Navigating the Shifting Landscape of Towing Regulations: How to Stay Compliant and Ethical

With growing news coverage of predatory towing practices, towers need to be aware of the new towing regulations aimed at protecting consumers and ensuring fair business practices. When people experience an accident or mechanical failure, the stress can leave them vulnerable to predatory towing practices. Being compliant and ethical in your towing business can help you navigate the shifting landscape and provide a better service to customers.

The Growing Concerns Around Predatory Towing

Towing industry news reflects concerns about predatory towing practices. A study by the American Transportation Research Institute (ATRI) found that predatory towing businesses use many tactics that negatively affect the towing industry’s reputation. In one 2023 instance, a 16-mile tow resulted in a $6,000 bill. When motor carriers try to protest predatory incidents, companies hold equipment or cargo until payment is made. In some states, predatory towing is growing rapidly. For example, in Chicago, unsolicited or illegal tows have been on the rise over the past five years.

These unethical practices hurt small fleets and owner-operators. As a result, transport and removal (T&R) companies and advocacy groups in multiple states have been calling for stronger regulation to promote fair towing practices.

Key Legislative Changes Happening Across the Country

Several legislative shifts are happening across different states to address predatory towing and enhance regulatory towing compliance. Here are some examples:

• Connecticut: This state ended the practice in which towing companies could begin selling people’s cars within 15 days if the car was valued at less than $1,500. 




• Pennsylvania: This state’s legislative changes focus on increasing towing safety and making it easier for large trucks to obtain fair towing services to their preferred facility.




• Missouri: Provisions are being made to temporarily prohibit companies from performing nonconsensual tows. The proposed bill aims to enforce new rules to address nonconsensual towing practices.

Operate Ethically With Lift and Tow Hidden Wheel Lift Systems

Lift and Tow offers a hidden-wheel lift system that helps your towing business operate more ethically and efficiently, boosting customer satisfaction. Our Z Series self-loader wheel lift helps reduce the risk of damage during towing due to low-profile cars. These systems are designed for quick operation with one-button control, as well as self-loading options that enable towing without leaving your vehicle. Quick operation prevents overcharging per-hour customers. 

Our hidden wheel lift systems can improve customer service by reducing vehicle damage and speeding up the towing process. Our 5 Series tow boom can help you deliver safer and smoother rides, and the hydraulic systems mean you don’t need to step out of your vehicle to unload the rig, which helps make things safer for you. 

Get Reliable Wheel Lift Systems From Lift and Tow

At Lift and Tow, we have over 25 years of experience providing wheel lift towing equipment at affordable price points to help you offer smooth and quick towing services. We are the original creator of the hidden wheel lift and our products are made in the USA, providing reliability and durability you can trust.

Contact us to learn more or shop our range of hidden wheel lifts.