Res. No. 446
Resolution calling on the New York State Legislature to pass, and the Governor to sign, legislation establishing coordination mechanisms between the New York City Department of Consumer and Worker Protection and the Department of Motor Vehicles so that operators engaged in illegal towing in New York City do not receive tow truck registration plates, including verification of a City license prior to the issuance or renewal of tow truck registration plates where applicable
By Council Members Morano, Wong and Louis
Whereas, The New York City Department of Consumer and Worker Protection (DCWP) licenses tow truck operators that move or remove disabled, illegally parked, or abandoned motor vehicles or vehicles involved in accidents; and
Whereas, Towing is consistently one of the most complained-about industries licensed by DCWP, including complaints alleging illegal towing, overcharging, damage to vehicles, demanding cash-only payments and not providing receipts; and
Whereas, A Gothamist/WNYC analysis of speeding and red-light camera data found that the number of unlicensed tow trucks operating in New York City has increased from 54 in 2021 to at least 712 in 2026, while the number of licensed tow trucks has fallen from 995 to 764 during the same period; and
Whereas, According to Gothamist/WNYC, fatal crashes involving both licensed and unlicensed tow trucks have left at least 15 people dead since 2010 and competition among tow truck operators has erupted into violence, with at least five shootings related to towing companies since 2021; and
Whereas, The proliferation of unlicensed operators harms consumers, puts New York City residents at risk and harms licensed tow truck businesses that follow City rules; and
Whereas, Tow truck registration plates are issued by the New York State Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV), and the DMV does not currently require verification that a tow truck operator is licensed by DCWP when issuing or renewing tow truck registration; and
Whereas, The lack of coordination between the DMV and DCWP allows individuals operating without a valid New York City tow truck license to receive official tow truck registration plates; and
Whereas, Requiring the DMV to verify DCWP licensure prior to issuing or renewing registration plates for vehicles that require a license to operate in New York City would help prevent unlicensed towing, improve public safety, strengthen consumer protections and support licensed tow truck operators who comply with City regulations; now, therefore, be it,
Resolved, That the Council of the City of New York calls on the New York State Legislature to pass, and the Governor to sign, legislation establishing coordination mechanisms between the New York City Department of Consumer and Worker Protection and the Department of Motor Vehicles so that operators engaged in illegal towing in New York City do not receive tow truck registration plates, including verification of a City license prior to the issuance or renewal of tow truck registration plates where applicable.
NEM
LS 22155
4/15/2026