This bill proposes significant updates to the regulation of private towing carriers in Arizona by establishing statewide standards for towing rates and procedures. Under the new law, the regulation of towing rates will be a matter of statewide concern, eliminating the ability of counties, cities, or towns to impose their own regulations. The bill specifies that the towing rate must align with the rate published in the Department of Public Safety's tow service agreement for the location from which the vehicle is towed. Additionally, it introduces new requirements for signage in parking areas, detailing the conditions under which vehicles may be towed and the associated costs.

The bill also enhances the accountability of private towing carriers by mandating documentation of towing incidents through digital photography or video, which must be provided to vehicle owners upon request. It establishes clear procedures for releasing impounded vehicles, including the necessity for owners to present valid identification and proof of ownership. Furthermore, the bill introduces penalties for overcharging and outlines the liability of towing carriers for violations, including potential damages equal to twice the assessed fees. Overall, these changes aim to standardize towing practices and protect vehicle owners from potential abuses in the towing process.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 9-499.05, 11-251.04, 28-4847