Towers, Consumer Advocates Clash over CT reforms

Connecticut towing companies and consumer advocates presented sharply different plans Monday as a Department of Motor Vehicles working group tries to draft recommendations for lawmakers by February.

The 10-member committee, created under a 2025 law that revamped much of the state’s towing system, is debating how to balance fairness to vehicle owners with the financial realities of towing businesses.

Towing representatives proposed eliminating the current rule that treats cars valued under $1,500 differently, instead allowing all vehicles to be sold after 30 days. They argued the change would simplify the process and help companies recover costs.

Consumer advocates, led by attorney Rafie Podolsky of Connecticut Legal Services, pushed for stronger protections for motorists — including pausing storage fees once owners signal intent to reclaim their cars and creating a system to dispute private-property tows. They also want itemized lists of personal items kept in vehicles and new DMV oversight on sales data.

DMV Commissioner Tony Guerrera acknowledged the challenge: “How do we help individuals without killing towing companies?”

The group plans to meet monthly until submitting its final report Feb. 1. Source: https://ctmirror.org