Bill > H577

This bill establishes the Commercial Motor Vehicle Towing and Recovery Commission within the State Highway Patrol to regulate and oversee towing operations for commercial motor vehicles in North Carolina. The commission will be composed of representatives from law enforcement, trucking associations, and towing professionals, and will have responsibilities including adopting rules, determining reasonable towing and storage fees, and creating a non-binding fee dispute resolution process. The bill introduces new permit requirements for commercial vehicle towers, mandating that they obtain a two-year permit from the Division of Motor Vehicles after meeting specific criteria such as passing a criminal background check, holding a valid commercial driver's license, maintaining proper insurance, and completing an accredited training program. Additionally, the legislation prohibits booting commercial vehicles for parking enforcement, establishes that towers can place a lien on trailers attached to towed commercial vehicles, and requires towers to promptly return commercial cargo to its owner. The bill also requires towers to maintain a storage yard that complies with local and state zoning regulations and mandates the release of personal items without charge during the towing process. Most provisions of the bill will become effective on July 1, 2026, with some specific sections taking effect at different times.

Budget and Finance, Transportation and Infrastructure

https://www.ncleg.gov/BillLookUp/2025/H577