Georgia has a reputation for having overly aggressive booting companies. So much so that some areas have banned booting entirely. Now, a new law has gone into effect which will regulate booting companies in all of DeKalb County.
When a vehicle is parked somewhere that it’s not supposed to be on private property, private companies can (in some places) put “boots” on them. The driver must then pay to have the boot removed.
Prior to Tuesday, there were no laws at all regulating booting in DeKalb County. Truckers were forced to pay $600 or more to remove boots from their vehicles. Often police were called and drivers reported that they had been away from their vehicles for only a few minutes.
Complaints about predatory business practices finally spurred the DeKalb County Commission to action. On Tuesday, the Commission voted the new law into effect. Now boot removal must cost no more than $150 and must occur no more than one hour after payment is received. A vehicle must have been improperly parked for at least 20 minutes before it can be booted, and photographic proof must be provided. Additionally, companies must apply for permits to operate booting services, and all employees who install boots must wear a body camera.
The vote passed after a 3-3 tie was broken by the DeKalb CEO. All of the dissenting commissioners voted ‘no’ because they believed that the law didn’t go far enough. They supported banning booting entirely. A ban was discussed early on, but the booting industry and business groups lobbied for regulation instead.
Greg L Klang says
If it’s a private booting company and the cops can’t do nothing about it then it’s legal to saw the thing off of there with a angle grinder yes?
AJ says
That I would do. Some places have that window cover
Big Booblyboo says
There’s a truck stop in either N.C. or SC that has a sign stating, park in designated spots only otherwise get your wheel booted. I believe it cost $ 200.00 to get it removed.
Andrew H says
I thought about carrying one and wait for someone to boot a truck, then go put a boot on their vehicle. 2 can play those games.
Marty says
Just not your own truck, confuse ’em.
R.J. says
I thought of carrying a small oxy-acetyline kit.
Those boots arent cheap…cut a few off, the perpetrators have had a heck of a financial loss.
If I knew where the worst offenders were…..
RICHIE says
GREAT IDEA….TOW THE TRUCK FOR 100 BUCKS….THAN REMOVE THE BOOT …BRING THE SCRAPS BACK TO THE LOBBY OF THE BLDG OR RETAIL STORE WHERE IT CAME FROM…..SHOW THEM WHO TO CALL TO HAVE IT PICKED UP.
Big Booblyboo says
They put it on it becomes your property.
D.W. says
One of my old driving buddies carries a small set up like that. From what he said, it gets a ton of use in New Jersey and Oklahoma. He cuts the boot and takes the outside half with him so they can’t reweld it, then sells the halves he takes to recycled metal places for a couple bucks. According to him, he’s had a few of them companies end up calling dispatch, whining and threatening legal action, but none of them really have a legal leg to stand on
Craig says
Where do you get a portable oxy acet kit if you don’t mind me asking? Really need one
Ron says
Lowes and Home Depot sell the kit for 350 or so harbor freight has one too. All you gotta do is buy it then have it filled and good to go
J phil says
Hahahaha that idea is great
AJ says
Yep
Clara says
Just put it on yours. Then when you get back. Just unlock it and go on your way
R.J. says
OTR Trucks = rolling piggy banks.
Stephen J Easton says
That’s the truth
Ryan H says
Just wait until the new truck boots come to your towns. Google “barnacle parking enforcement” it’s ugly.
Marty says
Just boot your own truck, confuse ’em.
Everett says
Put one on my truck and see what happens to them I carry a torch in truck to cut them off and a dog to take of the person that tries to put it on.
Michael Sutton says
Get yourself a air hose from any truck stop. Remove the air chuck and replace with a Female quick connect. Now buy an air cutting tool, 4 or 5 diamond tipped steel cutting blades, and start collecting boots. Take them to your local scrap yard for $5 worth of steel.
Christain Ford Innes says
Next, they’ll try to boot truckers who park on off or on ramps because of full lots and rest areas. Hey, you know that TS’s have argued against increasing rest areas because they say they lose customers. Really? Guess who the “business groups” lobbying FOR these might be. Your first guess is probably right. FMCSA? Shame on you. Safety is a joke because you do nothing on the truck tolls, lack of rest areas, damn elds that only push us harder and now these thieves being allowed to operate right under your noses. Shame shame shame!
Dan says
How bout just don’t park where you’re truck will get booted..
Mark says
Spoken like a guy who has never tried to find a parking spot when your government mandated electronic babysitter tells you to shut down…or else.
James Allen Oglesby says
… ageeed… I’ve never been booted….
Joseph Merkler says
If I happen to need groceries or clothing. And can get into a Wal-Mart or a Lowes lot out of the way. Our Money is good. Why treat a good customer this way?
Clara says
I say just buy a boot and put it on your truck. Then when you come back just unlock it, and be on your way. If I am going to that area all the time
Damon says
Battery powered angle grinder works wonderfully removing a boot
Shane says
private property owners have zero obligation to provide you a parking spot. -the end.
Big Booblyboo says
They lobbied for regulation. In English…. they lined pockets and greased palms.
Dayne Creveling says
What I do not understand is how they can legally impound your vehicle, which is what they are doing when they boot it, without it first being moved to a secure and bonded facility? They are impounding it in that parking lot, etc and there is no way that could be a bonded location.
Remember, in booting the vehicle they are ‘taking possession’ of the vehicle. If someone were to run into it and cause damage, it is the responsibility of whoever has booted the vehicle to repair that damage…it was in ‘their possession’.
Also, if the boot was not legal, then it becomes larceny. So, there is my question…don’t they have to have the location bonded as an impound facility before they can boot your vehicle there?