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 a revised definition of "motor vehicle" that excludes authorized emergency vehicles, and a requirement for property owners or their agents to provide written authorization for each tow, detailing the vehicle and reason for towing. The bill also prohibits property owners from issuing parking citations or using wheel-locking devices, with certain exceptions, and mandates that written notices be affixed to vehicles with expired registrations at least fourteen days prior to towing. Additionally, it establishes requirements for wrecker services, including the need for written contracts with property owners and the obligation to notify local police departments within two hours of towing.

The legislation further enhances consumer protection by mandating the Commissioner of Motor Vehicles to develop a consumer bill of rights regarding towing, which must be available in both English and Spanish. It introduces new definitions and regulations for nonconsensual towing, including the establishment of a Police-Ordered Towing Council to advise on policies and rates. The bill also sets maximum hourly rates for towing services and outlines the process for selling unclaimed vehicles, ensuring transparency and fairness in the towing and storage process. Overall, the bill aims to improve the regulation of towing practices, protect vehicle owners' rights, and streamline the complaint resolution process within the automotive service industry.

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