Lawmakers Move to Crack Down on Illegal Tow Trucks Across NYC

By Y.M. Lowy

A large number of tow trucks currently operating across the five boroughs are not licensed by the city. These trucks are able to get official tow truck plates from the state without first being approved by the city’s Department of Consumer and Worker Protection.

Councilmember Frank Morano is pushing to change that. He introduced a resolution calling on the state and Gov. Kathy Hochul to require proof of a valid city license before the DMV can issue tow truck plates.

The current system creates a gap that allows unlicensed operators to work freely. Some of these drivers, often referred to as “chasers,” monitor for accidents and rush to the scene to tow vehicles, sometimes driving aggressively and ignoring traffic laws.

Beyond safety concerns, there have also been complaints from drivers whose cars were taken to repair shops and hit with unexpected or inflated charges.

Closing this loophole would help bring more accountability to the industry and improve safety on city streets.