TOWING SERVICES

Biloxi Code of Ordinances ch. 12, art. XV

in effect

Biloxi Code of Ordinances § 12-15-1 Definitions.

Sec. 12-15-1. - Definitions. The following words, terms and phrases, when used in this article, shall have the meanings ascribed to them in this section, except where the context clearly indicates a different meaning: Chief or police chief shall refer to the chief of the city police department or his/her designee. City means the City of Biloxi. Owner means any person who holds the legal title to a motor vehicle or has the legal right of possession thereof. This does not include any person who has gained possession of a motor vehicle only because of tow services performed. Person means any natural person, partnership, corporation, association, organization, trust or other entity. Tow list means the rotation list of towing services available for request by the city. Tow means to haul, carry, pull along, or otherwise transport or move a motor vehicle by means of another vehicle. Tow management company shall mean any business or company contracted with by the city to provide management and dispatch of tow trucks or wreckers on the city's tow list. Towing/wrecker service includes any person or other entity, whether licensed or not, that engages in or who owns or operates a business which engages, in whole or in part, in the towing or removal of motor vehicles for compensation. Tow truck or wrecker means any motor vehicle used for the purpose of towing or removing motor vehicles from one location to another location. (Ord. No. 2592, § 2, 12-23-25)

Biloxi Code of Ordinances § 12-15-2 Conditions for participation in city tow list.

Sec. 12-15-2. - Conditions for participation in city tow list. (a) Requests for proposals. The city shall publish a request for proposals for towing services. The request for proposal shall set forth the basic qualifications to participate in the city's tow list. Each applicant desiring to be placed on the tow list shall file a written response to this request for proposal. A towing service may request to discontinue participation in the rotation roster upon 72 hours' written notice. (b) Rules and regulations. The city police department will develop a manual, to be approved by the city council, detailing the rules and regulations pertaining to the operation of towing services on the city's tow list. If a towing service fails to abide by this ordinance or the rules and regulations promulgated by the city police department, the towing service may be subject to suspension and removal from the city's tow list. (c) Rates and charges. All towing services selected by the city must adhere to the city's approved rates and charges, as promulgated by the city police department in the towing manual and approved by the city council. Such rates and charges will be evaluated periodically by the city police department and adjusted with the approval of the city council. (Ord. No. 2592, § 2, 12-23-25)

Biloxi Code of Ordinances § 12-15-3 Tow management company.

Sec. 12-15-3. - Tow management company. The city may enter into a contract with an entity to provide management and dispatch of towing services on the tow list provided by the city. (Ord. No. 2592, § 2, 12-23-25)

Biloxi Code of Ordinances § 12-15-4 Compliance with state and federal law.

Sec. 12-15-4. - Compliance with state and federal law. Any towing service or person operating a tow truck or wrecker shall comply with all applicable state laws and federal laws. A failure to comply with any and all applicable state and federal laws is a violation of this article. (Ord. No. 2592, § 2, 12-23-25)

Biloxi Code of Ordinances § 12-15-5 Owner tow requests.

Sec. 12-15-5. - Owner tow requests. (a) Nothing herein shall restrict the rights of a vehicle owner to request a tow from a towing service not listed on the city tow list. (b) If an owner selects a towing service, the tow truck must arrive to remove the vehicle within 45 minutes of the initial request if the vehicle is located on a public street to constitute a hazard, obstacle, or interference with traffic. If the towing service selected by the owner does not arrive within 45 minutes, the police officer may dispatch a towing service from the tow list at the owner's expense. (Ord. No. 2592, § 2, 12-23-25)

Source: City of Biloxi, Mississippi, Code of Ordinances and Land Development Ordinance (Municode Library, library.municode.com)URL: https://library.municode.com/ms/biloxi/codes/code_of_ordinances?nodeId=COOR_CH12LIBURE_ARTXVTOSEFetched: 11/1/2026