Indiana, often cited as the top state for predatory towing, is moving to rein in deceptive and costly practices by some towing companies—especially those targeting commercial vehicles. A new bill introduced by State Representative Jim Pressel seeks to clamp down on excessive fees and unfair treatment of drivers by overhauling parts of the state’s towing policies.
The legislation, which recently passed a Senate panel by a 6-1 vote, is designed to address what lawmakers and industry critics call “excessive” and “hidden” charges. These have particularly impacted truckers, delivery vans, and passenger buses—vehicles that transport goods or people for business purposes and are frequently subjected to steep towing and storage costs.
Under the proposed law, drivers would be allowed to retrieve their vehicles after paying only 70% of the invoiced amount if they file a formal complaint regarding the tow. This clause is aimed at preventing towing operators from charging exorbitant fees upfront, effectively giving drivers a fairer dispute resolution process.
One of the bill’s most debated provisions is the creation of a Towing Complaint Advisory Board. This board would handle complaints from drivers about towing charges, acting as a mediation body to determine whether fees are justified. Supporters argue that this gives both truckers and towing operators a balanced forum for dispute resolution.
However, the legislation has drawn criticism from towing companies, who testified that the proposal could severely hurt their businesses. Some said that towing damaged trucks often requires significant resources and that the current billing structure—including administrative, labor, and fuel surcharges—is essential to cover costs. According to these companies, towing a wrecked commercial vehicle just a few miles can cost thousands of dollars.
Despite the pushback, Rep. Pressel defended the bill, emphasizing the need for transparency and fairness in the towing industry. “When we are number one in the nation for predatory towing when it comes to commercial vehicles, that’s not acceptable in my mind,” he said. “This bill really kind of gets us into a place where we can try and have a common-sense approach that is fair with both parties.”
In addition to addressing towing practices, the bill also includes provisions on insurance verification, registration stickers, and specialty license plates, signaling a broader effort to modernize and regulate vehicle laws in Indiana.
The next step for the bill is review by the Senate Appropriations Committee, which will evaluate its financial implications before it can proceed toward final approval. If passed, it could significantly shift the landscape for commercial drivers and towing operators across the state.
Source:
https://www.the-sun.com/motors/13882005/indiana-towing-bill-fees-hidden-law/?utm_source=chatgpt.com
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