VT H0768

Establishes the "Vermont Consumer Protection Towing Act" giving the Department of Motor Vehicles exclusive regulatory authority over towing companies, including rulemaking power and a consumer complaint mechanism

Sets maximum towing fees by vehicle weight class: $125 for light-duty (up to 10,000 lbs), $275 for medium-duty (10,001-26,000 lbs), and $400/hour for heavy-duty vehicles (26,001+ lbs), with corresponding caps on drop fees and daily storage rates ($20-$100/day)

Requires towing companies to provide written itemized estimates when owners are present, send notice to vehicle owners within 5 business days via registered mail, maintain records for 3 years, and take photographic documentation before towing

Prohibits predatory practices including soliciting tows at crash scenes, charging fees exceeding estimates without consent, requiring pre-authorization of repairs as a condition of towing, and refusing vehicle release upon full payment

Directs net proceeds from abandoned vehicle sales exceeding towing/storage charges to be distributed to vehicle owners through the State's unclaimed property system, with most provisions effective July 1, 2026