intersections.
4. Rotation Tow System. A method of selecting a towing company from an authorized
list for the purpose of towing a vehicle from one point to another. Once the
assignment is made, that towing company rotates to the bottom of the list.
*4 5. AutoReturn: AutoReturn is a towing management company that is contracted to
dispatch and manage the rotational tow program in Philadelphia. AutoReturn does
not issue citations or performs tows.
NOTE: The purpose of the AutoReturn Rotational Tow Program is to efficiently
Remove accident and disabled vehicles, to prevent wreck chasing and to
protect individuals involved in accidents from price gouging by tow
operators. If the authorized tow truck does not arrive within thirty (30)
minutes, notify Police Radio. If unauthorized tow operators attempt to
remove any vehicles, officers will take necessary enforcement actions.
E. Patrol Officer will:
*2 1. Investigate all accidents and disabled vehicles.
NOTE: Sworn personnel will no longer respond to the scene of an auto accident
with property damage only. Refer to the guidelines outlined in Directive
9.6, Appendix “C” “Property Damage Only Vehicle Accidents.”
*2/*3 2. If the authorized tow truck is not on location and a tow is not needed, notify Police
Radio to cancel the tow truck.
*2/*3 3. If a tow truck is required, remain on location with the vehicle until the authorized
tow truck arrives. If additional or specialized tow trucks are needed, such as a
flatbed truck, notify Police Radio.
*4 a. If officers respond to a scene or sight assignment that did not have rotational
tow simultaneously dispatched, they will notify Police Radio to have tow
respond to the location.
DIRECTIVE 12.5 - 5
*4 NOTE: If the rotational tow is cancelled, the rotational tow company that was
dispatched will remain on the list for the next available tow. Officers
should be careful when cancelling tows. If the assignment is
unfounded, a tow is not needed. If the vehicles can be moved to a
safe location, under their own power, a tow is not needed. Non-
rotational tow operators’ cannot move the vehicles to the side of the
road, nor can officers allow these tow operators’ to move these
vehicles for the sake of convenience or expediency. Remember, once
the rotational tow is cancelled, should the owner/operator allow a
non-rotational tow company to take the vehicle, they are no longer
protected from outrageous towing and storage fees.
*2 4. Enforcement Authority of Police:
a. Police may impound any unlicensed tow truck and may impound a tow truck if
it was not dispatched and authorized by Police Radio to respond to a scene and
the driver refuses a lawful order of a police officer at an accident scene. Any
tow truck that arrives on scene that was not dispatched by Police Radio can be
ordered away from the areas or to release any vehicle.
5. Once the towing company arrives:
*4 a. Verify the identity of the towing company and confirm that they are, in fact, the
company dispatched by AutoReturn. See Example 7 for a screenshot of the
AutoReturn Dispatch Confirmation.
b. Conduct a complete inventory of the vehicle together with the tow truck
operator. (PLEAC 1.2.3e).
c. Record the condition and contents of the vehicle on the Towing Report (75-7),
including all equipment (e.g., CD players, cell phones) see example in
Appendix A. (PLEAC 1.2.3e)
NOTE: No locked compartments, including trunk area, will be forced open
while taking inventory. If compartments are locked, ensure this is
recorded on the Towing Report (75-7).
d. Ensure the contents of the vehicle remain with the vehicle.
EXCEPTION: The discovery of firearms, explosives, (fireworks etc.)
hazardous items, items that may have evidentiary value (e.g.
beer or alcohol containers) or items that may warrant further
investigation will be brought to the attention of a patrol
supervisor who will decide the proper course of action.
DIRECTIVE 12.5 - 6
e. Once the inventory check is complete, have the tow operator sign the 75-7
attesting to the condition and contents of the vehicle. Tow operators must
legibly write their name, address and phone number on the 75-7. This
information should also be recorded on the Patrol Activity Log (75-158).
f. The 75-7 will be distributed as follows:
White: Tow Truck Operator
Yellow: Retained in District Tickler File for 90 days
Pink: Retained by Patrol Officer
Goldenrod: Reports Control Unit
F. Police Radio will:
*4 1. Utilize AutoReturn to dispatch rotational tow to the scene of an auto accident
and/or a disabled vehicle(s) at the same time as dispatching police personnel.
*3/*4 2. Ensure if a tow truck is dispatched to a scene, but cancelled by the responding
officer prior to the tow trucks arrival, the cancellation is entered through
the AutoReturn system.
*3 G. Commanding Officer, Police Radio will:
1. Collect the number of total disabled vehicle tow requests made from the rotation
system.
2. Record date, time, location, and name of any towing company that has failed or
declined to respond to a tow request.
______________________________________________________________________________
4. REPOSSESSION OF MOTOR VEHICLES
A. Members of the Philadelphia Police Department will inform anyone repossessing a
motor vehicle that they must report in person to the district of occurrence after taking
the vehicle into their possession. The re-possessor will notify the Operations Room
Supervisor (ORS) of the repossession and present a letter of authorization or copy of
the encumbered title (first lien holder, e.g., First Union Bank, etc.) from the bank or
sales finance company for the vehicle that is being repossessed.
B. Personnel from the Philadelphia Sheriff’s Office (provided they have one of the current
Writs of Replevin, Possession, Seizure, or Execution), full-time employees of banks
and finance companies, and licensed collector or re-possessors (provided they have a
letter of authorization) are empowered to repossess motor vehicles and must carry an
identification license (see Example 1).
DIRECTIVE 12.5 - 7
C. A Writ of Replevin, Possession, Seizure, and Execution are Court orders and will not
be issued by a re-possessor nor be in the possession of the re-possessor. The Court
only issues these writs if a vehicle cannot be repossessed and only the Sheriff can serve
these orders. In many cases a break bond will be attached to the writ, allowing the
Sheriff or their deputies to break into a garage to seize the vehicle. If police are
present, they WILL NOT assist in the gaining of entry.
D. Repossession Procedures:
1. A legal repossession occurs at the time when a peaceful physical possession of the
vehicle is made. Repossession occurs by either having the re-possessor physically
enter into a non-occupied vehicle or the hooking up of a vehicle to a tow truck. In
either case, the vehicle does not have to be removed to be considered legally
repossessed. Repossessions may be made from a public thoroughfare, or from the
debtor’s property, providing the re-possessor does not violate any local, state, or
federal laws.
