City Council:
AN ORDINANCE AMENDING SECTION 243 OF THE
MOUNT VERNON CITY CHARTER TO IMPOSE
FINES ON UNLICENSED TOW TRUCK OPERATORS
Whereas, in correspondence dated August 4, 2025, the Commissioner of the Department of Public Safety formally requested authorization to amend Section 243 of the Mount Vernon Charter to establish fines for tow truck operators engaging in business within the City without the necessary license; and
Whereas, the City of Mount Vernon is committed to ensuring the safety, protection, and welfare of its residents and visitors; and
Whereas, the operation of unlicensed tow trucks within the City presents a serious threat to public safety, exposes consumers to potential fraud, excessive fees, and a lack of recourse for damage or misconduct; and
Whereas, licensing of tow truck operators serves to maintain industry standards, provide for regulatory oversight, and promote ethical and lawful conduct; and
Whereas, the Department of Public Safety has recommended the imposition of fines to deter and penalize unauthorized towing activity within the City of Mount Vernon; and
Whereas, the City Council finds it in the public interest to adopt appropriate penalties for violations of licensing requirements for tow truck operators to preserve the safety and rights of its citizens; Now, Therefore, Be It Resolved That
The City of Mount Vernon, in City Council convened, does hereby ordain and enact:
Section 1. Title. This ordinance shall be known as the “Unlicensed Tow Truck Operator Enforcement Ordinance.”
Section 2. Amendment to City Charter. Section 243 of the Mount Vernon City Charter is hereby amended to add the following paragraph:
“Any person who violates the provisions of this section by operating a tow truck or engaging in towing activities within the City of Mount Vernon without a valid tow truck operator’s license issued by the City shall be subject to a civil fine of not less than five thousand dollars ($5,000) and not more than twenty thousand dollars ($20,000) per violation. Additionally, the registered owner of any tow truck found operating in violation of this section shall be subject to a separate fine of not less than one thousand five hundred dollars ($1,500) and not more than ten thousand dollars ($10,000) per offense.”
Section 3. Severability. If any section, clause, sentence, paragraph, or provision of this Ordinance shall be deemed invalid or unconstitutional by a court of competent jurisdiction, such decision shall not affect the validity of the remaining portions of this Ordinance.
Section 4. Effective Date. This Ordinance shall take effect immediately upon approval by the City Council and subsequent approval by the Board of Estimate & Contract.