5.44.060 Rates and Charges.
It shall be unlawful to:
(A) Charge the registered owner or other authorized person in control of the vehicle fees in excess of the maximum rates set forth in this section or the rates specified in the posting or notice required by subsection (C), if lower than the maximum rates, or charge the registered owner or other authorized person in control of a vehicle fees for any of the listed services that are not reasonably related to the towing and storage of vehicles that are actually towed and stored, except as otherwise provided by this section.
For vehicles under twenty-six thousand (26,000) pounds, the maximum rates that may be charged for towing, storage, and related fees are as follows:
Hookup | $100 |
Mileage | $3.50 per mile |
$35 per day | |
Dolly Fee | $50 |
Winching Fee | $100 per hour |
Lockout | $35 |
Tarp (if needed) | $35 |
For vehicles twenty-six thousand (26,000) pounds and over, the maximum rates that may be charged for towing, storage, and related fees are as follows:
Hookup | $400 |
Mileage | $3.50 per mile |
Cage Brakes | $60 |
Driveshaft Removal | $35 |
Extra Labor | $100, including tire change, lockout, winching, cleanup |
Tarp (if needed) | $35 |
$50 per day, per unit |
Winching fees for any vehicle may be charged only when the vehicle is completely off a paved or gravel surface or when the vehicle is not upright.
(B)
(1) Tow or remove or store a vehicle where the registered owner or other authorized person in control of the vehicle arrives at the scene of potential towing prior to towing or removal and such person:
(a) Pays a reasonable service fee (drop fee) of not more than one-half (1/2) of the posted rate for the hookup, for which a receipt will be given; and
(b) Immediately removes the vehicle from the property where it is otherwise unlawfully parked.
(2) Upon payment of the service fee, the vehicle shall be disconnected from the towing or removal apparatus. There shall be no service fee charged if:
(a) No towing or removal apparatus has been connected to the vehicle; or
(b) The posting or notice provided pursuant to subsection (C) does not include a statement that a drop fee of one-half (1/2) of the hookup fee may be charged.
(C) Tow or remove or store a vehicle unless the current rates charged for the towing and storage of vehicles are posted in an open and conspicuous public place on the property from which the vehicle is removed and of the business enterprise doing the towing or listed on a conspicuous notice placed on the vehicle twenty-four (24) hours prior to the tow.
(D) Pay or rebate money, or solicit or offer the payment or rebate of money, or other valuable consideration to property owners for the privilege of towing or removing vehicles. (Ord. 22-41 § 2, 2022; Ord. 92-55 § 5, 1992; Ord. 90-102 § 1, 1990.)