KentuckyHB 4932025 Regular SessionHouseWALLET

AN ACT relating to the towing and storage of motor vehicles.

Sponsored By: Michael Sarge Pollock (Republican)

Signed by Governor

Crimes and PunishmentsInsuranceInsurance, Motor VehicleLiensMotor VehiclesTechnical CorrectionsTrade Practices and RetailingTransportationConsumer AffairsCorrections Impact

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Towing businesses face suspensions for violations

State police and local law enforcement must remove towing companies that break rate-sheet rules from their towing rotation lists. Removal lasts six months for a first violation and one year for a later violation. Towing companies and storage facilities also face 30-day certificate suspensions for each of their first four towing-law violations within three years. Each later violation within that period brings a 12-month suspension, and businesses cannot charge fees during any suspension. The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet can set additional penalties by regulation.

Clearer towing prices and overcharge refunds

Kentucky towing and storage certificate holders must keep current rate sheets on file, with reasonable and customary Kentucky rates. Emergency towing companies must post rate sheets, share them with owners or operators at the scene, and provide them on request. They must use one sheet regardless of who pays, except for rates negotiated with law enforcement. Charges above the applicable sheet are excessive; companies must refund excessive payments within 30 days after state police notice. An excessive charge tied to an insurance policy is a fraudulent insurance act.

Towing customers get detailed billing records

Towing companies must make itemized invoices available to owners or their agents within one business day after a completed tow. If needed billing information, including subcontractor charges, arrives later, the deadline starts when the company gets it. Invoices must identify the vehicle and tow, list towing, daily storage, and other charges, and show free or warranty services. Added services and fees need separate lines with explanations and exact charges. Companies must keep operators' invoices and receipts for two years and allow inspection and copying within 48 hours of written requests from authorized people, including owners, lienholders, their agents, law enforcement, specified attorneys, and eligible collision-related requesters.

Vehicle owners gain investigation hold protections

For vehicles held as evidence in civil or criminal investigations, the requesting entity must notify owners electronically or by certified mail. Notice is due within five business days after the hold starts and two business days after it ends. During the hold, reasonable daily storage charges cannot exceed the published rate; other fees are barred except listed charges for completed inspection work directed by investigators. An insurer's free, secure storage facility is an option only when the entity requesting the hold permits the move. After the hold ends, the vehicle must be released to the owner, insurer, or insurer's representative upon payment of listed towing and storage charges.

Towing businesses pay certificate and truck fees

Kentucky towing and storage businesses must get a state certificate to operate as motor carriers. Each certificate application or renewal costs $250. Applicants must file at least one vehicle-license application, obtain a vehicle license, and meet insurance or bond requirements. Each tow truck not actively registered with Unified Carrier Registration carries a $10 annual vehicle-license fee.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

Michael Sarge Pollock
Republican • House

Cosponsors

Anne Gay Donworth
Democrat • House
Beverly Chester-Burton
Democrat • House

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 214 • No: 16

Senate vote • 3/28/2025

passed

Yes: 88 • No: 10

Senate vote • 3/27/2025

3rd reading, passed

Yes: 38 • No: 0

House vote • 2/27/2025