SENATE BILL REPORT

SB 5363

BYSenators Moore, Hansen, Talmadge, Stratton, McDermott, Garrett, Rasmussen and Deccio

Prohibiting impoundment of vehicles from parking lots.

Senate Committee on Commerce & Labor

Senate Hearing Date(s):February 16, 1987

Senate Staff:Dave Cheal (786-7576)

AS OF FEBRUARY 17, 1987

BACKGROUND:

Some of the practices of the towing industry and the parking lot industry are felt to be unreasonable.  These practices include the impoundment of vehicles from primarily commercially owned parking lots within minutes of the expiration time or in some cases even before the time expires, or impounding vehicles while the owner is attempting to obtain the correct change.  Tow truck practices that are of concern include towing the vehicle an unreasonable distance from the parking lot which serves as the basis for a very large towing bill.

SUMMARY:

Impoundment is prohibited for any reason whatsoever except for unattended, unauthorized vehicles left on private residential property.  "Residential property" is defined currently as property that has no more than four living units located on it.  The definition of "impoundment" is amended to include both impoundment in place and by removal.

Fiscal Note:      none requested