Bill > H0329

This bill proposes comprehensive reforms to Vermont's laws regarding the towing and storage of abandoned motor vehicles, establishing new consumer protections and procedural requirements. The bill extends the time a vehicle must remain on public or private property before being considered abandoned from 48 to 96 hours and clarifies definitions of abandoned vehicles. It introduces new requirements for towing services, including mandatory record-keeping of the caller's information, visual documentation of vehicle condition before towing, and prompt allowance for vehicle owners or their family members to retrieve specific personal items from towed vehicles without paying towing fees. The bill caps towing fees at $130.00 or $4.50 per mile (whichever is greater) and limits storage charges to $35.00 per day. Additionally, the bill creates an Abandoned Motor Vehicle Working Group comprised of representatives from various state agencies, municipal government, law enforcement, and towing services to study and develop an equitable system for disposing of unclaimed vehicles. The working group is tasked with examining current procedures, potential improvements to owner notification, and exploring options for vehicle auction and proceeds distribution. The bill's provisions will take effect in stages, with some immediate implementation and others beginning July 1, 2026.

Business and Industry

https://legislature.vermont.gov/bill/status/2026/H.329