A Gothamist investigation published February 11, 2026, found that New York City's unlicensed tow truck fleet grew from 54 vehicles in 2021 to at least 712 after reduced NYPD enforcement and changes in vehicle seizure policy. According to the report, the unlicensed operators race to crash scenes to pursue insurance payouts, have accumulated thousands of traffic violations, and have been connected to at least 15 deaths since 2010.
Operator takeaway
Show this to anyone who thinks the towing industry doesn't need regulation — 712 unlicensed trucks in one city is what happens when enforcement disappears.