2. The Operations Room Supervisor (ORS) will:
a. Refuse to accept notification over the telephone. Inform the re-possessor that
they must report to the district in person.
b. The ORS will personally inspect the repossessed vehicle to verify that the
information provided by the re-possessor is accurate and correct.
c. Refuse to accept license plates or personal property removed from the
repossessed auto. However, firearms when found inside the repossessed vehicle
can be processed at any police district, or an officer will be dispatched to
retrieve the firearm(s) at the repossession agency office, provided they are
located in Philadelphia. All firearms received will be placed on a Property
Receipt (75-3). A new DC# is required and firearms must be submitted
promptly to the Firearms Identification Unit.
.
d. Refer Gun DC#s to the original Complaint or Incident Report (75-48) for the
initial vehicle repossession.
3. Request that the re-possessor produce the letter of authorization, proper
identification and/or a facsimile of the collector/re-possessor license (Exception:
Sheriff’s Office personnel need only a Writ of Replevin).
4. Prepare a 75-48, which will include:
a. Name and address of bank, finance company, agency, etc. that repossessed the
auto,
b. Date and time of repossession,
DIRECTIVE 12.5 - 8
c. Name and address of registered owner,
d. Signature of re-possessor,
e. Year, make, model, type, color, license number, and serial number of
repossessed auto ,
f. Signature of the district ORS.
*4 NOTE: See Example 2 at the end of this directive.
5. Query BMV and ZV stolen auto files for current owner information and the vehicle
status.
6. Call Police Radio (215) 686-1295XXX-XXXX for a DC#, and give the pink copy of
the
75-48 with DC# back to the re-possessor.
7. List all vehicle descriptions on the S&R.
8. Distribution of 75-48:
Original copy –Reports Control Unit
Yellow copy --District file
Pink copy --Re-possessor
9. Enter the repossessed vehicle into the PCIC system through the use of the REPO
transaction as follows:
a. Terminal operator types in REPO (enter).
b. A pre-formatted screen will appear.
c. The terminal operator will fill in the blanks with the appropriate data associated
with the repossessed vehicle.
d. Valid NCIC codes must be used.
e. Name of repossessing agency must be placed in “OWN” field.
f. Upon completing screen, press enter.
NOTE: Subsequent PCIC inquiries regarding the entered vehicle will elicit the
information that it has been repossessed.
DIRECTIVE 12.5 - 9
E. Disputes Involving the Repossession:
1. The assignment shall be given to a patrol supervisor. Directive 3.16, “Police
Assistance to Writ Servers” will be followed. Police officers and/or supervisors
called to an incident involving repossession will only monitor the situation to ensure
that the vehicle is moved peacefully. Police should not impede the civil proceeding
or mediate the process. The preceding is a civil matter, between the debtor and the
bank or finance company, not the re-possessor or the repossession company
involved.
2. If during the dispute police observe that the re-possessor does not have physical
possession of the vehicle, advise the re-possessor that if their attempts to recover
the vehicle causes a disturbance, a writ will be needed. However, if the re-
possessor has physical possession of the vehicle upon arrival of police the debtor
should be advised that the repossession has taken place and the re-possessor should
be allowed to leave the area with the vehicle, providing no laws were broken. A
separate 75-48 is required for the disturbance.
F. License and Identification Cards:
1. All tow trucks involved in the repossession of vehicles are to follow the regulations
set forth in Section 9-605 of the Philadelphia City Code (see Appendix “B”).
2. See Example 1 at the end of this directive for a copy of a license issued by the
Commonwealth of Pennsylvania to a collective/repossessor.
*4 3. See Example 8 at the end of this directive for a license issued by the Pennsylvania
Department of Banking, 8 ½ by 11 inches is required by law to be hanging in a
visible area upon entering the establishment of the repossessor.
______________________________________________________________________________
RELATED PROCEDURES: Directive 3.5, Scofflaw File
Directive 3.16, Police Assistance to Writ Servers
Directive 4.1, Responsibilities at Crime Scenes
Directive 9.8, Maintenance, Servicing and Repair of Police
Vehicles
Directive 12.6, Abandoned Vehicles
Directive 12.8, Vehicle or Pedestrian Investigations
Directive 12.15, Property Taken into Custody
BY COMMAND OF THE POLICE COMMISSIONER
DIRECTIVE 12.5 - 10
FOOTNOTE GENERAL # DATE SENT REMARKS
*1 4121 06-16-17 Addition-Apdx “A”
*2 9401 02-01-17 Additions/Changes
*3 6420 11-01-17 Changes
*4 3070 12-05-19 Additions/Changes
DIRECTIVE 12.5 - 1 APPENDIX “A”
PHILADELPHIA POLICE DEPARTMENT DIRECTIVE 12.5
APPENDIX “A”
SUBJECT: TOWING OF RECOVERED STOLEN VEHICLES PLEAC 1.2.3(e)
1. POLICY
A. Police officers recovering stolen vehicles will have the vehicle towed by a privately-
contracted salvor to the salvors impoundment lot. In the event the vehicle is to be held
for investigation and/or prints, the vehicle will be treated as a crime scene and guarded
according to Directive 4.1, “Responsibilities at Crime Scenes.” In this situation, the
stolen vehicle will be towed to the Police Garage by the Police Tow Squad, only as
noted in this directive.
2. PROCEDURE
A. Patrol Officer will:
1. Investigate all vehicles in accordance with Directive 12.8, “Vehicle Investigations.”
2. A DC# will be obtained for all recovered stolen vehicles in Philadelphia. Prepare a
Complaint or Incident Report (75-48) for all recovered stolen vehicles. Prepare a
Vehicle or Pedestrian Investigation Report (75-48-A) for all occupied recovered
stolen vehicles. Also prepare a Towing Report (75-7) accurately and completely
(see example in Appendix A).
3. Have any person(s) arrested taken to the proper investigative unit.
4. Notify Police Radio divisional console that you are switching to “M” band. Notify
“M” band and request that the recovered stolen vehicle be towed by a private
salvor. Upon completion of the recovery process, return to your divisional band.
