Chicago Rogue Towing Declines
Chicago’s rogue towing problem appears to be improving, but the threat to motorists remains, according to a new report from the city’s Office of Inspector General.
Rogue towing occurs when unlicensed operators respond to crashes, remove vehicles without authorization and then demand excessive fees to release them.
Chicago enacted new towing regulations in 2021 and strengthened them in 2025. The OIG report found that licensing requirements, investigations and enforcement actions by the Department of Business Affairs and Consumer Protection, working with the Chicago Police Department and Illinois Commerce Commission, appear to have reduced rogue towing complaints.
Tow operators must now be licensed and display a city licensing emblem on their trucks. The regulations also make it more difficult for rogue operators to shut down and reopen under new names.
CPD has investigated vehicle storage lots and found locations where numerous vehicles had been towed, including some that may have been stolen.
The OIG warned that rogue towing is evolving, with some operators possibly moving into surrounding suburbs where Chicago’s regulations do not apply.
A proposed statewide law would expand enforcement against fraudulent towing operators across Illinois. For full report
Source: https://www.cbsnews.com
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