Revises provisions relating to motor vehicles. (BDR 43-95)
Impact
The law modifies existing statutes concerning the towing of vehicles, particularly in residential complexes. Under AB408, operators can no longer charge fees for towing vehicles solely due to expired registration. This aspect aims to alleviate the financial burden on vehicle owners who may be unable to pay the standard towing fees. Moreover, the law aims to ensure that towing practices are transparent and fair by requiring tow car operators to display information regarding their rates and permissible practices prominently in their establishments.
Summary
Assembly Bill No. 408, introduced by Assemblywoman Brown-May, revises key provisions relating to vehicles and their removal from highways and private properties. Notably, the bill empowers law enforcement officers to remove vehicles from highways following a citation for reckless driving. This change responds to public safety concerns by facilitating quicker responses to potentially hazardous situations on the road. Furthermore, the bill prohibits charging fees for the storage of vehicles until a specific period has passed, thereby offering protection for vehicle owners from incurring excessive charges while their vehicles are being stored after removal.
Contention
Despite the potential benefits, the bill introduced some points of contention among stakeholders. Opponents argue that by allowing more expansive towing powers to law enforcement, there may be an increase in aggressive towing practices that could unfairly impact low-income vehicle owners. Additionally, the restrictions on towing due to expired registration might be viewed as reducing accountability for vehicle owners. Advocates for AB408 counter these points by highlighting the necessity for improved road safety and consumer protections in towing practices, emphasizing the importance of equitable treatment of all vehicle owners.