5. Remain with the vehicle until a tow truck arrives. If the salvor does not arrive
within 30 minutes, notify a patrol supervisor and ask for authorization to either
leave the scene and resume patrol or continue to remain with the vehicle. A patrol
supervisor will determine if Police Radio should verify that the original salvor
contacted is enroute or have that salvor canceled and another salvor contacted.
Additionally, a Neighborhood Services Unit supervisor will be notified during the
8am-4pm tour of duty.
Issued Date: 06-12-15 Effective Date: 06-12-15 Updated Date: 12-05-19
DIRECTIVE 12.5 - 2 APPENDIX “A”
NOTE: If the owner of the vehicle is on the scene with police or the owner
arrives before the vehicle is towed, the vehicle will be released to the
owner. Police Radio will be notified that the vehicle was released to
owner.
6. If the recovered stolen vehicle is a hulk or shell, the vehicle will be processed
and a salvor notified to remove the vehicle.
.
a. Any conflicts regarding towing will be referred to a patrol supervisor.
7. Once a tow truck arrives:
a. Verify the identification of the salvor.
b. Conduct a complete inventory of the vehicle together with the tow truck
operator. (PLEAC 1.2.3e)
c. Record the condition and contents of the vehicle on the 75-7, including all
equipment (e.g., CD players, cell phones). (PLEAC 1.2.3e)
NOTE: No locked compartments, including the trunk area, will be forced open
while taking inventory. If compartments and trunk are found to be
locked, ensure this is recorded on the 75-7.
d. Contents will remain with the vehicle.
EXCEPTION: The discovery of any firearms or explosives (fireworks, etc.)
Items that pose a danger or any items which may have
evidentiary value, or may be subject to investigation, will be
brought to the attention of a patrol supervisor who will decide
the correct course of action.
e. Once the inventory check is complete, have the tow operator sign the 75-7
attesting to the contents of the vehicle. Salvors must legibly write their address
and phone number on the 75-7. This information should also be documented
on the 75-48 or 75-48A.
f. The 75-7 will be distributed as follows:
White – Tow Truck Operator
Yellow – Retain in District tickler file for 90 days
Pink – Abandoned Vehicle Unit
Goldenrod – Reports Control Unit – must be attached with the original Stolen
Vehicle Report (75-71).
B. Police Radio “M” Band Personnel will:
DIRECTIVE 12.5 - 3 APPENDIX “A”
1. Determine from the patrol officer what type of tow truck is needed (flatbed or
regular tow truck) and contact a contracted salvor.
2. Maintain an accurate list of salvors for an equitable rotation and distribution of
towing assignments.
3. Contact/Cancel/Verify salvors when requested by a patrol officer or supervisor.
Inform the officer/supervisor of the name of the company who will be arriving to
tow the vehicle.
4. Document every tow request on a Police Radio Recovered Stolen Vehicle form,
which will be reviewed by a Radio Room supervisor.
5. Inform a Radio Room supervisor when a salvor has failed to respond to a tow
request in the allotted time. Additionally, a Neighborhood Services Unit supervisor
will be notified on the 8am-4pm tour of duty.
C. Radio Room Supervisor will:
1. Review all tow requests on the Police Radio Recovered Stolen Vehicle Forms and
submit them to the Commanding Officer after every shift.
D. Commanding Officer, Police Radio will:
1. Forward any required towing reports to the Neighborhood Services Unit on a
monthly basis.
E. Operations Room Supervisor (ORS) of the District of Recovery will:
1. Review the information on the 75-48 and/or 75-48A and the 75-7 for accuracy
and completeness and sign these forms. A copy of the 75-7 will be faxed to the
*4 Neighborhood Services Unit on all tours of duty at (215) 685-9507/9686XXX-
XXXX
2. In all cases, immediately notify the owner of the vehicle by phone of the recovery,
and provide the following information:
a. Name, location, telephone number, and the business hours (Monday through
Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM and Saturday 8:00 AM to 12:00 PM (noon)) of
the contracted salvor who towed the vehicle.
b. Inform the owner that a release form must be obtained from the Neighborhood
Services Unit, 4000 North American Street (entrance is on Luzerne Street)
before the vehicle can be released from the salvors lot.
DIRECTIVE 12.5 - 4 APPENDIX “A”
c. Current registration or the title of vehicle, a valid driver’s license, and current
insurance coverage (if applicable) must be provided to obtain the release form.
d. Inform the owner that all towing and storage fees must be paid to the salvor
before the vehicle will be released and any vehicle unclaimed after ten (10)
days will be declared abandoned.
NOTE: Recovered Stolen Vehicle charges:
Storage-Towing and storage fees of a reclaimed stolen vehicle
shall be assessed in accordance with the provisions of the
Philadelphia Code Title 12-2406.1
3. Investigate the owner for outstanding warrants, tickets, and scofflaw violations.
NOTE: The vehicle will not be released if the owner is a scofflaw. If the owner
is a scofflaw, a release form must be obtained from Traffic Court. The
Neighborhood Services Unit will check with Traffic Court to verify that
the tickets were not issued after the vehicle was in stolen status. If the
owner is a scofflaw; the vehicle can be released only if the owner shows
proof that the tickets were satisfied or a payment plan has been
established to satisfy the tickets. (Traffic Court’s business hours are
Monday through Friday, 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM, and Saturday, 9:00 AM to
1:00 PM.)
4. If the owner can’t be contacted by phone, the ORS will prepare a 75-48
containing the same information stated in paragraph 2 and have it delivered to the
owners residence.
5. The method of the owner notification must be placed on the recovery message
and documented on the 75-7 along with the name and badge of police personnel
making the notification.
6. Immediately notify the detective division of recovery when a stolen vehicle is
recovered in Philadelphia, but was stolen in another jurisdiction. The recovery
message should not be sent until an investigation control number is obtained
from the detective division. This will ensure that the detective can first verify
the stolen status of the vehicle, and obtain necessary information prior to
removal from NCIC.
a. The ORS will contact the respective police department in the jurisdiction of the
stolen vehicle, fax them a completed copy of the 75-48, and request that it be
delivered to the owner. Request the agency verify notification of the owner.
