The truck is gone. The bill keeps growing. States are now moving to stop towing companies from turning roadside trouble into a financial trap.
From North Carolina to Arizona, lawmakers are making new rules to stop unfair towing practices and give truckers a fighting chance.
The Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association has been pushing for those changes. The goal is simple: Stop truckers from getting trapped by bad towing practices.
Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania is taking aim at predatory towing.
A new law sets statewide rules for towing companies and storage lots. It also creates criminal penalties for operators who break the rules.
The rules cover trucks and other vehicles.
Supporters say the law gives drivers more protection and makes clear what must happen after a vehicle is towed.
“The overwhelming majority of towing companies are honest professionals who provide an important service,” said Sen. Sharif Street, D-Philadelphia. “This legislation is aimed at the small number of bad actors whose practices hurt consumers and damage the reputation of the industry.”
Under the new law, drivers and vehicle owners can request a written, itemized list of every charge.
Towing companies and storage facilities must also tell drivers where the vehicle was taken and how to get it back.
Refusing to provide an itemized bill is prohibited.
So is refusing to post or provide towing and storage rates.
Towing companies also cannot simply show up and tow a vehicle on their own. The tow must be requested by the vehicle owner, operator, law enforcement or another authorized official.
Enforcement will no longer fall only on the Attorney General’s Office. State and local police will also be allowed to enforce the rules.
The Pennsylvania Motor Truck Association said the new law creates clear rules for what happens after a vehicle is towed.
Breaking those rules could get expensive.
Violators could face fines ranging from $750 to $5,000.
A towing company or storage facility could also have its truck impounded. The truck would stay put until fines are paid and the company follows the law.
Sen. Joe Picozzi, R-Philadelphia, said the criminal penalties are needed to stop towing abuses.
The new law takes effect in December.
North Carolina
North Carolina is cracking down on predatory towing. New rules protect truckers from illegal booting, surprise fees and cargo being held hostage. But lawmakers say the fight isn’t over yet.
OOIDA welcomes changes
The Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association has pushed for years to protect truckers from predatory towing.
Doug Morris, OOIDA’s director of state government affairs, said most towing companies play by the rules. But a few bad actors can make life miserable for drivers and hurt the entire industry.
He said the new rules are a step forward. Too often, truckers face towing bills so high they feel trapped with nowhere to run.
Still more to do
North Carolina lawmakers are not done.
Another bill, H199, would create a Towing and Recovery Commission to oversee nonconsensual towing and booting.
The commission would license towing companies. They would also cap towing and storage fees. The group would also investigate complaints.
The bill would also protect truckers from cargo fees. Tow companies could not charge for storing or handling freight.
If cargo can’t be unloaded, the carrier could use a trailer swap with another trailer in equal or better condition.
The proposal would also make booting a commercial vehicle a felony.
H199 is awaiting action in the House Finance Committee. LL
More Land Line coverage of state news is available.
Credit: Source link
