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Bill targets predatory towing, creates penalties and enforcement path for rotation complaints
Summary
Senate Bill 455 would prohibit roadside solicitation and add penalties for tow companies or first responders who 'rack chase' or otherwise take rotation calls; industry witnesses and tow operators supported the bill and the Highway Patrol described enforcement mechanics and small-ticket fines intended to give troopers enforcement options.
Senator Barry Usher, sponsor of Senate Bill 455, told the House Transportation Committee the bill is meant to preserve the fairness of Montana’s tow-rotation system and curb a rise in predatory towing in which tow companies "patrol" highways and take calls before the company on rotation can respond.
The bill would prohibit roadside solicitation, require tow companies responding to rotation calls to carry specified dispatch information, create small civil penalties for violations, and refer complaints about the rotation system to the existing complaint-resolution committee within the Department of Justice.
Scott Wolff, president of the Montana Tow Truck Association and owner of Iron Horse Towing, testified in support and described…
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