DIRECTIVE 12.5 - 5 APPENDIX “A”
7. Release forms must be obtained at the Neighborhood Services Unit. The only
exception is when the owner arrives at the scene of the recovery. The
Neighborhood Services Unit’s hours of operation are (Monday through Friday,
8:00 AM to 4:30 PM). The Neighborhood Services Unit will be responsible for
sending a certified letter to the owner.
8. In cases where there is no arrest, immediately transmit a recovery message in PIIN.
This will ensure the removal of the vehicle from stolen status in the local PCIC and
the NCIC computers. If an arrest is made, the recovery message will be transmitted
immediately by the detective division of recovery. The vehicle will not be taken
out of stolen status until confirmation has been obtained that the vehicle is in a
salvor’s possession or has been released to the owner at the scene.
9. Record and update all information on the S&R.
F. Detective Division of Recovery will:
1. Complete the INCT and prepare a Supplemental Investigation Report (75-52) in
PIIN when a stolen vehicle is recovered and any one of the following occurs:
a. An arrest is made.
b. An investigation results in a status change to “Exceptionally Cleared.”
c. A recovery involves an outside jurisdiction (stolen in Philadelphia and
recovered in other jurisdiction – Philadelphia Code 727).
d. The investigation by the assigned detective results in the stolen vehicle being
unfounded (i.e., Abandoned Auto, Try and Locate, etc.).
2. Immediately transmit a recovery message in PIIN. This will ensure the removal
of the vehicle from stolen status in the PCIC and NCIC computers. The vehicle
will not be taken out of stolen status until confirmation has been obtained that
the vehicle is in a salvors possession or has been released to the owner at the
scene.
3. When a vehicle is recovered in Philadelphia but was reported stolen in another
jurisdiction (Philadelphia Code - 730), the assigned detective will
prepare a 75-49 in PIIN.
NOTE: Verify stolen status in NCIC before issuing an investigation control
number.
G. The Commanding Officer of the district of recovery will bear the responsibility of
ensuring that recovered vehicle owners are notified in a timely manner and supplied
DIRECTIVE 12.5 - 6 APPENDIX “A”
with the information listed in Section 2-E-2.
H. Police Finance Unit will:
1. Prepare a weekly invoice for each salvor billing for the number of tows recorded.
2. Collect and deposit funds in the appropriate City account or forward funds to the
appropriate City agency.
3. Notify the Deputy Commissioner, Patrol Operations of any salvor whose account
becomes delinquent.
_____________________________________________________________________________
*1 3. PPA RECOVERED STOLEN VEHICLES
A. The responding Patrol Officer will:
1. Physically inspect the recovered stolen vehicle in the PPA lot and confirm that the
vehicle is, in fact, in stolen status by conducting a NCIC/PCIC check through
police radio.
NOTE: The vehicle WILL NOT be towed from the PPA lot. The only exception
will be if the vehicle is in a “Guard for Prints” status. If in this status,
Police Tow will be contacted to tow the vehicle.
2. A DC# will be obtained for the recovered stolen vehicle. Prepare a Complaint or
Incident Report (75-48) for the recovered stolen vehicle. The address and phone
number for the PPA Impound Lot, along with the name and badge number of the
PPA officer making the report will be included on the 75-48.
B. The Operations Room Supervisor in the District of Recovery will:
1. Review the information on the 75-48 for accuracy and completeness and sign the
report.
2. Immediately notify the owner(s) of the vehicle’s recovery by phone and provide the
following information:
a. The PPA lot address and phone number where the vehicle is being held.
b. Advise the owner that the PPA will require the registration or title for the
vehicle, a valid driver’s license and current insurance coverage (if applicable)
must be provided to the PPA to retrieve the vehicle.
NOTE: A release form WILL NOT be required from the Neighborhood
Services Unit (NSU) and the PPA will be responsible for investigating
DIRECTIVE 12.5 - 7 APPENDIX “A”
any outstanding tickets and scofflaw violations.
3. If the owner can’t be contacted by phone, the ORS will prepare a 75-48
containing the same information listed in Section 3-B-2 and have it delivered to the
owners residence.
4. The method of the owner notification must be placed on the recovery message
along with the name and badge of police personnel making the notification.
5. Immediately notify the detective division of recovery when a stolen vehicle is
recovered in Philadelphia, but was stolen in another jurisdiction. The recovery
message should not be sent until an investigation control number is obtained
from the detective division. This will ensure that the detective can first verify
the stolen status of the vehicle, and obtain necessary information prior to
removal from NCIC.
a. The ORS will contact the respective police department in the jurisdiction of the
stolen vehicle, fax them a completed copy of the 75-48, and request that it be
delivered to the owner. Request the agency to verify notification of the owner.
6. In cases where there is no arrest, immediately transmit a recovery message in PIIN.
This will ensure the removal of the vehicle from stolen status in the local PCIC and
the NCIC computers. If an arrest is made, the recovery message will be transmitted
immediately by the detective division of recovery. The vehicle will not be taken
out of stolen status until confirmation has been obtained that the vehicle is in the
PPA’s possession or has been released to the owner at the scene.
7. Record and update all information on the S&R.
C. Detective Division of Recovery will:
1. Complete the INCT and prepare a Supplemental Investigation Report (75-52) in
PIIN when a stolen vehicle is recovered and any one of the following occurs:
a. An arrest is made.
b. An investigation results in a status change to Exceptionally Cleared.
c. A recovery involves an outside jurisdiction (stolen in Philadelphia and
recovered in other jurisdiction – Philadelphia Code 727).
d. The investigation by the assigned detective results in the stolen vehicle being
unfounded (i. e., Abandoned Auto, Try and Locate).
DIRECTIVE 12.5 - 8 APPENDIX “A”
2. Immediately transmit a recovery message in PIIN. This will ensure the removal
of the vehicle from stolen status in the PCIC and NCIC computers. The vehicle
will not be taken out of stolen status until confirmation has been obtained that the
vehicle is in the PPA’s possession or has been released to the owner at the scene.
3. When a vehicle is recovered in Philadelphia which was reported stolen in another
jurisdiction (Philadelphia Code - 730), the assigned detective will
prepare a 75-49 in PIIN.
