Connecticut Passes Major Towing Reform Bill

Connecticut’s Senate passed House Bill 7162 in a 33-3 vote, overhauling the state's towing laws for the first time in decades. The bill aims to balance consumer protection with respect for the work towers do every day.

Prompted by a joint investigation from CT Mirror and ProPublica, lawmakers crafted a compromise with towing professionals. The bill clarifies private property towing rules, raises highway tow rates, and ensures due process before vehicles are sold.

Key changes effective October 1 include: requiring credit card acceptance, 72-hour grace periods for expired permits, photo documentation of violations, and mandatory certified mail notices before selling towed vehicles. Tow companies must also allow vehicle owners to retrieve personal property, even if fees remain unpaid.

Tim Vibert, president of the Towing and Recovery Professionals of Connecticut, initially opposed the bill but later supported it after working with lawmakers. “We all need clear, easy-to-follow rules,” he said.

The bill also creates a working group to study vehicle sale proceeds and a towing consumer bill of rights.

Governor Lamont is expected to sign it into law. https://ctmirror.org