GA SB569

Towing service companies participating in Department of Transportation towing/recovery programs or contracted with local governments may obtain emergency vehicle light permits with red flashing/revolving lights after completing safety course requirements; permit fee is $2.00 and valid for five years

Department of Revenue must establish a towed motor vehicle database by January 1, 2027, allowing vehicle owners to search for towed vehicles by VIN or license plate number; database may be operated by a 501(c)(6) nonprofit with at least $1 million surety bond

Towing firms must submit vehicle information to the database within three days of removal and send owner notification within seven days (reduced from 15 days); timely database entry satisfies notice requirements, eliminating mandatory newspaper advertisements

Owners have 30 calendar days (increased from 10) to file an answer to a lien foreclosure petition; if notice requirements are not met, vehicles may be re-impounded and all prior storage fees are waived

Part I provisions take effect July 1, 2026; Part II provisions (database requirements and notice procedures) take effect January 1, 2028