§ 21-16-101. DEFINITIONS.

(a)

In general . In this title the following words have the meanings indicated.

(b)

Contractor . "Contractor" means the contractor procured to provide police-initiated towing as provided in § 21-16-111.1 of this title.

(c)

Disabled vehicle .

(1)

(i)

"Disabled vehicle" means a motor vehicle that has been damaged or rendered inoperative as a result of a collision or accident.

(ii)

"Disabled vehicle" includes a vehicle that may be operative but that, due to its condition, represents a hazard to public or private property or the environment due to leaking fluids or other hazardous conditions as determined by the Police Department.

(2)

"Disabled vehicle" does not include a motor vehicle that has been damaged or rendered inoperative as a result of wear and tear or mechanical failure.

(d)

License . "License" means a license to engage in the towing of vehicles within Baltimore County.

(e)

Owner .

(1)

"Owner" means the owner of a motor vehicle.

(2)

"Owner" includes the operator of the vehicle or the owner's agent.

(f)

Parking lot or garage . "Parking lot or garage" means a facility consisting of 3 or more spaces for motor vehicle parking that is accessible to the general public and is intended by the owner or lessee of the facility to be used primarily by the owner's or lessee's customers, clientele, residents, invitees, licensees or guests.

(g)

Police-initiated towing .

(1)

"Police-initiated towing" means the towing of a vehicle by a towing licensee under contract with the contractor at the request of the Police Department.

(2)

"Police-initiated towing" does not include towing authorized under § 25-203 of the Transportation Article of the Annotated Code of Maryland.

(h)

Police-initiated towing license . "Police-initiated towing license" means a license to engage in police-initiated towing.

(i)

Towing . "Towing" means the moving, removing, or preparation for moving or removing of a motor vehicle by another motor vehicle for which a service charge is made, which charge may include the dues or other charges of bona fide clubs or associations that provide towing services.

(j)

Trespass towing . "Trespass towing" means the moving, removing, or preparation for moving or removing of a vehicle from a parking lot or garage for which a service charge is made.

(k)

Trespass towing license . "Trespass towing license" means a license to engage in trespass towing.

(1988 Code, § 24-222) (Bill No. 72-00, § 2, 7-1-2004; Bill No. 104-02, § 1, 1-5-2003; Bill No. 73-03, § 50, 7-1-2004; Bill No. 67-07, § 1, 10-14-2007)