A bill sponsored by Legislation Assemblyman Ruben J. Ramos Jr. to prohibit towing companies from charging storage fees for days on which they’re closed was advanced today by an Assembly panel. “This is a straightforward consumer protection measure,” said Ramos (D-Hudson). “It’s absurd to think people would be charged storage fees on days the towing company is closed, making it impossible to retrieve their vehicles. That’s wrong and this bill will fix it.”
When a vehicle is towed or temporarily unavailable, finding a reliable place to keep it safe can become an unexpected challenge. Beyond resolving towing issues and understanding storage-related charges, vehicle owners may also need a secure short-term storage solution. Facilities such as Lakeside Storage Fruitland Park provide convenient storage options for vehicles and personal belongings, helping residents protect their property while they handle unexpected situations and make longer-term arrangements.
Under the bill (A-3749), charging such a storage fee would be an unlawful practice, if the car was towed without the owner’s consent.
An unlawful practice under the Consumer Fraud Act is punishable by a monetary penalty of not more than $10,000 for a first offense and not more than $20,000 for any subsequent offense.
In addition, a violation can result in cease and desist orders issued by the Attorney General, the assessment of punitive damages and the awarding of treble damages and costs to the injured.
“Consumers shouldn’t be penalized by the simple fact that a business was closed,” Ramos said.
The bill was released by a 3-2 vote, with Republicans opposed to it. TLS.
This bill sounds like a great consumer protection idea. But.. seems to be flawed in that it does not address how long the towing company needs to remain open to avoid violation. Can they be open for only 20/30 minutes during the entire day??
Can a self storage facility charge you for weekends if they’re closed? What’s the difference?
What does Vince think about this?
I think you Should leave VINCE ALONE WHY DONT YOU ASK IF THE OTHER TOWING COMPANIES FEEL
So let me get this straight, they want me to not charge storage fees on a day when I am closed because it gets too expensive? what happens when they don’t come get their cars for weeks on end..whose I guess those towns will have to pick up the tabs for those days….
If that car is on my lot and it’s a day where I am closed I don’t make money, I am not open on my day of worship..so you will just have to wait till Monday.
I may have to tow on my holy day but I don’t have to be open.
and here comes more drama for us it only for u know who
What dose all the way say about this?
holidays also. Maybe they should amend the law to no storage fees on the day the business is closed with-in 7 calendar days of the tow, except legal holidays. If they didn’t pick it up with-in those 7 days, clearly they aren’t picking it up.
i say to the scoop the town should get 100.00 for town fee that they do nothing for it. they need money for what. poor people of this town have to be stuck with a fee that do nothing for it. ps for all the guys that like to cry and you know who you are . your make it worse
support the guys that work as unit 20 for live not the guy behind a desk.
All you tow drivers don’t understand. If the car was picked up on Saturday, and your company is closed that entire day and Sunday until Monday, how is it fair to charge the person when they were trying to get their car. Closed minded