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Utah House approves bill to expand towing database to nonconsensual tows
Summary
The House passed HB112 to require towing companies to report nonconsensual tows into a state database so owners and law enforcement can locate impounded vehicles more quickly; sponsor said it protects vehicle owners and may include a small administrative fee to offset costs.
The Utah House passed House Bill 112 to expand the state towing database to include nonconsensual tows, aiming to help vehicle owners and law enforcement locate impounded vehicles sooner.
Sponsor Representative Todd Keiser told the chamber the bill does not change consent-to-tow rules but would require towing companies to enter nonconsensual tows — including private nonconsent tows and police-ordered holds — into the State Tax Commission’s database so owners can locate their vehicles and avoid added storage fees. "We would like to have all vehicles that are towed under non-consent entered into this database," Keiser said, explaining that immediate reporting could prevent owners from incurring extra costs.
Keiser said private towing charges could include a tow fee (about $121) and an additional impound fee, and that immediate database entry could reduce storage charges. He acknowledged some towing companies oppose the requirement and said he would pursue a modest administrative fee via rulemaking to help them recover compliance costs.
Representative Greenwood, citing law-enforcement experience, supported the bill as a tool for both citizens and police. The House passed HB112 (67–0); it will be transmitted to the Senate for further consideration.
