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Committee approves towing and repossession reforms including storage limits and signage rules
Summary
HB1184’s amendments permit tow trucks to use road shoulders, set tow-sign height rules, require reimbursement for towing damage and mandate in-state storage for repossessed collateral with specified initial free storage and daily fees. The committee passed the bill 13-0.
Representative Haggard presented two amendments to House Bill 1184 aimed at clarifying towing operations and repossession procedures. Amendment 1 clarifies that towing companies may use the roadway shoulder to reach disabled vehicles, establishes tow-sign height requirements between 5 and 7 feet, prohibits towing without a properly placed sign, and requires towing companies to reimburse owners for vehicle damage except in emergency towing and abandoned-vehicle situations.
Amendment 2 requires collateral recovery agencies to store repossessed vehicles at a location within Indiana, provides a 10-day included storage period, and sets a $15-per-day storage fee thereafter. Testimony came from Hamilton Smith of Ice Miller on behalf of the Indiana Towing association, who said the industry supports the shoulder-use clarification and signage requirements and is neutral on amendment 2. Justin Swanson of Bowes Public Affairs, representing the Indiana Professional Repossessors Association, said 20-plus states have similar in-state storage laws and that the amendment was negotiated with credit unions and bankers.
The committee adopted both amendments (Amendment 1 by consent; Amendment 2 by consent) and voted the bill out of committee by roll call, 13-0.
