WASHINGTON — The days of predatory towing could be coming to an end in the D.C. metro area, after a new federal law gives states and local governments the power to regulate towing companies.
Sometimes, drivers in our area might park their car to quickly pick something up from a business like a dry cleaner only to come out and see their car on the back of a tow truck. Other times, towing fees aren’t clearly posted on signs and many companies will only accept cash.
For the past two decades, local and state governments have not been able to do anything about these companies because Congress inadvertently preempted those governments from going after the companies.
But a bill that passed Thursday, and was signed into law Friday, returns that power back to the states and local governments.
“Passage of this law is a victory for communities in Maryland and across the country that have struggled to control the outrageous, predatory tactics used by some towing companies,” said Maryland Congressman Chris Van Hollen.“ Local jurisdictions will now have the unambiguous authority to end egregious fees, ban the practice of ‘spotting’, mandate proper signage, and strike the proper balance based on the needs of their consumers and businesses.”
Virginia Congressman Don Beyer and Van Hollen had originally introduced the proposed changes as a separate bill earlier in the year, but the language was later included into the highway reauthorization bill as an amendment.
“Northern Virginians are well aware of the financial pain and frustration a few predatory towing operators can cause,”said Congressman Beyer.“Now that our bill is law, local governments have new tools at their disposal to curb these practices and protect vulnerable consumers.”
