Predatory towing bill one step closer to law

DENVER (KDVR) — A invoice focusing on predatory practices by tow truck firms is now nearer to changing into regulation.

The invoice, sponsored by Reps. Naquetta Ricks and Edie Hooton, handed in a Home committee in an 8-5 vote. These in help of the invoice emphasize that it’s the driver’s duty to obey posted parking indicators, however the measure targets what they name “predatory towing.”

“We wish to ensure there are laws and there are penalties if somebody does tow a automotive illegally,” Ricks stated.

The invoice would require towing firms:

• to offer 24-hour discover earlier than eradicating a car from an residence complicated or cellular dwelling park
• ban towing for expired plates
• scale back the associated fee to drivers who’ve their automobiles towed from non-public property
• stop tow providers from blocking entry to belongings in impounded automobiles

Ricks added that handicapped parking spots are exempt from the 24-hour discover rule.

Tow truck drivers would even be required to doc the offense with photos or video.

What should you can’t afford to pay after a tow?

One of the contentious elements is a clause permitting drivers to retrieve their automobiles if they’ll’t afford to pay for them earlier than charges accumulate.

“It’s going to harm numerous guys within the business as a result of all of us depend on that work that we did, after which we’re not getting paid for that work,” a consultant with Blue Mountain Towing informed FOX31.

Ricks defined that companies will likely be paid, however drivers will likely be shielded from having their automobiles held hostage beneath quickly rising charges.

“As a substitute of going to get a payday mortgage or dropping a job, they’re in a position to get their automotive again, signal a kind that they’re liable to pay the tow firm again and the tow firm can gather from them,” Ricks stated.

The invoice would additionally change pointers for promoting unclaimed automobiles for extreme income. Towing providers preserve that automobiles are offered to cowl towing, storage, mileage and different bills.

The invoice heads to the Appropriations Committee on Wednesday after which to the Senate.