Beyer, Van Hollen Amendment to Stop Predatory Towing Passes House

Statement

Congressman Don Beyer (D-VA) and Congressman Chris Van Hollen (D-MD) secured passage of their amendment to the House Surface Transportation Reauthorization and Reform Act to give states and localities full authority to regulate towing.

"State and local governments provide the best authority to regulate the towing industry and protect Virginians from unfair, predatory practices," said Rep. Beyer. "We need more common-sense, consumer friendly solutions like this amendment to protect our constituents' wallets."

"Predatory towing practices harm consumers and can lead to real financial pain," said Rep. Van Hollen. "Local communities should be able to address consumer complaints and crack down on companies that engage in abusive towing practices, and this amendment will give them back that authority."

In 1994, Congress inadvertently created a loophole that limited state and local regulation of the towing industry. Since then, confusing restrictions and conflicting court rulings have left state and local governments unable to fully protect consumers from predatory towing practices.

Congressman Beyer and Congressman Van Hollen introduced the State and Local Predatory Towing Enforcement Act to restore full authority for regulating unscrupulous towing to state and local governments, who are better-equipped to find the right balance for their communities. This amendment would add that legislation to the House transportation bill, which is expected to pass this week.

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