FINAL BILL REPORT

SB 5207

This analysis was prepared by non-partisan legislative staff for the use of legislative members in their deliberations. This analysis is not a part of the legislation nor does it constitute a statement of legislative intent.

Background: Tow truck operators who impound vehicles from private or public property or who contract with law enforcement to provide towing must be registered with the Department of Licensing. Only a registered operator may impound a vehicle.

Certain requirements apply regarding an operator's business location and hours. An operator must post a sign at the business location where vehicles may be redeemed that includes information about the business hours, towing and storage charges, and vehicle redemption procedures.

On a day the operator is open for business, the business office must remain open with personnel present who can release impounded vehicles. The normal business hours of a towing service must be from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. on weekdays, excluding weekends and holidays. An operator must maintain personnel who can be contacted 24 hours per day to release impounded vehicles within 60 minutes.

Summary: Between the hours of 11:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m., a registered tow truck operator may close the business office for a lunch break if notice is posted, visible at the door. The lunch break may not exceed one hour. The notice must contain a telephone number where personnel authorized to release impounded vehicles may be contacted who are able to return in no more than 30 minutes to release the vehicle. If the caller redeems the vehicle upon the tow truck personnel's return, then the accrual of the charges for storage cease at the time the call was made.

Votes on Final Passage:

Senate	45	2
House	98	0