All Roll Calls
Yes: 138 • No: 0
UtahH.B. 2682026 General SessionHouseWALLET
Towing Notice and Ownership Rights Modifications
Sponsored By: Mark A. Strong (Republican)
Signed by Governor
BusinessLiensAdministrative Rulemaking and ProceduresTransportationTowingCommercial Motor Vehicle RegulationDivision of Motor VehiclesReal PropertyNew Rulemaking Authority
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Bill Overview
Analyzed Economic Effects
6 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 0 costs, 4 mixed.
Fee caps, clear payments, faster release
Beginning May 6, 2026, tow companies must post all current fees and accept cash, debit, or credit cards. If you pay by card, they may add up to a 3% processing fee. For non-consensual tows not ordered by police, they must be reachable 24/7 and release your vehicle within one hour of your call. The department sets statewide maximum tow, storage, and after-hours fees, fee-posting formats, and towing certifications. Tow carriers cannot be required to carry more insurance than department rules set.
Stronger towing notice and owner rights
Beginning May 6, 2026, tow companies must report each non-consensual tow to the state impound database and tell police once the vehicle is stored. Within two business days, they must send certified letters to owners and lien holders and give the Utah Towing Consumer Bill of Rights at first contact. Until the database report is made, they cannot charge removal or storage fees. If notice is missing, liens are invalid, fees are forfeited, and you can reclaim the vehicle without paying; if the operator shows time-stamped reporting or mailing, fees and liens can apply. Disputes use a rebuttable presumption, the winner can recover attorney fees, and the department may set the release steps by rule.
What you owe, liens, and abandonment
Beginning May 6, 2026, what you owe is limited to approved tow and storage rates, plus any state administrative impound fee that applies. Towing and related fees become a possessory lien on the vehicle and on non-life-essential items when notice rules are met. If you do not pay and remove the vehicle within 30 days after the certified notice is sent, the vehicle is considered abandoned, and no one may request a title transfer until at least 30 days after that notice.
Get life-essential items from impound
Beginning May 6, 2026, you can get life-essential items from an impounded vehicle during normal business hours without paying. Life-essential items include prescription drugs, medical gear, shoes, coats, food and water, child seats, government ID, and human remains. After you pay the towing fee, you may remove other personal items that are not attached. Tow yards must securely store vehicles and life-essential items in an approved yard until you pay and remove the vehicle. These rules do not apply while a vehicle is held as evidence; if it is held and not released, no storage fee is charged.
No towing referrals or data sharing
Beginning May 6, 2026, tow companies and operators may not share your contact or personal information from a tow. They also may not get paid for referring you to lawyers, doctors, funders, marketers, or other vendors.
Private property towing signs and patrols
Beginning May 6, 2026, a private property tow at an owner’s request needs your consent or compliant towing signs. Property owners can choose patrols, case-by-case tows, or a 24-hour written notice option, as local rules allow. Patrolled and request-only lots must post uniform 24-by-18-inch entrance signs showing who may park, bans, and tow contacts; the department posts examples online. Patrol agreements must spell out removal and notice steps. If the required signs are in place, that is a legal defense to lack-of-notice claims.
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Sponsors & Cosponsors
Sponsor
Mark A. Strong
Republican • House
Cosponsors
Calvin R. Musselman
Republican • Senate
Roll Call Votes
Senate vote • 2/20/2026
Senate/ passed 3rd reading
Yes: 24 • No: 0
Senate vote • 2/19/2026
Senate/ passed 2nd reading
Yes: 25 • No: 0
House vote • 2/18/2026
Senate Comm - Favorable Recommendation
Yes: 7 • No: 0
House vote • 2/10/2026
House/ passed 3rd reading
Yes: 70 • No: 0
House vote • 1/30/2026
House Comm - Favorable Recommendation
Yes: 12 • No: 0
Actions Timeline
Governor Signed
3/18/2026House/ to Governor
3/12/2026HouseHouse/ received enrolled bill from Printing
3/12/2026HouseHouse/ enrolled bill to Printing
3/3/2026HouseEnrolled Bill Returned to House or Senate
3/3/2026Draft of Enrolled Bill Prepared
2/25/2026Bill Received from House for Enrolling
2/25/2026House/ signed by Speaker/ sent for enrolling
2/20/2026HouseHouse/ received from Senate
2/20/2026HouseSenate/ to House
2/20/2026SenateSenate/ signed by President/ returned to House
2/20/2026SenateSenate/ passed 3rd reading
2/20/2026SenateSenate/ 3rd reading
2/20/2026SenateSenate/ passed 2nd reading
2/19/2026SenateSenate/ 2nd reading
2/19/2026SenateSenate/ placed on 2nd Reading Calendar
2/18/2026SenateSenate/ committee report favorable
2/18/2026SenateSenate Comm - Favorable Recommendation
2/18/2026Senate/ to standing committee
2/13/2026SenateSenate/ 1st reading (Introduced)
2/12/2026SenateSenate/ received from House
2/11/2026SenateHouse/ to Senate
2/10/2026HouseHouse/ passed 3rd reading
2/10/2026HouseHouse/ 3rd reading
2/10/2026HouseHouse/ 2nd reading
2/2/2026House
Bill Text
Enrolled
3/3/2026
Introduced
1/15/2026
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