OH SB258

Motor vehicle owners may sue towing services or storage facilities to recover vehicles, cargo, or personal property, or to dispute billed amounts for removal, towing, or storage following an accident.

Motor vehicle owners may file suit on behalf of themselves or third parties for whom they commercially transport cargo.

When disputing a bill, the owner must pay the undisputed amount and post a bond for the disputed amount; the towing service must release the vehicle within two business days of receiving payment and the complaint.

Towing services may sue vehicle owners for unpaid bills if the owner has not paid or filed a dispute within 45 days of receiving the bill, and cannot seek title to the vehicle until judgment is entered.

In disputes over billing amounts, the court determines whether charges are reasonable and orders appropriate payment adjustments or penalties; any remaining bond amount is returned to the owner.