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 provisions that require property owners or their agents to provide written authorization for each tow, including specific vehicle details and reasons for towing. It also prohibits property owners from issuing parking citations or using wheel-locking devices, except in certain educational institutions. Additionally, the bill mandates that property owners must notify local police within two hours of immobilizing a vehicle and affix written notices to vehicles with expired registrations at least fourteen days prior to towing. The legislation aims to enhance transparency and fairness in the towing process while protecting vehicle owners' rights.

Further amendments include the establishment of a Police-Ordered Towing Council to advise on policies and develop a schedule of rates for police-ordered towing, which will be published by the Commissioner of Motor Vehicles. The bill also introduces new definitions and regulations for nonconsensual towing, requiring wrecker services to maintain detailed records and provide documentation upon request. It increases the maximum civil penalty for violations from one thousand to five thousand dollars and mandates that any person violating these provisions will be deemed to have committed an infraction. Overall, the bill aims to strengthen the regulatory framework surrounding towing practices, enhance consumer protection, and ensure compliance with local law enforcement protocols.

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