Connecticut DMV Considers Comprehensive Revisions to Towing Regulations

September 15, 2025

Connecticut Towing Laws Under Scrutiny: New Reforms Aim to Protect Consumers

Hartford, CT – A dedicated working group within the Connecticut Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) is initiating a thorough examination of the state’s towing regulations,potentially paving the way for significant revisions beyond those recently enacted by state legislators. This growth follows a year-long investigative report highlighting potential inequities in the state’s existing laws.

Expanding the Scope of Towing Reform

The ten-member committee convened for its inaugural meeting on Monday and is mandated to present its recommendations to lawmakers by February. Initially focused on addressing the remittance of proceeds from towed vehicle sales to the state, the group’s scope has broadened to encompass the valuation of vehicles by towing companies and associated sales procedures.

This shift comes in the wake of an inquiry conducted by the Connecticut Mirror and ProPublica, which revealed that connecticut’s laws historically favored towing companies, frequently enough to the detriment of low-income individuals.According to the American Automobile Association (AAA), the average cost of a tow can range from $75 to $200, with storage fees adding significantly to the overall expense.

Composition and Concerns of the Working Group

Lead by DMV Commissioner Tony Guerrera, the committee includes representatives from the towing industry, consumer advocacy groups, and various DMV officials. Discussions during the initial meeting centered on persistent challenges within the towing sector and the difficulties faced by vehicle owners even after recent legislative changes were implemented in May.

Those changes, enacted with bipartisan support and taking effect October 1st, are intended to make it more arduous to tow vehicles from private property and simplify the process for owners to reclaim their vehicles. The new law also places restrictions on practices that previously allowed towing companies to initiate vehicle sales within a mere 15 days.

Addressing Unclaimed Proceeds and Vehicle Valuation

The legislation also established the current DMV working group to investigate how towing companies handle profits generated from the sale of unclaimed vehicles.Current law requires that towing companies hold proceeds for a year, allowing the original owner a chance to claim the funds. Any remaining balance must then be remitted to the state, less applicable fees.

However, Commissioner Guerrera revealed this year that the DMV previously lacked a system for tracking or receiving these remittances and was unaware of any funds being returned to the state by towing companies. He assured lawmakers that the DMV is actively addressing this oversight, with the committee poised to deliver recommendations.

Focus on Accessibility for Low-Income Residents

Guerrera emphasized the need to expand the committee’s focus toward facilitating easier vehicle recovery for low-income residents.”There’s got to be a way to ensure peopel understand what’s happening when their car is towed,” he stated. “That $1,000 vehicle is a lifeline for them,and they need to get it back without accumulating excessive fees.”

The committee is exploring options like requiring the DMV to maintain a record of vehicle sales and implementing solutions for reaching owners who may have recently purchased a vehicle without yet completing the registration process.Sal Sena, a towing company owner, pointed out a key issue: “People are buying a car, they don’t register them, it gets towed, and everything’s going back to the last owner from years ago.”

Standardizing Valuation and Improving Dialog

Further discussion centered on establishing a standardized method for determining a towed vehicle’s value. Currently, if a towing company assesses a vehicle’s worth at $1,500 or less, it can expedite the sales process. Guerrera questioned the consistency of these valuations. “If you’ve got a car that’s three or four thousand dollars, how does it get valued under $1,500?”

Legal experts, such as Rafie podolsky of Connecticut Legal Services, believe that the vehicle valuation process has been a longstanding issue for consumers. Towing industry representatives also advocate for modernizing the DMV’s processes for obtaining permission to sell a vehicle, citing lengthy mail-based procedures as a hindrance.

Eileen Colonese of Farmington Motor sports proposed digitalization, adding, “There’s portals out there for all kinds of things. Why is there not a portal for this? Everyone can submit everything electronically and have access to a more standardized and modernized system.”

Looking Ahead

The working group is scheduled to submit its report to the legislature’s Transportation Committee by February. Commissioner Guerrera stressed the importance of forging a consensus among all committee members to ensure effective and enduring reform.

Key Issue	Current Situation	Proposed Solution
Unclaimed Vehicle Proceeds	DMV lacked a system for tracking & receiving funds.	Develop a system for tracking & receiving remittances.
Vehicle Valuation	inconsistent valuations by towing companies.	Standardize vehicle valuation process.
Owner Notification	Difficulty reaching new vehicle owners.	Require DMV record of sale & allow bill of sale.

Understanding Towing Laws: A Consumer Guide

towing laws vary significantly by state. Generally, regulations address issues such as permissible towing fees, storage costs, notification requirements, and the process for reclaiming a vehicle. Consumers should familiarize themselves with their local laws to understand their rights. Resources like the National Consumer Law Center (https://www.consumerlaw.org/) offer valuable facts on consumer protection and towing regulations.

Did You Know? Some states require towing companies to accept credit card payments, while others allow cash-only transactions.

Pro Tip: If your vehicle is towed, document everything – the date, time, location, and contact information for the towing company. Obtain a written receipt detailing all charges.

