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How to spot an unlicensed tow truck in New York City
By
Liam Quigley
Published Feb 11, 2026
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Rhe Civitello / For Gothamist
By
Liam Quigley
Published Feb 11, 2026
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With a growing fleet of unlicensed tow truck companies on the streets of New York City, how can you protect yourself the next time you need a tow?
A Gothamist investigation has for the first time tallied the city’s ghost fleet of unlicensed tow trucks. The numbers show that as the number of unlicensed towers has increased, licensed tow trucks have decreased. It all means that if you’re in a crash in the five boroughs, there’s a strong chance you’ll encounter a tow truck that isn’t authorized to haul your vehicle.
Lawmakers and industry experts say there are steps you can take to protect your car – and your wallet – if you need a tow.
Rhe Civitello/Gothamist
Licensed vs. unlicensed
- Unlicensed trucks often lack the required DMV-issued plates identifying them as tow trucks. Look for “Tow Truck” in small font on the plate. Some stealth tow trucks use passenger license plates.
- Many unlicensed tow trucks are large pickup trucks – think GMC Denalis or Chevy Silverados – equipped with stealthy wheel lift equipment that can be tucked in the bed of the truck and deployed at the push of a button.
- These trucks often lack any company decals, as required by law, and have dark tinted windows.
- Licensed trucks have a metal medallion on the driver’s side of the vehicle, as well as a company name, address, and phone number. Tow truck drivers must maintain a tow truck operator’s license with the city.
- It’s against the law for tow truck companies to show up to the scene of a crash and offer to tow your car without having been summoned by the police, according to the Department of Consumer and Worker Protection.
- The DCWP encourages consumers to report unlicensed towing activity through 311 or on its website.
- You can also verify if a company is licensed using DCWP’s website – or this database compiled by Gothamist.
Know your rights
- The DCWP advises consumers to keep copies of all their paperwork and communications with tow truck companies.
- If you’re on a city highway and need a tow, you must call 911 to be connected with the tower authorized to serve that area.
- If you’re in a crash in the city, you have the right to have your car towed to any location within the five boroughs. Tell them to take your car to your preferred body shop.
- If you find your car being hooked up to a tow truck in a private lot, drivers must accept a “drop fee” of $62.50 to release your vehicle on the spot.
- Tow truck companies must accept at least two major credit cards.
- Tow truck drivers might present you with a form authorizing repairs. The DCWP advises that you are not obligated to sign such a form to have your car towed. Never sign a blank form.
- You are never required to sign a "designated representative form,” which makes a tow operator your representative in dealings with an insurance company, according to the DCWP.
Tagged
new york city
transportation
Liam Quigley
Liam Quigley is a reporter covering parks & sanitation for Gothamist and WNYC. Got a tip? Email [email protected]
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Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
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