Beyer Introduces Legislation to Crack Down on Predatory Towing

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Congressman Don Beyer (D-8th) joined Maryland Congressman Chris Van Hollen Thursday to introduce the State and Local Predatory Towing Enforcement Act to crack down on predatory towing practices that leave consumers with costly bills and no recourse for overcharges and unfair treatment.

Beyer represents Virginia’s 8th District, which includes Arlington County, where there have been high-profile incidents involving a local towing company including one involving an ESPN sports reporter (7 Foul Statements by ESPN’s Britt McHenry That Put Her In Penalty Box).

“Unfair and predatory towing practices take money out of our constituents’ wallets and strain their budgets,” said Beyer, in a news release. “I am proud to join Rep. Van Hollen to provide our state and local governments with the authority they need to properly regulate this industry with common sense, consumer friendly towing protections.”

“We thank Representative Beyer and Representative Van Hollen for their attention to this issue important to residents and visitors of Arlington County,” stated Arlington County Board Member Jay Fisette. “While the United States Supreme Court has affirmed state and local regulation of non-consent towing services, enactment of this bill would further ensure final and clear authority to Arlington County and other local governments as we work to balance the needs and rights of private property owners and consumers – in this case vehicle owners.”

Federal law currently prohibits state and local regulation of the towing industry, and the federal regulatory body that oversaw the industry was eliminated in 1995. With confusing restrictions and conflicting court rulings, no level of government has been able to adequately regulate the towing industry, leading to major consumer abuses by some unscrupulous towing companies. The State and Local Predatory Towing Enforcement Act would restore state and local governments’ ability to end predatory practices in the tow truck industry.