Legislators in two statehouses have successfully forwarded legislation to their governors, focusing on rectifying issues related to unfair towing practices. The problem continues to be under scrutiny in state legislatures across the country. The proposed rule changes aim to establish fundamental consumer protections for truck drivers and motor carriers facing predatory towing practices.
The Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association (OOIDA) has actively collaborated with states for years to formulate regulations safeguarding truck drivers involved in nonconsensual tows. The lack of transparency in towing service pricing has left truckers vulnerable to exorbitant costs, highlighting the need for protective measures.
In Florida, the Legislature has passed a bill addressing concerns about predatory towing practices, particularly noteworthy given the state’s notorious reputation in this regard. The absence of statewide maximum rates for towing or storage in Florida necessitates action at the county level, with cities also having the authority to establish rates. The approved legislation, led by Rep. Melony Bell and Sen. Keith Perry, requires counties to set maximum rates for cleanup and disposal related to nonconsensual tows. It also mandates online posting of rates and establishes a complaint resolution process.
Florida Trucking Association President Alix Miller said the legislation is “a huge victory” for trucking.
“HB179 will weed out the predatory towing tactics of bad actors and make the entire industry better and safer,” Miller said.
Kentucky is making progress on the towing issue, with senators unanimously forwarding a comprehensive bill to the House. The proposed SB107 mandates towing companies to submit current rate sheets to local law enforcement agencies. Failure to comply could result in removal from wrecker logs for six months, with repeat offenders facing a one-year removal period.
In Mississippi, two bills are advancing to address concerns about nonconsensual towing and charges for commercial vehicles. The proposed HB1622 establishes a commercial vehicle towing advisory committee to regulate towing and recovery service providers, set towing rates, and create a dispute resolution process for truck owners. Disciplinary actions against towing and recovery service providers would also be introduced.
Missouri’s House bill, sponsored by Rep. Dave Griffith, aims to empower truck drivers to file complaints if they believe they were overcharged for a nonconsensual tow. It includes provisions for documentation, itemized receipts, and security requirements to prevent unjust charges.
Virginia has approved two bills intended to protect the public from predatory towing. SB94 and HB1073 prohibit tow truck drivers from soliciting or offering tow services directly or indirectly at the scene of a wrecked or disabled vehicle. Violators could face fines, and repeat offenders may face imprisonment.
Sen. Bill Stanley, R-Franklin, said his bill addresses a specific problem that is happening too often within the state.
“You have tow truck companies that are using paramedics, first responders that respond to accidents or disabled vehicles or trucks on the side of the road,” Stanley said. “(Tow companies) talk to these first responders and say if they provide their business card and it results in a tow, that (the first responder) will get a kickback.”
These legislative efforts underscore a collective commitment to rectify unfair towing practices, offering a mix of transparency, accountability, and protection for truck drivers and consumers alike.
Source: Land Line
