Illinois law to protect car, truck drivers from predatory towing
Illinois legislatures enacted a new law designed to stop tow truck operators from soliciting drivers who have been involved in accidents and whose vehilces are disabled.
Until the new legistlation was passed tow truck owners and operators in Illinois were able to solicit damaged and disabled vehicles along area roadways, no matter the vehicle type.
The legistation which Gov. Pat Quinn signed into law prohibits the solicitation by tow operators unless first contact by emergencey services or the drivers of the damaged vehicles.
“This law helps protect the rights of Illinois’ motorists and will improve safety on our roads,” Quinn stated. “We must do everything we can to keep our drivers safe, especially when they find themselves in a vulnerable situation.”
According to Rep. John D’Amico, D-Chicago, the new law protects drivers from unethical tow truck operators. “They are taking advantage of people in a bad situation. This way the tow truck driver on the scene was called by the person or the police officer. You’re going to know where your car is, and you’re going to know how much it’s going to cost,” D’Amico told Land Line Now on Sirius XM. “It’s just one more layer of protection for people on the road.”
