GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF NORTH CAROLINA

SESSION 1997

H	1 

HOUSE BILL 1028

Short Title:  Towing Procedures.	(Public)

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Sponsors: Representatives Owens; and Wainwright.

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Referred to:  Judiciary II, if favorable, Finance.

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April 21, 1997

A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
AN ACT TO PROVIDE CERTAIN REQUIREMENTS ON TOWING OPERATORS TO PROVIDE PROTECTION FOR MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC.
The General Assembly of North Carolina enacts:
Section 1.  Chapter 20 of the General Statutes is amended by adding a new section to read:
"§ 20-219.4.  Towing procedures.
(a)	Any towing company operating in this State shall:
(1)	Provide for reclaiming of towed vehicles within one hour during all hours of operations.
(2)	Provide on each tow vehicle a schedule of fees for services which shall be uniformly applied to all operations involving that tow vehicle.
(3)	Not charge storage fees in excess of fifteen dollars ($15.00) for each day or any part thereof.
(4)	Before towing a vehicle, insure that the location from which the vehicle is being towed has signs at the entrance or entrances, if there is more than one, at least 24 inches by 24 inches in size, indicating:
a.	That vehicles illegally parked will be towed at the owner's or operator's expense;
b.	Providing the name, location, and telephone number of the towing company removing the vehicles; and
c.	If parking is by permit only, the hours during which permits are required to be displayed.
	If the signs are not present, do not contain the required information, or are damaged or unreadable, the towing company shall not remove the vehicle.
(5)	The towing company shall maintain a written record of all towing operations for at least one year. Except for those operations authorized by law enforcement authorities pursuant to Article 7A of this Chapter, the written record shall show the time, date, place, fees charged, and the name and telephone number of the person authorizing the tow.  Blanket authority for towing shall not be authorized except for spaces properly marked in accordance with G.S. 20-219.2(a).
(b)	Any person violating any of the provisions of this section shall be guilty of a Class 3 misdemeanor and upon conviction shall be only fined not more than five hundred dollars ($500.00) in the discretion of the court."
Section 2.  This act is effective when it becomes law.