SB1694 Summary

• Requires towing services to notify lienholders of record by certified mail within 2 business days after a vehicle is removed, regardless of whether a lien is enforced, and provides lienholders 2 business days to inspect the vehicle upon request.

• Prohibits towing services from assessing or collecting storage fees or enforcing liens unless proper lienholder notification is provided; lienholders may recover any storage fees paid without notification and seek injunctive relief for vehicle possession.

• Allows lienholders to make storage fee payments in cash, cashier's check, certified check, debit card, credit card, or wire transfer at their option.

• For vehicles registered outside Illinois, permits storage fee accrual to begin when lienholder information is requested from the state, provided the towing service furnishes proof of filing and delivers notification within one business day of receiving lienholder information.

• Exempts municipalities with 1,000,000 or more inhabitants from the notification requirements when imposing storage fees.