Towing Companies Face Tougher Rules in Allentown, PA

Allentown City Council has approved sweeping changes aimed at curbing predatory towing practices. The newly passed ordinance adds protections for vehicle owners, requiring private towing companies to register their trucks, post visible signage with business information, and report all tows to police within 30 minutes.

Tow operators must also release a vehicle on-site if the owner pays no more than half the towing fee. Violators face fines of $500 or the full towing charge—whichever is higher.

Councilman Santo Napoli, who championed the bill after hearing complaints of residents paying up to $700 to retrieve vehicles, called the situation “simply unacceptable.”

Police Chief Charles Roca praised the legislation, saying it brings “clear expectations and transparency” for residents and towing companies.

The ordinance also mandates clear signage for private parking spaces. However, the rules do not apply to vehicles blocking driveways or parked in designated spaces. Source: https://www.lehighvalleynews.com