For many truckers, a tow doesn’t just ruin the day. It can eat up a paycheck. That’s why more states are fighting back against predatory towing.
From Connecticut to Utah, lawmakers are passing new protections to stop bad actors from cashing in on drivers when they have no choice.
The Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association has led the push, working with states to put fair towing rules on the books.
Utah
Utah has approved new protections for commercial trucks caught in nonconsensual tows.
The law clearly separates recovery work from routine towing. It also requires commercial insurance policies to cover recovery costs.
Insurance companies must pay for reasonable towing, recovery and cargo expenses within 60 days after receiving a bill.
Rep. Kay Christofferson, R-Lehi, said nearly one-third of recovery companies must post a bond while disagreements are worked out, and part of the payment must be made up front.
Towing companies that charge more than their posted rates could lose the right to collect payment.
The Utah Trucking Association supports the law, which takes effect in May 2027.
Arizona
Arizona lawmakers are taking aim at predatory towing after too many drivers were hit with outrageous fees.
HB2305 would create one set of towing rules for the entire state. Cities and counties would no longer be able to set their own towing rates for vehicles removed from private property.
The bill also tightens the rules before a tow can happen. Warning signs would have to meet state standards.
Towing companies would have to take photos or video of the violation and notify law enforcement within one hour.
The bill also spells out how owners can get their vehicles back.
Rep. Leo Biasiucci, R-Kingman, said the bill has been years in the making.
“We have finally gotten to a spot where we can put an end to predatory towing in the state,” Biasiucci said. “This bill finally gets rid of all the bad actors.”
Lawmakers added a provision for truckers. A new study committee would review how heavy-duty trucks are towed from private property and recommend changes.
The bill also directs the Department of Public Safety to study whether Arizona should create a towing compliance and enforcement unit.
“We have a lot more work to do that we will have that study committee for to deal with the heavy-truck, commercial side,” Biasiucci said.
HB2305 now heads to the governor’s desk.
North Carolina
North Carolina is fighting back against predatory towing after too many truckers and others were left paying the price.
A new law that took effect in 2025 gives drivers stronger protections when a tow happens without their consent.
One of the biggest changes? Since Dec. 1, tow companies can no longer slap a boot on a commercial truck for parking enforcement.
Companies that break the rule can be fined up to $1,000.
The law also protects valuable cargo. After a nonconsensual or government-ordered tow, companies must quickly return commercial cargo when the driver or cargo owner asks for it.
A trailer swap is allowed if the replacement trailer is of a similar type, in good working order, and no more than five years older than the original, as arranged by the cargo owner.
Rep. Mike Schietzelt, R-Wake, was behind the new law. He said at the time that the law is a positive step, but noted that more still needs to be done to protect commercial drivers.
OOIDA welcomes changes
The Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association has spent years fighting for stronger protections to stop truckers from getting trapped by predatory towing.
Doug Morris, OOIDA’s director of state government affairs, said most towing companies do the job the right way. But he said a small number of bad actors give the entire industry a black eye.
He said the new rules are a step in the right direction. Time after time, states find that some towing companies are overcharging drivers simply because they think they can get away with it.
Still more to do
Another North Carolina bill is targeting towing companies that hit truckers with sky-high bills after a tow.
H199 would create a Towing and Recovery Commission to crack down on nonconsensual towing and booting.
The commission would license towing companies. They would also cap the charges for towing, storage, booting and cargo handling. The group would also investigate public complaints.
The bill also gives truckers added protection. Towing companies could not charge storage or handling fees for cargo.
If cargo can’t be unloaded, companies would have to allow a trailer swap with another trailer in equal or better condition owned or operated by the same carrier.
Booting a commercial vehicle could also become a felony.
The bill awaits action in the House Finance Committee. LL
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