Bill > SB215

This bill modifies Hawaii's existing laws regarding vehicle towing by establishing new regulations and fee structures for towing companies. The bill updates the maximum fees that can be charged for towing vehicles left unattended on private or public property, introducing different rates for tows occurring during daytime and nighttime hours, as well as for tows using a dolly. The legislation explicitly prohibits towing companies or parking management companies from installing immobilization devices on vehicles and requires towing companies to provide detailed notifications to vehicle owners, including maximum charge information and contact details for consumer protection services. Towing companies must now release a vehicle to its owner without charge if the owner appears while the vehicle is being hooked up, accept multiple forms of payment, and maintain 24-hour service in counties with populations over 500,000. The bill also specifies conditions under which a vehicle can be considered abandoned and potentially sold, and outlines penalties for companies that violate these regulations, including potential fines and legal consequences. These changes aim to provide more transparency, fairness, and consumer protection in vehicle towing practices, with the provisions set to take effect on July 1, 2050.

Business and Industry, Transportation and Infrastructure

https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session/measure_indiv.aspx?billtype=SB&billnumber=215&year=2026