New City Laws Crackdown On 'Predatory Towing'

Unlucky drivers will no longer have to wait until morning to retrieve their towed vehicles. The Charlotte City Council unanimously approved a new towing ordinance last night that requires companies respond to customer phone calls 24-hours a day. "Hopefully this will assist Charlotteans and visitors from being victims of predatory towing in the future," said Councilman Patrick Cannon, who led the effort to stiffen Charlotte's towing ordinance. The new ordinance also requires clearer warning signs be posted in parking lots. Tow truck drivers must now get confirmation from the police that a vehicle is not stolen or involved in a crime before towing it. And if the car's owner returns while the towing is in-progress, the tow truck driver must release the vehicle free-of-charge. The new rules take effect April 1st.