NOTE: Verify stolen status in NCIC before issuing an investigation control
number.
BY ORDER OF THE POLICE COMMISSIONER
DIRECTIVE 12.5 - 9 APPENDIX “A”
DIRECTIVE 12.5 - 1 APPENDIX “B”
PHILADELPHIA POLICE DEPARTMENT DIRECTIVE 12.5
APPENDIX “B”
SUBJECT: TOWING FROM PRIVATE LOTS AND DRIVEWAYS ______________________________________________________________________________
1. POLICY
A. To protect the citizens and visitors of Philadelphia from the illegal towing of parked
vehicles from private lots and driveways the Philadelphia Police Department shall
strictly enforce the provisions of City Code §9-605(11).
______________________________________________________________________________
2. CITY CODE §9605 (11) PROCEDURES A. Only licensed towing companies shall be permitted to tow any illegally parked vehicle
from any licensed or unlicensed parking lot, from private property, from any common
driveway and from in front of any driveway where the vehicle is blocking access to the
driveway, provided that such towing companies have prior written permission of the
owner or other person in lawful possession of the property, or of a designated agent of
such person, prior to towing from or in front of such property. A towing company shall
retain on file all written permissions required by this section.
B. 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.
No such sign shall be posted unless the towing company has reported the location of
the sign to the Department of Licenses and Inspections. 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.
Issued Date: 06-12-15 Effective Date: 06-12-15 Updated Date: 02-01-17
DIRECTIVE 12.5 - 2 APPENDIX “B”
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.
C. No towing company may charge more than the amounts set forth in City Code §9-
*2 605(11)(b)(1) through (3) for towing and storage of vehicles from parking lots and
private property.
*2 D. No vehicle shall be hooked, towed or handled in any manner, unless the vehicle has
been ticketed by the police or other law enforcement authority for violation of City
Code §12-913(1)(b)(i) (relating to parking in front of a public or private driveway)
or§12-913(2) (relating to parking or leaving unattended a vehicle on private property
without consent of the owner), except that in a licensed parking lot, a vehicle may be
moved to another location in the parking lot prior to being ticketed. Before issuing
such ticket, the Police Department shall determine whether or not the vehicle has been
reported stolen. If the vehicle is reported stolen, the recovered stolen auto vehicle
procedures in Appendix “A” of this directive shall be followed.
*2 1. Hospital Parking Lot Exception:
a) An authorized tow company may remove a vehicle that is illegally parked on
the premises of a hospital or relocate it on the hospital premises, without the
vehicle first being ticketed for a violation provided that:
1) Prior to any tow to remove the vehicle, an employee designated by the
hospital completes a form that includes a description, including license
plate number of the vehicle to be towed, its location and the date and time
the hospital requested the tow. A copy of the completed form shall be
affixed to the vehicle in a conspicuous place and shall not be removed
except by the vehicle owner.
E. Prior to towing a vehicle under this subsection of the City Code (§9-605(11)), the
towing company shall take a digital photograph that clearly shows the following:
1. The vehicle’s license plate
2. The violation for which the vehicle is being towed
3. The posted sign identifying that unauthorized parking is prohibited where the
vehicle is parked, and that unauthorized vehicles will be towed.
DIRECTIVE 12.5 - 3 APPENDIX “B”
F. Prior to towing a vehicle under this City Code section, the towing company shall obtain
the signature of the owner of the property or the owner’s agent, certifying the owner’s
or agent’s knowledge of the violation, and included on the certification form the
vehicle’s license plate number, the nature of the violation, and the date and time. A
copy of the signed certification form shall be provided to the owner or agent prior to
towing the vehicle. The towing company shall retain a copy of the certification for at
least sixty (60) days, or until the vehicle is claimed, whichever is later.
NOTE: If the towing company has an agreement with a property owner to tow
vehicles in violation of posted rules without notice from the property owner
and is unable to obtain a signature from the owner or agent for each tow, the
company shall, in lieu of a signed certification, place a letter from each
property owner in each of its tow trucks, stating the terms of the towing
company’s authority for the location, the violations, and hours for which
the authority is effective, and signed by the owner or the owner’s agent.
SUCH LETTERS MUST BE PRODUCED ON REQUEST OF THE
PHILADELPHIA POLICE DEPARTMENT.
______________________________________________________________________________
3. ENFORCEMENT
A. At any time during normal business hours, consistent with applicable law, the Police
Department may inspect the towing company’s office or vehicle storage lot, in order to
obtain information concerning any vehicles towed pursuant to this Appendix, including
photographs and certifications for vehicles currently on the storage lot.
*2 B. Upon reasonable suspicion that a tow truck traveling with a hooked vehicle has towed a
vehicle from a private lot or driveway in violation of the City Code, a Police Officer
may stop the tow truck and request to review the photographs, property owner
certifications for the vehicle or the parking ticket. Failure or refusal by the tow truck
driver to produce such documents for a vehicle towed under City Code §9-605(11)
(i.e., towing from private lots, properties and driveways) shall constitute a violation
subject to the penalties in City Code §9-605(4).
C. Any person licensed to engage in the business of towing, who violates this provision by
towing an illegally parked vehicle from a private lot, or illegally blocking a private
driveway without compliance to this policy, will be ordered to release the towed
*2 vehicle immediately, without charge and be issued a Code Violation Notice in
accordance with Directive 3.6, “Code Violation Notices.” The code section for the
violation will be City Code Section §9-605(11)(d).
D. In addition, the Police may impound any unlicensed tow truck (City Code Section
9-605(14) (b)).
DIRECTIVE 12.5 - 4 APPENDIX “B”
4. PRIVATE TOWING OF VEHICLES PARKED ILLEGALLY ON PRIVATE PROPERTY
A. Private towing operators may tow a vehicle illegally parked on private property upon
compliance with all applicable provisions set forth in this appendix.
1. Police supervisors will be called to the scene of all disputes involving towing
operators and vehicle operators and will prepare a Complaint or Incident Report
(75-48) coded "Disturbance." This information will include data regarding
the towing operator, tow truck, vehicle operator, and the vehicle involved.
