Signed by Governor Ned Lamont

Vote Smart's Synopsis:

Vote to pass a bill that requires tow companies to accept credit cards and prohibits towing vehicles immediately just because of an expired parking permit or registration in Connecticut.

Highlights:

• Requires tow companies to accept credit cards and prohibits towing vehicles immediately just because of an expired parking permit or registration in Connecticut (Sec. 1-25).

• Specifies that vehicles can’t be towed from private property without notice unless they’re blocking traffic, fire hydrants, or parked in an accessible spot (Sec. 1-25).

• Specifies that towing companies may still start the sales process for vehicles worth $1,500 or less after 15 days, but are required to take more steps to give the owner a chance to claim the vehicle (Sec. 1-25). 

• Specifies that the Department of Motor Vehicles shall be required to check whether the driver filed any complaints about the tow before approving the sale, and the towing company would have to send a notice ahead of the sale to the registered owner and lienholders via certified mail, with receipts of delivery (Sec. 1-25).

• Requires that towers take at least 2 photos before they tow a vehicle, one of the violation that resulted in a tow, and another of any damage to the vehicle (Sec. 1-25).

• Establishes a working group to study how to handle proceeds from the sales of towed vehicles. State law requires that towing companies hold profits in escrow for a year in case the vehicle owner claims them, then remit that money to the state (Sec. 1-25).

• Requires the state DMV to work with the state’s attorney general to develop a consumer bill of rights on towing (Sec. 1-25).

• Requires that tow companies have to be available after hours and on weekends to allow people to get their vehicles or personal property (Sec. 1-25).

• Requires that drivers will be allowed to retrieve their belongings from their vehicles, even if they haven’t paid the towing fees (Sec. 1-25).

• Requires a 72-hour grace period before a car can be towed for an expired parking sticker to allow people time to get a new one (Sec. 1-25).

• Specifies that the provisions of this bill shall take effect beginning July 1, 2025 (Sec. 26).

Full Bill Text

Vote Smart's Synopsis:

Vote to pass a bill that requires tow companies to accept credit cards and prohibits towing vehicles immediately just because of an expired parking permit or registration in Connecticut.

Highlights:

• Requires tow companies to accept credit cards and prohibits towing vehicles immediately just because of an expired parking permit or registration in Connecticut (Sec. 1-25).

• Specifies that vehicles can’t be towed from private property without notice unless they’re blocking traffic, fire hydrants, or parked in an accessible spot (Sec. 1-25).

• Specifies that towing companies may still start the sales process for vehicles worth $1,500 or less after 15 days, but are required to take more steps to give the owner a chance to claim the vehicle (Sec. 1-25). 

• Specifies that the Department of Motor Vehicles shall be required to check whether the driver filed any complaints about the tow before approving the sale, and the towing company would have to send a notice ahead of the sale to the registered owner and lienholders via certified mail, with receipts of delivery (Sec. 1-25).

• Requires that towers take at least 2 photos before they tow a vehicle, one of the violation that resulted in a tow, and another of any damage to the vehicle (Sec. 1-25).

• Establishes a working group to study how to handle proceeds from the sales of towed vehicles. State law requires that towing companies hold profits in escrow for a year in case the vehicle owner claims them, then remit that money to the state (Sec. 1-25).

• Requires the state DMV to work with the state’s attorney general to develop a consumer bill of rights on towing (Sec. 1-25).

• Requires that tow companies have to be available after hours and on weekends to allow people to get their vehicles or personal property (Sec. 1-25).

• Requires that drivers will be allowed to retrieve their belongings from their vehicles, even if they haven’t paid the towing fees (Sec. 1-25).

• Requires a 72-hour grace period before a car can be towed for an expired parking sticker to allow people time to get a new one (Sec. 1-25).

• Specifies that the provisions of this bill shall take effect beginning July 1, 2025 (Sec. 26).

Full Bill Text