What is the Predatory Towing Law in New Jersey?

If you’ve ever had your vehicle towed unexpectedly, you may have wondered whether the towing was legitimate or if you were a victim of predatory towing. In New Jersey, there are specific laws in place to protect consumers from unfair towing practices. At Hunterdon Towing, we believe it’s important for drivers to understand their rights and how New Jersey’s Predatory Towing Prevention Act works to safeguard them.

What is Predatory Towing?

Predatory towing refers to unscrupulous practices where towing companies remove vehicles without proper cause, overcharge for towing and storage, or fail to follow legal protocols. Some common predatory towing practices include towing without proper signage, charging exorbitant fees, or towing vehicles that were legally parked.

New Jersey’s Predatory Towing Prevention Act

In 2008, New Jersey enacted the Predatory Towing Prevention Act to protect drivers from these types of practices. The law establishes guidelines for towing companies and ensures that they follow fair practices. Here are some key points of the law:

Proper Signage: Towing companies cannot remove vehicles from private property unless there are clear signs posted that inform drivers about parking restrictions and the possibility of being towed. The signs must be visible and include the towing company’s name and contact information.

Reasonable Fees: The law limits the fees that towing companies can charge. They must adhere to a reasonable rate schedule, which means you can’t be charged exorbitant amounts for towing or storage.

Consumer Rights: Drivers have the right to know where their vehicle is being towed and to get their vehicle back at any time of day. Additionally, if your vehicle is towed, you should receive an itemized bill detailing the charges.

Payment Options: Towing companies must accept at least two major credit cards for payment. They cannot insist on cash-only payments, which helps prevent unfair practices.

Authorized Towing: Vehicles can only be towed from private property at the request of the property owner or law enforcement. Unauthorized tows can result in fines or penalties for the towing company.

What To Do If You Think You’ve Been Predatory Towed

If you believe your vehicle has been towed unfairly, it’s important to stay calm and document everything. Ask for an itemized receipt, and make note of the location, any signage, and any interactions you had with the towing company. You can file a complaint with the New Jersey Division of Consumer Affairs, which investigates predatory towing practices.

How Hunterdon Towing Adheres to the Law

At Hunterdon Towing, we operate with transparency and fairness, always following the rules set forth by New Jersey’s Predatory Towing Prevention Act. Whether you need towing services in Ringoes, NJ, or surrounding areas, we ensure that our customers receive professional and honest service. We’re here to help with all your towing needs—from roadside assistance to vehicle recovery—and we do it by treating every customer with respect and care.

Need Towing Assistance?

If you’re in need of reliable, legitimate towing services in Ringoes, Flemington, or the surrounding areas, don’t hesitate to contact Hunterdon Towing. We’ll get you back on the road quickly and at a fair price.