*2 2. If the vehicle is in the process of being towed or has already been towed from the
scene in violation of the conditions noted in this appendix, the patrol supervisor
will order the towing operator to release the vehicle to its owner/operator or return
the vehicle to the location from which it was towed and issue a Code Violation
Notice in accordance with Directive 3.6. The code section for the violation will be
City Code Section §9-605(11)(d)
a. Refusal by the private towing operator to release the vehicle, under these
circumstances, amounts to a theft of vehicle under Section 3921 Crimes Code, a
felony of the third degree.
*2 3. Operations Room Supervisors (ORS) will ensure that when a Code Violation
Notice (CVN) is issued or an arrest is made of a private towing operator, the
Major Crimes Auto Squad will be notified of the date, time, DC#, District Arrest
Number and any other pertinent information.
B. Police Radio Room Supervisor will ensure that:
1. Information received by Police Radio from private towing operators/dispatchers
regarding vehicles illegally parked on private property is promptly entered into the
PCIC Towed Vehicle File. This information will include:
a. location removed from and location of storage,
b. make, model, and color of the towed vehicle,
c. registration number (license) and/or VIN,
d. reason for towing the vehicle,
e. name of towing operator and towing company,
f. registration number of towing vehicle.
DIRECTIVE 12.5 - 5 APPENDIX “B”
2. A PCIC/NCIC check is made to determine if the vehicle is reported stolen or is in a
try-and-locate status. If a positive inquiry occurs, police personnel will be
immediately dispatched to the scene to prevent the vehicle's removal.
C. Commanding Officer, PCIC, will ensure that information on vehicles privately towed
for illegal parking on private property is retained in the Towed Vehicle File for a
period of 30 days from the date of entry. Upon the expiration of the 30 days, this
information may be purged from the system.
5. PRIVATE TOWING OF DISABLED VEHICLES
*2 A. If the police are dispatched or otherwise respond to a disabled vehicle, only the
authorized tow truck from the Rotational Tow program will be authorized to remove
the vehicle. If an unauthorized tow truck attempts to remove the vehicle, the follow
rules will apply:
1. If the vehicle has not yet been towed from the scene, the private towing operator
will be instructed to leave the disabled vehicle at its present location.
2. If the disabled vehicle is in the process of being towed, instruct the private towing
operator to release the vehicle in a lawful location ensuring that it will not obstruct
*2 traffic and issue a Code Violation Notice. The code section for the violation will
be City Code Section §9-606(4)(a).
a. Police personnel will notify Police Radio of the location of the towed vehicle
and prepare a 75-48 with information regarding the tow operator, tow truck,
vehicle moved, and the reason for ordering the vehicle's release.
*2 3. Refusal by the private tow operator to release the vehicle, under these
circumstances, amounts to a theft of vehicle under Section 3921 Crimes Code, a
felony of the third degree. Also, according to City Code Section §9-605(14) police
may impound a tow truck if its driver refuses a lawful order of a police officer and
tows or attempts to tow a vehicle from the scene where police have been dispatched
or otherwise respond (See also City Code §9-605(14)).
DIRECTIVE 12.5 - 6 APPENDIX “B”
______________________________________________________________________________
6. TOW TRUCK INVESTIGATIONS
A. Tow trucks and their operators have often been used in the commission of vehicle
thefts. Accordingly, it is imperative that all officers scrutinize and investigate, when
appropriate, all tow trucks operating within the City limits. In Philadelphia, the
operation of all tow trucks is governed by City Ordinance Section 9-605 in addition to
all state laws and regulations, and Philadelphia police officers are authorized to enforce
such laws and regulations.
B. However, despite the association between tow trucks and vehicle thefts, any
investigation by police must still be predicated upon either “reasonable suspicion” or
“probable cause”. Consequently, an officer may investigate a tow truck if he or she has
developed either reasonable suspicion or probable cause that the tow truck is in
violation of the city ordinance or state law. As always, officers are authorized to
enforce and investigate all Vehicle Code offenses and criminal activity which has risen
either to the level of reasonable suspicion or probable cause. It is imperative that when
stopping any vehicle that the basis of investigation be well documented. This is crucial
in order to avoid suppression of any evidence or of any arrest.
______________________________________________________________________________
7. TRACKING BY THE DEPARTMENT OF LICENSES AND INSPECTIONS
A. In an effort to assist the Department of Licenses and Inspections (L&I) in tracking tow
operators who are unlicensed or violate the City Code, the 75-48A for all tow truck
investigations which result in any Philadelphia Code violation will be given to the
ORS. The ORS will forward the report to the Commanding Officer who will be
responsible for submitting a copy to the Commanding Officer, Major Crimes Unit, for
further processing. These 75-48A’s must include the VIN, L&I license number, if any,
as well as owner and operator information.
8. ACCIDENT INVESTIGATIONS
A. Officers investigating any vehicle accident where a tow operator voluntarily responds
to the scene will, as a part of the official investigation, insure that the tow truck and
operator are legally permitted to tow the vehicles prior to the release of any disabled
vehicles from the scene. Any investigations performed pursuant to this section should
be documented along with any violations, as indicated above.
DIRECTIVE 12.5 - 7 APPENDIX “B”
9. PHILADELPHIA AND STATE LAWS PERTAINING TO TOW TRUCKS
A. In an effort to assist the officers on the street, the following list of the major tow truck
regulations have been compiled along with some general state laws which apply to all
vehicles. This list should be used as a guide when investigating tow trucks in the city.
1. Philadelphia Towing Ordinance, Chapter 9-605
9-605(2)(c)(1)(.a)--Class A Light Tow Truck (GVW 8,000 lbs.
Mounted on the chassis must be a complete commercially manufactured crane and
the tow truck body must comply with all state laws pertaining to fenders and
lighting equipment, and have an appearance similar to a commercially
manufactured tow truck body.
2. 9-605(2)(c)(.2)(.a)--Class B Medium Tow Truck (GVW 15,000 lbs.)
Mounted on the chassis must be a complete commercially manufactured crane and
the tow truck body must comply with all state laws pertaining to fenders and
lighting equipment, and have an appearance similar to a commercially
manufactured tow truck body.
3. 9-605(2)(c)(.3)(.a)--Class C Heavy Tow Truck (GVW 24,000 lbs.)
