Proposed NC Bill would regulate towing and booting statewide

WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) — A bill moving through the North Carolina General Assembly could change how towing companies operate across the state.

House Bill 199 would establish a Towing and Recovery Commission to oversee nonconsensual towing and booting. If passed, the law would require towing companies to apply for permits, limit fees, enforce new signage rules, and create a searchable database to help people find their towed vehicles.

Supporters of the bill say it’s a response to what they call “predatory towing.” However, some in the industry say the proposal won’t make much of a difference.

Mark Gabriel owns Hooked Up Towing and Recovery in Wilmington. He’s been in the towing business for nearly 20 years and covers coastal areas including Pender and Onslow counties.

“More regulations… I’m not going to be concerned about it,” Gabriel said. “I think a part of it has to do with booting. Probably more fees involved for us to apply and hold this annual permit, if you will. It’s just going to hold us to their regulations.”

Gabriel says most of the tows his company performs are requested by others, not initiated on their own.

“Most of ’em are called in by property managers or HOAs… they’ll call and say ‘hey they just parked and went to the beach — we want you to come get them.’”

While the proposed law would require clear signage on private property before towing, Gabriel says that’s already standard practice.

“The size of the signs that are posted on the property — they are all regulated 24 inch by 24 inch… they have to read a proper way. We do that anyway. That’s not going to change anything.”

To help avoid conflicts or confusion, he says his company documents every job from start to finish.

“We take pictures of everything before we touch it… load it up… tow it… and take more pictures when we drop it off.”

Lawmakers have referred the bill to the House Finance Committee. If it passes, the new towing rules could begin rolling out in 2026.

WWAY has reached out to Representative Carson Smith, one of the bill’s lead sponsors, and will update this story if we receive a response.