NC House Panel Advances Bill to Regulate Towing Industry

A bipartisan bill aimed at tightening oversight of North Carolina’s towing industry cleared a legislative committee Tuesday. House Bill 199 would create a state-run Towing and Recovery Commission to issue — and potentially revoke — permits for tow companies based on their business practices.

Supporters say the bill addresses growing concerns about excessive charges and unclear signage. Complaints include extra fees for not paying in cash, daily storage fees on closed days, and sky-high recovery costs. Rep. Carson Smith (R), the bill’s lead sponsor, called the current situation “a mess.”

The bill would also cap certain charges, require clearer signage at tow zones, and create a statewide database where drivers can find their towed vehicles and see associated fees.

Rep. Laura Budd, D-Mecklenburg, said the database would protect both consumers and law-abiding towing operators by verifying signage and location details.

The proposed changes come amid rising tension between truckers, local drivers, and towing companies. The Towing and Recovery Professionals of North Carolina has yet to comment on the bill. Source: https://www.wral.com