Substitute House Bill No. 7162, also known as Public Act No. 25-55, seeks to reform the motor vehicle towing statutes in Connecticut, with an effective date of October 1, 2025. The bill repeals Section 14-145 and introduces new regulations regarding the towing of unauthorized vehicles from private property. Key provisions include the requirement for property owners or their agents to provide written authorization for each tow, which must detail the vehicle and reason for towing, and prohibits the issuance of parking citations or the use of wheel-locking devices by property owners, with certain exceptions. Additionally, the bill mandates that property owners must affix a written notice to vehicles with expired registrations at least fourteen days prior to towing, and establishes conditions under which vehicles can be towed without prior notice.

The legislation also enhances accountability and transparency in the towing process by requiring wrecker services to notify local police within two hours of towing, maintain records of this notification, and provide photographs of the vehicle before towing. It introduces a schedule of rates for towing services, which must reflect reasonable operating costs, and establishes a Police-Ordered Towing Council to advise on policies and develop proposed rates. The bill further clarifies the rights of vehicle owners, including the right to inspect their vehicles before redemption and the prohibition of storage fees on days when vehicles are not made available. Overall, the bill aims to protect vehicle owners' rights while ensuring that towing practices are fair and regulated.

Statutes affected:
Raised Bill: 14-145, 14-145a, 14-66, 14-63, 14-145b, 14-150, 29-23a, 14-145c, 14-145d, 14-66b, 14-51a, 14-64, 14-1
TRA Joint Favorable Substitute: 14-145, 14-145a, 14-66, 14-63, 14-145b, 14-66a, 14-150, 29-23a, 14-145c, 14-145d, 14-66b, 14-51a, 14-64, 14-1
File No. 568: 14-145, 14-145a, 14-66, 14-63, 14-66a, 14-150, 29-23a, 14-145c, 14-145d, 14-66b, 14-51a, 14-64, 14-1
APP Joint Favorable: 14-145, 14-145a, 14-66, 14-63, 14-145b, 14-66a, 14-150, 29-23a, 14-145c, 14-145d, 14-66b, 14-51a, 14-64, 14-1
File No. 958: 14-145, 14-145a, 14-66, 14-63, 14-66a, 14-150, 29-23a, 14-145c, 14-145d, 14-66b, 14-51a, 14-64, 14-1, 14-145b
Public Act No. 25-55: 14-145, 14-145a, 14-66, 14-63, 14-66a, 14-150, 29-23a, 14-145c, 14-145d, 14-66b, 14-51a, 14-64, 14-1, 14-145b