Missouri Bill Would Protect Truckers from ‘Predatory Tow Trucks’

If you've ever driven a large semi-tractor trailer, you know that it can be an expensive proposition to end up in a situation where it has to be towed. Many truckers say excessively so and that's why they're supporting a bill that would protect them from what they refer to as 'predatory towers'.

Missouri House Bill 745 just had its public hearing in the state capitol. It involves some rather technical details that you really need to be a truck driver to understand, so I found an article on CDL Life that helped break down what this bill would do. Here are some basics:

• MODOT would have to address concerns about nonconsensual towing processes and create a complain process where drivers could submit invoices for review to determine if they were fair
• Truck drivers would be allowed to request a specific towing company and law enforcement would be required to utilize them as long as they could respond in a reasonable amount of time
• If a driver disputes a charge, his truck must be released while the appeals process plays out
• If a towing company performs a non-compliant nonconsensual tow, they would be subject to a $25,000 civil penalty

According to the Missouri House document, there is no schedule for a vote on this bill at this time. If you're a truck driver in Missouri, I would highly recommend you read the exact text of the bill so you can fully understand what it would do and what it would not cover.