Legislation aimed at preventing citizens from being slammed with charges up to $2,000 to get their car back after it’s towed by a predatory-towing companies passed both houses in Olympia Friday.
The bill was sponsored by state Rep. Gerry Pollet, who represents Kenmore in the 46th District, and is now headed to the Governor’s desk where it is expected to be signed.
The Senate unanimously passed the measure Friday, which was already approved by the House, 91-7, earlier this year. Pollet’s bill now goes on to the Governor’s desk.
The Towing and Recovery Association of Washington supported the bill.
Under the bill, an in-city tow of 45 minutes, including half day of storage, should only cost $213. Most in-city tows take under 45 minutes.
“A rate cap is needed because we have a classic case of market failure,” he said. “There is no willing ‘buyer’ to negotiate or seek the best rate when your car is towed from a private lot.”
It will be illegal for a towing company to charge for two or more hours for a tow that takes 30 or 45 minutes.
The legislation sets private-property tows at 135 percent of the State Patrol’s rate, which is based on the cost for an easy freeway tow. Tows from private lots are often more difficult and take more time than towing from a highway shoulder.
