DE HB267

Establishes minimum standards for towing vehicles from private parking areas, requiring property owners to post signs at least 24 inches high by 30 inches wide stating towing company information, storage location, maximum charges, and parking restrictions.

Limits towing fees to amounts charged by the political subdivision for public safety impounds, or $200 for towing and $30 per day for storage if no municipal rate exists; prohibits storage fees for the first 24 hours after police notification and on days the facility is closed.

Requires towing companies to notify police and the Division of Motor Vehicles within 1 hour of towing and notify vehicle owners by certified and first-class mail within 5 days; establishes a state database of all towed vehicles updated every 24 hours.

Restricts towing locations to within 15 miles of the private parking area (or a different distance if set by local jurisdiction) and prohibits towing companies from employing "spotters" or paying parking lot owners for referrals.

Allows vehicle owners to reclaim their vehicle before towing by paying a drop fee not exceeding 50% of the tow cost and requires storage facilities to accept cash and at least two major credit cards with 10% discount for cash-only payments.