Mounted on the chassis must be a complete commercially manufactured crane and
the tow truck body must comply with all state laws pertaining to fenders and
lighting equipment, and have an appearance similar to a commercially
manufactured tow truck body.
4. 9-605(2)(c)(.4)--Light Utility Tow Truck (GVW 10,000 lbs.)
Mounted on the chassis must be a complete commercially manufactured hydraulic
crane or winch. The tow truck body must comply with all state laws pertaining to
fender and lighting equipment, and have the appearance similar to a commercially
manufactured tow truck body.
5. 9-605(2)(e)(.1)--Amber Rotation or Strobe Light
Every tow truck shall maintain an amber rotation or strobe light mounted on top of
said truck and viewable when in use from the front, rear, and both sides.
DIRECTIVE 12.5 - 8 APPENDIX “B”
6. 9-605(2)(e)(.2)--Flood Lights
Every tow truck shall maintain flood lights on its hoist if so equipped.
7. 9-605(3)(a)--License Required
No person shall engage in the business of towing vehicles unless that person has
obtained a license from the Department of Licenses and Inspections.
8. 9-605(3)(c)(.1)--License Required to be Carried
Every person licensed to engage in the business of towing vehicles shall, as a
condition to the retention of their license; carry a copy of their license in each
towing vehicle when in use (see Example 4).
9. 9-605(3)(c)(.1)--L & I Tow Truck License Decal
Every person licensed to engage in the business of towing vehicles shall, as a
condition to the retention of their license, display the Department of Licenses and
Inspections decal. The decal shall be attached to the vehicle or truck displayed in a
place which is clearly visible to the public. The decals shall be used only during
the year for which they were issued (see Example 3).
10. 9-605(3)(c)(.2)--Required Lettering
Every person licensed to engage in the business of towing vehicles shall, as a
condition of retention of their license legibly inscribe in letters not less than one
and one half inches high on the door of the tow truck the vehicle identification
consisting of commercially painted name or business logo, address, and telephone
number of licensee, towing license number, the tow truck classification, and in
letters not less than one inch high, a statement that a complete certified fee schedule
is available from the driver.
NOTE: All tow trucks in the City must be licensed. The words “Not For Hire”
painted on the doors does not alleviate the tow truck from the provisions
of the City Ordinance.
11. 9-605(3)(c)(.5)--Fee Schedule
Every person licensed to engage in the business of towing vehicles shall, as a
condition to the retention of their license, carry in each towing vehicle, when in use
a copy of the complete fee schedule filed in accordance with Section 9-
605(3)(b)(.1). The copy of the fee schedule must be certified by the Department of
Licenses and Inspections (see Example 5).
DIRECTIVE 12.5 - 9 APPENDIX “B”
12. 9-605(5)--Towing Agreement
No person shall remove or tow a disabled vehicle from or to a place within the
limits of the City of Philadelphia unless a towing agreement, in triplicate, has been
signed by the owner of the disabled vehicle or their authorized representative, the
operator of the Towing vehicle, and the police officer, if one is present, except
when towing is being performed pursuant to an emergency service, the signature of
the owner is not required. Licensed tow trucks may tow vehicles from parking lots
and private property without an owner’s consent but only if the property is
properly posted according to Section 9-605(11)(a) and the police are notified
according to Section 9-605(11)(c) (see Example 6).
13. 9-605(2)(e)(.7)- Required Accessories
Every tow truck shall maintain on board at all times, on call or idle, at least one
heavy duty broom, shovel, axe and crowbar or pry bar, one pair of bolt cutters, one
set of jumper cables, one flashlight, one fire extinguisher (ABC five pounds or
larger), and one first aid kit for all classes of tow trucks.
B. Pennsylvania State Law
1. 4905(e)--Obstructed Lighting Equipment
Whenever the rear running lights, turning signals, or hazard warning lights required
by law are obstructed by a towed vehicle, lighting equipment shall be displayed on
the rear of the towed vehicle.
2. 4524(a)--Front Window Obstructions
No person shall drive any motor vehicle with any sign, poster, and other
non-transparent material, snow, or ice upon the front windshield which materially
obstructs, obscures, or impairs the driver’s clear view, except for an inspection and
emission sticker.
3. 4524(b)--Side Window Obstructions
No person shall drive any motor vehicle with any sign, poster, and other non-
transparent material, including ice or snow, upon the side or rear windows of the
vehicle which materially obstructs, obscures, or impairs the driver’s clear view.
DIRECTIVE 12.5 - 10 APPENDIX “B”
4. 4524(c)--Other Window Obstructions
No person shall drive any motor vehicle with any object or material hung from the
inside rearview mirror or otherwise hung, placed, or attached in such a position as
to materially obstruct, obscure, or impair the driver’s vision through the front
windshield, or in any manner as to constitute a safety hazard.
5. 4533--Rear Wheel Shields (Mud Flaps)
Every truck driven on a highway shall be so constructed or equipped as to bar water
or other road surface substances thrown from the rear wheels.
6. 4534--Rearview Mirrors
No person shall operate a motor vehicle on a highway unless the vehicle is
equipped with at least one mirror or similar device, which provides the driver an
unobstructed view of the highway to the rear of the vehicle.
NOTE: Every tow truck and its operator while operating on the highways of
Philadelphia is subject to all the provisions of the Pennsylvania Vehicle
Code pertaining to safety, registration, inspections licensing, and
insurance. This list represents only a few of most common safety
requirements.
______________________________________________________________________________
BY COMMAND OF THE POLICE COMMISSIONER ______________________________________________________________________________
DIRECTIVE 12.5 - 11 APPENDIX “B”
DIRECTIVE 12.5 - 12 APPENDIX “B”
EXAMPLE 3: Philadelphia Tow Truck License Decal (actual size 8½ x11” with red lettering on a yellow background)
TOW TRUCK LICENSE TAG
Valid Thru
1998
T.T. # ______________________
City of Philadelphia
Department of Licenses and Inspections
______________________________________________________________________________
DIRECTIVE 12.5 - 13 APPENDIX “B”
EXAMPLE 4: Philadelphia Tow Operator’s License
James John Towing City of Philadelphia 1234 5th Avenue
Department of DISPLAY PROMINENTLY Philadelphia, PA 19105
License & Inspections
P.O. Box 53360
Philadelphia, PA 19105 if required by law
THIS LICENSE IS GRANTED TO THE PERSON AND LOCATION FOR THE PURPOSE STATED ABOVE
IT IS SUBJECT TO IMMEDIATE CANCELLATION BY THIS DEPARTMENT FOR VIOLATION OF
CITY ORDINANCE AND REGULATIONS.
