The bill amends the Michigan Vehicle Code to enhance the management of abandoned vehicles and clarify the responsibilities of towing agencies and police. It introduces new definitions, such as "towing agency," and establishes guidelines for handling abandoned vehicles, including the requirement for police to notify the Secretary of State within 24 hours of taking custody of an abandoned vehicle. Key changes include reducing the notice period for vehicle owners from 7 days to 3 days, requiring towing agencies to document their actions, and ensuring that vehicle owners can inspect their vehicles before accepting them back. The bill also mandates that vehicles released during business hours must be returned within 30 minutes of a request and prohibits towing agencies from forcing owners to sign liability waivers.

Additionally, the bill outlines procedures for vehicle removal by police, ensuring that vehicles can be released to owners if they arrive before towing is completed. It establishes jurisdiction for courts to handle disputes related to towing and abandoned vehicles, mandates reimbursement for towing and storage charges if a vehicle is deemed improperly towed, and specifies that police agencies must cover any associated fees. The legislation also details notice requirements for private property owners before towing vehicles and sets maximum allowable fees for towing based on vehicle weight. Overall, the bill aims to improve transparency, fairness, and the rights of vehicle owners in the towing process.

Statutes affected:
House Introduced Bill: 257.252, 257.676