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H 3481

An Act relative to the maximum storage charges on motor vehicles involuntarily towed

194th Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by Dan Donahue and 1 co-sponsor

Massachusetts bill caps daily storage charges imposed by towing companies on involuntarily towed vehicles to protect consumers from excessive accumulating fees.

Reporting date extended to Wednesday, December 3, 2025
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Bill Summary · H 3481

Legislative bill overview

H 3481 establishes maximum daily storage charges that towing companies can levy on motor vehicles that have been involuntarily towed. The bill aims to cap these fees to prevent excessive costs that accumulate while vehicle owners arrange retrieval, particularly in cases of parking violations, accidents, or abandonment.

Why is this important

Involuntary towing storage fees can quickly become burdensome, sometimes exceeding the vehicle's value and creating financial hardship for owners trying to recover their property. This bill addresses a consumer protection gap by preventing predatory storage pricing practices that disproportionately affect lower-income vehicle owners who may struggle to retrieve their cars quickly.

Potential points of contention

  • Towing industry impact: Operators argue that storage fee caps reduce revenue needed to cover facility maintenance, security, and insurance costs, potentially making small towing operations economically unviable
  • Rate-setting methodology: Disagreement over what constitutes a "reasonable" maximum—whether it should be tied to vehicle value, actual operational costs, or regional markets
  • Implementation challenges: Questions about enforcement mechanisms, how different vehicle types (commercial vs. personal) should be treated, and whether municipal versus private towers face different requirements

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

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