THE end is nigh for the predatory towing industry in a US state as a strict new rule is set to come into force that will ban tow companies from hooking certain vehicles.
The new law, which is set to come into effect on December 1, prohibits using a boot or any other immobilization device on commercial trucks for the purpose of parking enforcement.
A new law is set to go into effect on December 1 that will that will ban tow companies from towing certain vehicles[/caption]
It comes after drivers in a US state have been calling for stricter rules for years[/caption]
And, according to WBTV, anyone found in violation of the law can be charged with a Class 2 misdemeanor.
It comes as, in recent times, tow truck companies have turned toward booting tractor trailers – simply due to the lack of regulation.
One truck driver, Nicolas Bedney, revealed to reporters in 2021 how he was booted and then towed, later claiming the ordeal set him back thousands of dollars – a cost that’s often passed onto consumers.
He added: “This law not only saves money for the truck driver in terms of attorneys and hotels, it might save lives.”
Indeed, across North Carolina, where the law is coming, several dangerous towing and booting situations have been taking place due to legal or legislative oversight.
Another truck driver, Rdele Olive, said he was “booted” in a gas station parking lot by two men in an unmarked car.
The men tried charging him $10,000 to get the thin wire off – but Olive escaped by driving away.
Criminal filings allege that the two men chased Olive down I-485 and into the Norfolk Southern railyard near the airport.
Olive said: “He jammed on brakes and jumped out the car and he pointed the gun at me.”
The man later bashed him in the head with butt of his gun before driving away.
TIME FOR CHANGE
Many truckers, like Olive, have been calling on NC lawmakers to prioritize towing reform for years.
“I don’t like that that happened to me, but I don’t want it to happen to anyone else,” Olive said in 2024.
The ruling will also require tow companies to return any commercial cargo from a tractor trailer that’s been towed.
It’s believed tractor trailers are targeted because tow truck drivers know that companies will pay exorbitant prices to get their cargo back, so they can deliver it.
North Carolina Trucking Association President Ben Greenberg said: “In some instances, you know factories aren’t running because parts are on trucks,.
“So the idea that one individual company can gum up the works under the guise of ‘a truck’s not supposed to be parked there,’ well if a truck’s not supposed to be parked there and folks want it moved what does booting that truck accomplish?”
However, the new law only applies to commercial trucks, with another bill that would have introduced reforms to towing rules and regulations stalling in the legislature.
What to do if your car is towed
Wrongfully or not, retrieving a towed vehicle can be a hassle.
If your vehicle is towed after parking in a “No Parking” zone or other legitimate reason, there are a few steps to take to get it back.
Steps to take when your car is towed:
- Try to figure out why your car was towed. Did you not see a posted “No Parking” sign? Did you miss a car payment? Did you return to a lot where you have unpaid citations? Finding the reason can narrow down the phone numbers to dial.
- Locate the vehicle. Most states, cities, or counties require towing companies to leave some form of contact information via a posted sign or sent by mail.
- Recovery dates and times depend on the company that towed the vehicle, but those times will be posted to the website or can be recited by a representative.
- Pay the fees. Be careful to be as prompt as possible, as some tow yards may charge storage fees by the day.
If you feel your vehicle was wrongfully towed, contesting the action can be done with the following steps:
- Be prompt – many states have a small window of time where it’s acceptable to file a complaint against a company that wrongfully towed the vehicle.
- Gather supporting documents: photos, emails, receipts, police reports, and witness statements if applicable. The more evidence, the better.
- Get familiar with your local laws, as laws for towing companies vary per state.
- Try speaking with the towing company. Sometimes it may have been a simple oversight, and the matter can be resolved quickly.
- Contact the Justice of the Peace in your area, as they may have more insight or resources to help. They are often utilized for towing cases.
- Talk to a lawyer. Many lawyers have free case consultations, and depending on the case, it may be worth it to utilize a lawyer.
Source: Oregon Department of Justice, National General, Rak Law Firm
