§ 21-16-113. SAME - REMOVAL AND RELEASE.

(a)

Towing operator to remove the disabled vehicle . On arriving at the scene of a requested police-initiated towing, the towing operator immediately shall remove the vehicle to the operator's storage lot, unless authorized by the owner or operator of the vehicle to remove the vehicle to a place of the owner's or operator's choosing.

(b)

Call for assistance . If a vehicle cannot promptly and efficiently be removed from the scene, the contractor may call the next assigned police-initiated towing licensee to assist in the removal.

(c)

Release .

(1)

(i)

Except as provided in paragraphs (2) and (3) of this subsection, a police-initiated towing licensee shall release a vehicle to the owner during the regular business day.

(ii)

For purposes of this paragraph and subject to paragraph (3) of this subsection, the "regular business day" means being open Monday through Friday for a minimum of eight consecutive hours each day counting from no earlier than 8:00 a.m.

(2)

A police-initiated towing licensee may release a vehicle to the owner at other times.

(3)

(i)

Except as provided in subparagraph (ii) of this paragraph, a police-initiated towing licensee shall release a vehicle between 9:00 a.m. and 12:00 noon on Saturdays, Sundays, and subject to subparagraph (iii) of this paragraph, holidays.

(ii)

A police-initiated towing licensee may decide to remain closed on Sundays and holidays and not return vehicles but may not charge storage fees for those days if closed.

(iii)

For purposes of this paragraph, a holiday is a day of the work week (Monday through Friday) on which Baltimore County general government offices are closed in honor of a holiday as established each year by the County Administrative Officer.

(d)

Police-initiated towing licensee fees . A police-initiated towing licensee shall accept the following as payment for approved fees:

(1)

Cash; or

(2)

If accompanied by reasonable identification, traveler's checks or credit cards, as determined by the Director.

(1988 Code, §§ 24-222, 24-230) (Bill No. 72-00, § 2, 7-1-2004; Bill No. 104-02, § 1, 1-5-2003; Bill No. 72-03, § 50, 7-1-2004; Bill No. 67-07, § 1, 10-14-2007)