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HB 5490

AN ACT INCREASING THE TIME PERIOD FOR A TOWING COMPANY TO SELL A TOWED MOTOR VEHICLE FROM FIFTEEN DAYS TO SIXTY DAYS.

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Nick Menapace

Connecticut extends the deadline for towing companies to sell unclaimed vehicles from 15 to 60 days, giving owners more time to recover towed cars but increasing storage costs.

REF. TO JOINT COMM. ON Transportation
#motorvehiclesales #motorvehicletowing
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Bill Summary · HB 5490

Legislative bill overview

HB 5490 extends the timeframe that towing companies have to sell an unclaimed towed vehicle from 15 days to 60 days. This change applies to motor vehicles that are towed and not reclaimed by their owners within the specified period. The bill essentially gives towing companies a longer window before they can dispose of or sell vehicles through auction.

Why is this important

Vehicle owners currently have only 15 days to locate and reclaim their towed car before it may be sold, which can be a tight timeline if the owner is unaware the vehicle was towed, traveling, or dealing with financial constraints. Extending this to 60 days provides more opportunity for owners to recover their property and may reduce instances where vehicles are sold prematurely. However, this also affects towing companies' cash flow and storage facility capacity during the longer holding period.

Potential points of contention

  • Storage costs and facility burden: Towing companies will need to maintain vehicles for four times longer, increasing operational costs for storage, insurance, and maintenance that may be passed to consumers or reduce company profitability
  • Owner notification requirements: The bill's effectiveness depends on whether towing companies adequately notify vehicle owners—unclear notification standards could render the extended timeline meaningless
  • Impact on vehicle condition: Longer storage periods may result in vehicle deterioration, battery drain, fluid leaks, and pest damage, potentially reducing the vehicle's value or recoverability

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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