The legislature is trying to assure that drivers whose mangled cars are towed by companies called by the state Highway Patrol won't be paying more than others in needing a tow.
The House passed a bill today that insists tow companies who take part in a rotation list for the state Highway Patrol charge "reasonable rates," Mandy Locke reports. That charge should not be more than fees charged by companies not on the rotation list. The bill now returns to the Senate for a final vote.
"This is a big step in the right direction to make sure people are treated fairly on the side of the road when they are most vulnerable," said Capt. Everett Clendenin, spokesman for the state Highway Patrol.
Drivers have complained to the patrol for years that the towing companies troopers had called to help were gouging motorists. The patrol attempted to set price caps, but towing owners resisted.
The legislation will require that prices charged by those on the rotation be within 15 percent of a median price established for each region of the state. The median price will be determined based on estimates submitted by the companies.
