Bill > H0768

This bill, titled the "Vermont Consumer Protection Towing Act," establishes new regulations and consumer protections for towing and storage services in Vermont, aiming to ensure fair practices within the industry. It defines various terms related to towing, such as "drop fee" (a charge to stop a tow in progress), "emergency towing" (for crashes or breakdowns), "private property towing" (for illegally parked vehicles), and "seizure towing" (for law enforcement purposes). The bill mandates that towing companies provide written estimates and detailed invoices for all services, maintain records for three years, and notify vehicle owners within specific timeframes. It also sets maximum charges for towing, drop fees, and daily storage, with specific rates for light-duty, medium-duty, and heavy-duty vehicles. Furthermore, it requires towing companies to allow vehicle owners or their insurers to inspect the vehicle and recover personal items before payment, and to accept various forms of payment. A significant provision is that if an abandoned vehicle is sold for more than the towing and storage costs, the excess proceeds will be handled through the State's unclaimed property system, ensuring the original owner can potentially reclaim the remaining value. The Department of Motor Vehicles is given regulatory authority and tasked with investigating complaints and enforcing these new provisions, with penalties for violations.

Business and Industry

https://legislature.vermont.gov/bill/status/2026/H.768