§ 31-42. Employment of tow trucks.

(a) Director to remove vehicles in violation.

In carrying out the provisions of this subtitle with respect to vehicles abandoned, parked, stopped, left unattended in violation of law, or obstructing traffic, the Police Commissioner shall cause the vehicle to be removed.

(b) Private towers to be used for others.

(1) However, with respect to cars stolen, disabled by accident or otherwise, or parked so as to block the entrance to a driveway in an impoundment zone, except in emergency situations, the Commissioner shall employ 1 or more licensed towers or towing companies to proceed at once to the scene and transport such vehicle to the said auto pound.

(2) Disabled vehicles, however, may be towed to a place designated by the owner or his agent.

(3) For the purposes of this section, emergency situations are deemed to mean police security, civil disaster, or otherwise.

(c) Selection of towers.

(1) Such tower shall be selected by the Commissioner from a list previously prepared by him.

(2) In selecting a tower for a particular transaction, preference shall be given to one as close as possible to the location of the vehicle.

(d) Fees.

(1) The towing charges shall be set in advance, arrived at by agreement between the towers, the Commissioner, and the Director, with any disputes as to charges to be settled by the Commissioner.

(2) In the event towing is performed by City forces or vehicles and no employment of towers becomes necessary, the same schedule of charges shall apply. Such towing charges will be added to the cost of storage as hereinafter specified, and made a lien upon such vehicle.

(e) Reports by private towers.

When a private tower is used, said Commissioner shall prepare a vehicle report for the vehicle and have it verified and signed by such tower on forms provided by the Commissioner:

(1) containing:

(i) a brief description of the vehicle, including any distinguishing marks or accessories; and

(ii) a listing of any personal property found;

(2) showing removal and custody of same for such vehicle; and

(3) also showing the towing charges for removing said vehicle to the auto pound.

(f) Rules and regulations.

The Commissioner may promulgate and adopt rules to implement the enforcement hereof, such rules to be published.