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Wednesday, May 18, 2011

Ind. Gov't. - Proposed city ordinance to target "predatory" towing practices

The ILB is not finding the text of the proposed new Marion County towing ordinance online. But here is a description, via Mike Corbin of WIBC:

City officials say the eight-pronged plan targets towing companies that lurk in the shadows waiting to swoop down on drivers who often park their vehicles in clearly marked on unmarked places.

The ordinance includes:

-- Capping towing fees at $150.00 and topping storage fees out at $30.00 a day.

-- Providing drivers with charge receipts; banning payments from tow operators to property owners or lot managers per vehicle towed.

-- The city must approve signs listing lot hours and vehicle recovery information.

-- Vehicles must be towed directly to secure storage in Marion County.

-- Motorists must be able to claim their vehicles 24/7.

-- Towing operators and storage lots must accept cash or credit cards.

-- Property owners or representatives must sign tow orders on vehicles before they're towed.

Councilman Vaughn says the ordinance will be introduced to council during its June 6 meeting. The plan is to get it approved by July.

Eva Pilgrim of Fox 59 has this description in her story:
The proposal would require tow truck operators to become licensed through the city and to follow the city’s rules.

The current proposal according to the mayor’s office would:

  • Cap towing fees for passenger vehicles at $150.
  • Cap storage fees at $30 per day
  • Requite detailed receipts listing all charges
  • Prohibit payments from tow operators to property owners/lot managers per vehicle towed
  • Signs listing lot hours and vehicle redemption information must be approved by the City
  • Vehicles must be towed directly to secure storage lot inside Marion County, unless within 10 miles of pick up
  • Motorists must be able to claim their vehicle 24 hours per day, seven days a week
  • Towing operators and their storage lots must accept cash or credit cards
  • Representative of property owner, not affiliated with the tow company, must sign tow order for each vehicle prior to towing

Posted by Marcia Oddi on May 18, 2011 08:38 AM
Posted to Indiana Government