Title 11. Powers of Code Counties — Subtitle 5. Towing Companies
Statutes in effect as of October 1, 2026.
Md. Code Ann., Local Gov't § 11-501 (2026)
Title 11. Powers of Code Counties
Subtitle 5. Towing Companies
§ 11–501LinkCopy Citation
(a)
In this subtitle the following words have the meanings indicated.
(b)
“Nonconsensual towing” means towing a motor vehicle from private property without the consent of the motor vehicle’s owner or operator.
(c)
“Tow truck” has the meaning stated in § 13–920 of the Transportation Article.
(d)
“Towing” means the moving or removal of a motor vehicle by a tow truck.
(e)
“Towing company” means a person that provides towing services.
(f)
“Towing service” means the operation of removing or towing motor vehicles.
Md. Code Ann., Local Gov't § 11-502 (2026)
Title 11. Powers of Code Counties
Subtitle 5. Towing Companies
§ 11–502LinkCopy Citation
This subtitle applies only in code counties in the Southern Maryland class, as established in § 9–302 of this article.
Md. Code Ann., Local Gov't § 11-503 (2026)
Title 11. Powers of Code Counties
Subtitle 5. Towing Companies
§ 11–503LinkCopy Citation
The county commissioners may adopt rules and regulations for the licensing, maintenance, and operation of towing companies in the county to:
(1)
promote transparency, accountability, and uniformity regarding nonconsensual towing practices;
(2)
safeguard the public health and welfare;
(3)
promote good civic design; and
(4)
promote the health, safety, morals, order, convenience, and prosperity of the community.
Md. Code Ann., Local Gov't § 11-504 (2026)
Title 11. Powers of Code Counties
Subtitle 5. Towing Companies
§ 11–504LinkCopy Citation
The rules and regulations adopted by the county commissioners may:
(1)
require a person who maintains or operates a towing company in the county to obtain a license from the county; and
(2)
specify a reasonable fee for the license.
Md. Code Ann., Local Gov't § 11-505 (2026)
Title 11. Powers of Code Counties
Subtitle 5. Towing Companies
§ 11–505LinkCopy Citation
(a)
(1)
Before adopting rules and regulations under § 11–503 of this subtitle, the county commissioners shall hold a public hearing.
(2)
The rules or regulations are not valid unless a public hearing is held as advertised.
(b)
The county commissioners shall publish notice of the time and place of the public hearing in a newspaper of general circulation in the county once a week for not less than 4 successive weeks.
Md. Code Ann., Local Gov't § 11-506 (2026)
Title 11. Powers of Code Counties
Subtitle 5. Towing Companies
§ 11–506LinkCopy Citation
(a)
A person who violates a rule or regulation adopted under § 11–503 of this subtitle is guilty of a misdemeanor and on conviction is subject to a fine of not less than $500 or imprisonment not exceeding 2 months or both.
(b)
Each day on which a violation continues is a separate offense.
Md. Code Ann., Local Gov't § 11-507 (2026)
Title 11. Powers of Code Counties
Subtitle 5. Towing Companies
§ 11–507LinkCopy Citation
In the event of a conflict, federal law, State law, or written program guidance issued by a unit of the federal or State government shall preempt a rule or regulation adopted or any other action taken under this subtitle.