North Carolina Legislators Push for Towing Reform

North Carolina legislators have filed House Bill 199, aiming to regulate the towing industry after a similar effort last session failed to pass. The bill has garnered bipartisan support and quickly attracted multiple sponsors.

Rep. Laura Budd, a sponsor of the bill, expressed excitement about the renewed support. The North Carolina Trucking Association also backs the reform. The bill comes after WBTV’s investigations into illegal and predatory towing practices, including reports of criminal activity tied to towing companies.

The proposed legislation would create a Towing and Recovery Commission to regulate towing practices. It would set maximum fees based on vehicle type and region, issue permits, and create a database for tow truck drivers and companies. Towing without a permit would be considered an “unfair trade practice,” and businesses could face penalties for noncompliance. The bill would only apply to nonconsensual tows, not those after accidents or directed by law enforcement.

Reports from Charlotte show nonconsensual towing is costing consumers millions annually, with an estimated $4 million in fees paid for vehicle retrievals from tow companies. Source: https://www.msn.com