LICENSE CODE LICENSE NO. BUSINESS EXPIRES LAST CURRENT FEE DELINQUENT FEE PENALTY TOTAL
FAX DAY OF 3383 000000 3137395 12/92 50.00 50.00
James John Towing PAY THIS AMOUNT 50.00
1234 5th Avenue
Philadelphia, PA 19105 ON OR BEFORE 02/15/92
If not paid on time, a penalty will be charged
at a rate of 1.5% per month
“CASHIERS VALIDATION IMPRINTED ON BACK”
DIRECTIVE 12.5 - 14 APPENDIX “B”
EXAMPLE 5: Fee Schedule
James John Towing
1234 North 5th Street Junk Cars
Philadelphia, PA 19125 TOWED FREE
Authorized State Police Towing
October 21, 1998
CITY OF PHILADELPHIA
DEPT OF L & I
LICENSE ISSUANCE UNIT MUNICIPAL SERVICES BUILDING
1401 John F. Kennedy Blvd
Philadelphia, PA 19102
CERTIFIED TOWING AGREEMENT & FEE SCHEDULES under SECTION 9-605 by the DEPARTMENT OF LICENSES AND INSPECTIONS.
BUSINESS PRIVILEGE LICENSE NUMBER 123456 LICENSE CODE NUMBER 789123
TOW TRUCK LICENSE # 000000 # 000001 # 000002
THE MAXIMUM CHARGES FOR TOWING
A. NORMAL WORK HOURS ( 6:00 AM TO 7:00 PM ) $40.00 Hook up $2.00 per mile
B. EVENINGS, WEEKENDS & HOLIDAYS $50.00 Hook Up $2.00 per mile
C. MAXIMUM STORAGE FEE cannot exceed $25.00 per day (Calculated on a 24 hour basis.)
D. Any SERVICE CHARGE, other than towing, for a minor repair at the site cannot exceed $10.00 and the cost of any
replacement part.
James John
(OWNER)
DIRECTIVE 12.5 - 15 APPENDIX “B”
EXAMPLE 6: Towing Agreement City of Philadelphia
AGREEMENT made this__________day of__________ 19____, by and between_________________________
whose vehicle towing business is at____________________________________hereinafter called “tower” and
_______________________________________________the owner of a disabled vehicle or owner’s authorized
representative, hereinafter called “owner.”
WITNESSETH, that in consideration of the mutual promises herein contained, the parties herein agrees as follows:
1. Tower shall, and is herby authorized to, do all acts required to move the vehicle bearing license number
_____________________, and owned by ______________________________ from _______________________
to _____________________________.
CERTIFIED TOWING AGREEMENT & FEE SCHEDULES SECTION 9-605 by DEPT of L & I
2. THE MAXIMUM CHARGES FOR TOWING RATE OF CHARGE
A. NORMAL HOURS (6:00 am to 7:00 pm)
$40.00 HOOK UP & $2.00 PER MILE (A) _________________ AGREEMENT
B. EVENINGS, WEEKENDS & HOLIDAYS (B) _________________ NOT
$50.00 HOOK UP & $2.00 PER MILE (C) _________________ FOR
C. MAXIMUM STORAGE FEE $25.00 A DAY (D) _________________ REPAIR
D. SERVICE CHARGE for minor repair
cannot exceed $10.00 plus parts TOTAL $______________
2(e). (to be used in lieu of 2 when owner is a member of a club or association where dues include towing service.)
“Owner is a member of _____________________________________________Club or Association whose dues
include towing service as a membership service for which no charge is made for members.” Tower represents that none of the
licensed charges exceed the charges presently listed by tower with the Department of Licenses and Inspections of the City of
Philadelphia, hereafter called “Department.”
3. Owner herby agrees to pay the charges listed in paragraph 2. If any item of charge exceeds the charge
contained in the list of charges filed with the Department, a refund shall be made of the excess to owner.
4. Tower represents that the owner of the towing vehicle is_________________________________________
tower’s towing license number is_________ the registration number of the towing vehicle is____________ and
said license has not been suspended or revoked.
5. Tower further represents that the place to which said vehicle is to be moved, as set forth in paragraph 1 above,
is a bonafide garage or storage or repair station which is within a reasonable distance from the scene of the accident.
6. Unless owner has ordered additional work or services on said vehicle in accordance with the items of the
Philadelphia Towing Ordinance of June 8, 1953, and vehicle shall be released to owner upon tender of payment
of the amount due for towing and/or storage.
7. The vehicle shall at all times be freely accessible for inspection and examination to the owner, the owner’s
authorized representative or a representative of the owner’s insurance order.
8. The definitions contained in the Philadelphia Towing Ordinance shall apply to the words and phrases used in
this Agreement.
9. This Agreement covers towing and storage (if required) only and contains the complete understanding of the
parties with respect therein.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF the parties hereto have hereunto set their hands and seals the day and year above written.
WITNESSES: ____________________________________ L.S.___________________________________L.S.
OWNER OR DRIVER
I, the undersigned, so hereby certify that I am Officer No.___________ of the Police Department of the City of Philadelphia,
that I was present at the signing of this agreement, which was signed at the scene of the collision or
accident, that I have read the same one that I have received a copy thereof.
SIGNED__________________________________
DIRECTIVE 12.5 - 16 APPENDIX “B”
EXAMPLE 7: Screenshot of AutoReturn Dispatch Confirmation
To report problems with a tow company or a tow company driver, contact AutoReturn
at 215-933-5031. They will be tracking tow company issues and following up with the
tow companies about reported problems.
DIRECTIVE 12.5 - 17 APPENDIX “B”
Company Name
Company Address
Is Licensed as: Collector – Repossessor
License Number: XXXXX
*Effective Dates of License:
October 1, 2019 through September 30, 2020