Towing and Booting

The Public Utilities Commission oversees towing and vehicle booting companies.  Companies must have a permit to operate in the state.  Application for a permit must include evidence of insurance and financial responsibility.  Vehicles and facilities are subject to inspection by the commission or State Patrol. 

Vehicle booting involves the placement of a wheel clamp to immobilize a vehicle, typically for too many parking tickets or other fines.  Nonconsensual towing involves law enforcement or a private lot owner requesting that a car be towed.  These tows usually occur because of illegal parking.  Permanent parking signs at the entrances and on lamp posts in a private lot must notify vehicle owners about infractions that could result in booting or towing.  The Towing Task Force handles issues related to towing charges and overcharges.  For in-depth information about towing and booting, reference the staff issue brief, Vehicle Towing and Booting.