Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Consumer Protection Towing topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Senate approves tow‑truck and impound regulation bill, setting notification and title‑transfer limits
Summary
The Senate passed SB 180 to regulate private tow‑truck business operations and impound procedures, requiring prompt law‑enforcement notification, owner notice within five days and a 30‑day wait before applying for title; the bill passed by roll-call vote.
The Utah Senate on Feb. 19 adopted Senate Bill 180, a measure establishing licensing, equipment, training, notification and fee limits for private towing and impound operations.
Senator Black, the bill sponsor, told the chamber the proposal addresses recurring complaints about private towing practices. Key provisions require a tow operator to notify the local law-enforcement agency within one hour that a vehicle has been towed, to notify the last-known address of the owner within five days, and to prohibit filing for title transfer until at least 30 days after owner notice. The bill also sets requirements for driver training, insurance minimums and equipment standards and allows the Department of Transportation to issue inspection certificates and set reasonable fees.
Senator Chuck Peterson and others recounted cases where owners were charged excessive sums or found vehicles title‑transferred too quickly after impound; sponsors argued the bill protects consumers while preserving legitimate tow operations. The Senate adopted a floor amendment clarifying a performance-standards term and, under suspension, considered the bill for second and third readings and final passage. A roll-call vote recorded 27 ayes and no nays; the bill will be sent to the House for further action.
Next steps: The bill proceeds to the House; the Department of Transportation will carry primary rule-making and inspection responsibilities if the bill becomes law.
