Bill > A07973

This bill enacts the Towing Protection Enforcement Act, which introduces several significant changes to regulate towing practices in New York City to prevent predatory towing. The bill increases financial penalties for violations, with fines escalating from $500 for a first offense to $2,000 for subsequent offenses within a 24-month period. It also introduces criminal penalties, including potential misdemeanor charges and imprisonment for repeated or willful violations. The legislation requires tow truck operators to obtain written consent from property owners before towing and prohibits using "spotters" or targeting vehicles in parking lots. The bill raises the required surety bond for towing licenses from $5,000 to $25,000 and allows the commissioner to increase this amount up to $250,000. Additionally, the bill provides grounds for license suspension or revocation, including multiple violations, criminal convictions related to towing, and a high number of complaints. The legislation aims to protect vehicle owners from unfair towing practices by establishing stricter regulations and more significant consequences for tow truck operators who engage in predatory behaviors.

Government Affairs

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/A7973