Press Releases

President Barack Obama signed legislation into law today introduced by Representative Don Beyer (D-VA) and Representative Chris Van Hollen (D-MD) to give local governments regulation authority of towing companies. The language was included as an amendment to the Fixing America’s Surface Transportation (FAST) Act passed in the Senate last night.

“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.”

“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 Congressman 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. I’m proud to have worked with Congressman Beyer to get this bill to the President’s desk.”

In 1994, Congress inadvertently preempted the ability of state and local governments to regulate the towing industry. Since then, confusing restrictions and conflicting court rulings left local governments unable to fully protect consumers from predatory towing practices.

Earlier this year, Congressmen Beyer and Van Hollen introduced the State and Local Predatory Towing Enforcement Act to restore full authority for regulating non-consensual tows. The bill was unanimously passed as an amendment to the House version of the Highway reauthorization President Obama will sign into law today.

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