Oregon Public Broadcasting

Oregon lawmakers voted Thursday to limit when towing companies can make off with your vehicle.  

The measure would require tow truck drivers to take a photo proving that any car they tow is parked improperly.

It would also require towing companies to contact the parking lot owner to confirm that a vehicle is subject to towing.

Democratic Representative Chuck Riley says the goal is to protect people from predatory towing practices.

Chuck Riley: “Like picking up your car from a parking space when it’s not clear that you shouldn’t park there.  This has been a practice in this state for too long and we’re going to get rid of it.”

Towing companies objected to an earlier version of the bill that would have banned them from paying drivers on commission.  

Critics say that practice gives drivers an incentive to be overly aggressive about which vehicles they tow.  

The scaled-back measure now heads to the governor’s desk.

Online:

House Bill 2578