HB 67: AN ACT TO AMEND TITLE 21 OF THE DELAWARE CODE RELATING TO THE REMOVAL OF MOTOR VEHICLES FROM PRIVATE OR PUBLIC PROPERTY BY PRIVATE TOW COMPANIES.

Official summary

Abstract published by the legislature (via Open States). Text as published by the legislature; reproduced verbatim.

This Act creates a new chapter in Title 21 pertaining to the towing of vehicles without the consent of the owner or operator. It makes violations of the chapter an unlawful practice enforceable by the Consumer Protection Unit of the Department of Justice. The Act creates the following requirements for the towing and storage of vehicles without the consent of the owner or operator: Photographic evidence must be taken to document the unauthorized parking of a vehicle before it may be towed, and written authorization to tow a specific vehicle is required before the vehicle may be towed from a private parking area. Tow companies and storage facilities must publicly display their rates. Towing and storage rates must be reasonable, with reasonableness calculated in relation to the fees imposed by the companies for consensual towing and storage or based on average rates in the county. A maximum total towing rate of $250 and daily storage rate of $50 is imposed. Tow companies must decouple or drop vehicles that have not been removed from parking areas if the owner returns before removal. The drop fee may not be more than 50% of the tow fee. Storage facilities must be open or accessible to the public from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. five days a week, and tow companies must make reasonable accommodations to redeem vehicles after-hours. Individuals must be allowed to retrieve at no cost during business hours personal belongings from vehicles held in storage. Storage facilities may charge a fee of up to $50 for after-hours access to or retrieval of a vehicle. Tow companies and storage facilities must accept credit cards, or have an ATM available with a reasonable access or service fee. Where a tow is completed in violation of the chapter, the owner or operator is entitled to both reimbursement of the tow and storage fees as well as damages incurred to retrieve an illegally towed vehicle. Tow companies may not patrol for illegally parked cars, unless they have a contract to do so and comply with the requirements applicable to any other unauthorized towing of a vehicle. Tow companies may not pay or give other benefits to obtain information about cars parked without authorization.

Sponsors

Sponsors by party (alphabetical): Democratic 15 · Republican 3

“Support” is shown only as formal sponsorship recorded by the legislature. Roll-call votes are available on the official bill page.

Recent official actions

1. September 25, 2025Signed by Governor
2. June 25, 2025Passed By Senate. Votes: 21 YES
3. May 14, 2025Reported Out of Committee (Corrections & Public Safety) in Senate with 5 Favorable, 1 On Its Merits
4. March 27, 2025Assigned to Corrections & Public Safety Committee in Senate
5. March 27, 2025Passed By House. Votes: 23 YES 14 NO 1 NOT VOTING 3 ABSENT
6. March 27, 2025Amendment HA 2 to HB 67 - Passed In House by Voice Vote
7. March 27, 2025Amendment HA 1 to HB 67 - Stricken in House
8. March 26, 2025Amendment HA 1 to HB 67 - Introduced and Placed With Bill
9. March 18, 2025Reported Out of Committee (Public Safety & Homeland Security) in House with 5 Favorable
10. March 11, 2025Introduced and Assigned to Public Safety & Homeland Security Committee in House