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.