Senate in Connecticut approved a major reform to the state’s towing policies. The reform aims to protect drivers from predatory towing and represents the most significant change in decades. This action was taken following an investigation by the Connecticut Mirror and ProPublica, which revealed that existing laws favored tow companies over drivers.
House Bill 7162, which modernizes longstanding towing statutes, was passed with significant bipartisan support in both the House of Representatives and the Senate. It seeks to make it more challenging to tow vehicles from private property and easier for drivers to retrieve their vehicles post-tow.
Sen. Christine Cohen, Co-chair of the Transportation Committee, highlighted the bill’s focus on transparency, fairness, and accountability while acknowledging the valuable role of ethical tow operators. Gov. Ned Lamont is expected to sign the bill into law.
Republican Sen. Tony Hwang supported the bill, stating it balances the needs of both towers and consumers. He also credited the press for contributing to transparency. The bill requires more steps before tow companies can sell vehicles, demands accountability from towing companies, and includes a consumer bill of rights on towing.
Provisions include a 72-hour grace period for expired parking permits and new rules ensuring vehicles can only be towed from private property under specific conditions. The legislation mandates that tow companies accept credit cards and that they take photographs before towing a vehicle.
Timothy Vibert, President of Towing and Recovery Professionals of Connecticut, initially opposed the bill but later supported it after discussions with lawmakers. DMV Commissioner Tony Guerrera endorsed the initiative, asserting it advances fair enforcement of towing laws.
Melissa Anderson, featured in the investigative report, expressed relief at the bill’s passage, which she believes will benefit many people. The bill awaits the governor’s signature, with Gov. Lamont’s spokespeople expressing his appreciation for the protections it offers to the public.