Frequently Asked Questions About Connecticut Towing Laws

• What is the typical cost of a tow in Connecticut? The average cost ranges from $75 to $200,but can vary depending on the distance and specific circumstances.
• What are my rights if my car is wrongfully towed? You have the right to dispute the tow and potentially seek compensation for damages.
• How long does a towing company have to hold my vehicle before selling it? Under the new law, companies can’t initiate sales after 15 days.
• What if I can’t afford to pay the towing and storage fees? Explore legal aid options and consider negotiating a payment plan with the towing company.
• What is the role of the DMV in regulating towing companies? The DMV oversees licensing and sets standards for towing operations.

What are your experiences with towing regulations in Connecticut? Share your thoughts in the comments below and help us continue to report on issues that matter to our community!

What specific changes to notification procedures are being considered by the Connecticut DMV?

Understanding the Proposed Changes to Connecticut Towing Laws

The Connecticut Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) is currently evaluating significant revisions to the state’s towing regulations. These proposed changes aim to address concerns regarding predatory towing practices,inconsistent enforcement,and a lack of clarity in existing laws. This article breaks down the key areas under review and what these updates could mean for vehicle owners, towing companies, and law enforcement across Connecticut. Key terms frequently searched include “Connecticut towing laws,” “DMV towing regulations,” and “predatory towing Connecticut.”

Key Areas of Proposed Regulation Updates

The DMV’s review encompasses several critical areas. Here’s a detailed look:

* Standardized Towing Fees: Currently, towing fees in Connecticut can vary widely between municipalities and even between towing companies within the same area. The proposed regulations seek to establish a statewide, standardized fee schedule for common towing services like accident recovery, illegal parking, and vehicle impoundment. This aims to eliminate price gouging and provide clarity for consumers.

* Enhanced Storage Regulations: The length of time a vehicle can be held in storage before being considered abandoned, and the associated storage fees, are also under scrutiny. The goal is to balance the towing company’s right to recoup costs with the vehicle owner’s right to retrieve their property without excessive charges. Expect potential limits on daily storage fees and clearer guidelines for notifying owners.

* Improved Notification Procedures: A major complaint revolves around difficulty in locating vehicle owners after a tow. The DMV is considering mandating more robust notification procedures, possibly including requirements for certified mail and electronic notifications, alongside current methods.

* Clearer Rules for Private Property Towing: Towing from private property (apartment complexes, shopping centers) is a frequent source of disputes.The proposed regulations aim to clarify signage requirements, permissible towing circumstances, and the responsibilities of property owners. Specifically, signage must be clearly visible, detailing towing company contact information and reasons for towing.

* Licensing and Background Checks: The DMV is exploring stricter licensing requirements for towing operators and their employees, including comprehensive background checks to ensure public safety and accountability. This includes verifying insurance coverage and adherence to safety standards.

Impact on Towing Companies: What to Expect

These revisions will undoubtedly impact Connecticut’s towing industry.

* Increased Compliance Costs: Implementing standardized fees, enhanced notification procedures, and stricter licensing requirements will likely increase operational costs for towing companies.

* Potential Revenue Adjustments: While standardized fees aim for fairness, some companies may see a reduction in revenue if they currently charge considerably higher rates.

* Greater Scrutiny & Accountability: The proposed regulations will lead to increased oversight and accountability, potentially resulting in more frequent inspections and stricter enforcement of violations.

* Need for Updated Contracts: Towing companies working with private property owners will need to review and update their contracts to ensure compliance with the new regulations, particularly regarding signage and permissible towing practices.

Benefits for Vehicle Owners & Consumers

The proposed changes are largely consumer-focused, offering several key benefits:

* Reduced Financial Burden: standardized fees will prevent predatory pricing and make towing services more affordable.

* Easier Vehicle Recovery: Improved notification procedures will make it easier for owners to locate and retrieve their vehicles.

* Greater Transparency: Clearer rules and regulations will provide greater transparency in the towing process.

* protection Against Unfair Practices: The regulations aim to protect vehicle owners from unfair or illegal towing practices.

Real-World Example: The Bridgeport Towing Dispute (2023)

In 2023, Bridgeport, Connecticut, faced significant public outcry over aggressive towing practices in a downtown area. Residents complained of vehicles being towed for minor infractions and exorbitant fees. This situation highlighted the need for statewide regulation and prompted the DMV to accelerate its review of existing towing laws. The Bridgeport case serves as a prime example of the issues the proposed regulations aim to address.

Navigating the new Regulations: Practical Tips

For vehicle owners:

* Know Your Rights: familiarize yourself with the current and proposed towing regulations. The Connecticut DMV website (https://portal.ct.gov/DMV) is a valuable resource.

* Document Everything: If your vehicle is towed, document the date, time, location, and the towing company’s information.

* Understand the Fees: Request a detailed itemized bill from the towing company.

* File a Complaint: If you believe you have been unfairly towed or overcharged, file a complaint with the Connecticut DMV.

For towing companies:

* Stay Informed: Monitor the DMV’s website for updates on the proposed regulations.

* Update Your policies: Review and update your company’s policies and procedures to ensure compliance.

* Train Your Staff: Provide training to your employees on the new regulations.

* Seek Legal Counsel: Consult with an attorney to ensure your contracts and practices are compliant.

related Search Terms & Keywords

* “Connecticut impound laws”

* “Towing fees Connecticut”

* “Vehicle impoundment Connecticut