Chicago Cracks Down on Predatory Towing with New Ordinance

The Chicago City Council has passed a sweeping ordinance to curb predatory practices by towing companies operating within city limits. Approved Wednesday, the measure requires companies to publicly disclose their fee schedules, accept non-cash payments, and prohibits towing vehicles to secondary storage lots without the owner’s written consent.

Introduced by Ald. Gilbert Villegas (36th Ward), the ordinance targets so-called “rogue” towers who exploit accident scenes and charge exorbitant or undisclosed fees. Tow operators must now register their fees with the Department of Business Affairs and Consumer Protection and grant owners access to personal belongings in their vehicles.

Violators face steep penalties, including a $10,000 fine and potential seizure of their towing vehicles. The ordinance also empowers consumers to take legal action against offending companies.

The measure drew strong support from the National Insurance Crime Bureau, which reported an 89% spike in predatory towing claims nationwide. Supporters called the ordinance a major step toward protecting drivers from deceptive and costly towing tactics. Source: https://www.fox32chicago.com