Localmedium impact · 4/10substantive260167

Fair Towing Practices for Private Properties Law

Official:Amending Section 9-605 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Towing," to revise certain requirements regarding the issuance of a ticket on Private Lots, Private Property and Driveways.

Sponsor: Councilmember Squilla

Introduced: March 5, 2026

: Committee on Commerce & Economic Development

government private property traffic

Plain-Language Summary

This bill amends Philadelphia's towing regulations to require more information on tickets issued in private lots, driveways, and properties.

What This Bill Does

AI-written. Every figure is checked against the bill text.

Towing companies must obtain prior written permission from property owners or their designated agents before towing vehicles from private lots, private property, or driveways.
Towing companies must retain written permissions on file for all towing operations.
Vehicles cannot be towed unless they have been ticketed by police or law enforcement for a parking violation (specifically, parking in front of a public or private driveway or parking/leaving unattended on private property without owner's consent) at the location from which they are being towed.
In a licensed parking lot, a vehicle may be moved to another location in the parking lot without a ticket, but still subject to other regulations and requirements.

Both Sides

AI-written arguments. Every figure is checked against the bill text.

The case for

This bill protects private property owners by ensuring that towing companies obtain their permission before removing vehicles from their property. It also prevents towing companies from taking advantage of property owners who may not be aware of a vehicle's presence on their land, thereby reducing the risk of unauthorized towing and potential losses for both property owners and vehicle owners.

The case against

Municipal Bill 260167 would impose significant administrative burdens on towing companies, including the requirement to obtain and maintain written permissions from property owners for each towing operation. Property owners would bear the costs of providing and managing these permissions, and towing companies would bear the costs of retaining them on file. Additionally, the bill would create a loophole for vehicles to be moved within a licensed parking lot without consequence, potentially undermining the purpose of the bill and allowing some parking violators to avoid fines.

Neither side is the site's position. They are here so you can weigh the bill yourself.