Towing companies face little oversight, meaning that the industry is largely unregulated. The lack of oversight can lead to unfair towing practices, such as towing a vehicle without authorization or charging excessive fees. Unfortunately, there is no federal or state agency responsible for regulating towing companies, leaving consumers with few options for recourse. At the state level, most states have regulations governing the towing industry, but these regulations are often limited and difficult to enforce. For example, some states require towing companies to have a valid operating license, and many states have laws that limit the amount a company can charge for towing services. However, these laws are often difficult to enforce, and it can be difficult to hold a towing company accountable if they do not comply with the law.
At the local level, some cities and counties have their own regulations governing towing companies, such as limits on the amount a company can charge for towing services. However, these regulations are often limited and difficult to enforce. In addition, local regulations may not apply to all towing companies, as some may operate outside of city and county boundaries. The lack of oversight in the towing industry has allowed some towing companies to take advantage of consumers. For example, some companies may charge excessive fees or tow vehicles without authorization. To protect consumers, it is important that states and local governments establish and enforce regulations governing towing companies. In addition, consumers should be aware of their rights when dealing with towing companies and take steps to protect themselves, such as asking for a receipt and getting the name of the tow truck driver.