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Bill

SB 455

Tow truck drivers; prohibited acts, employing unregistered tow truck drivers.

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Bill DeSteph

Virginia prohibits hiring unregistered tow truck drivers and establishes registration requirements to regulate industry standards and public safety.

Fiscal Impact Statement from Department of Planning and Budget (SB455)
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · SB 455

Legislative bill overview

SB 455 establishes regulatory requirements for tow truck operations in Virginia by prohibiting certain practices and requiring drivers to be properly registered. The bill passed the Virginia Senate unanimously on February 4, 2026, and includes provisions addressing employment standards and operational compliance within the towing industry.

Why is this important

Tow truck operations affect public safety on roadways, consumer protection during vehicle recovery, and fair competition among licensed operators. Establishing registration and employment standards helps prevent unlicensed operators from providing substandard services, overcharging stranded motorists, or creating hazardous traffic conditions during recovery operations.

Potential points of contention

  • Regulatory burden on small operators: Compliance costs and administrative requirements may disproportionately affect independent tow operators or small businesses compared to large towing companies
  • Definition of "prohibited acts": The specific prohibited practices aren't detailed in available documents; stakeholders may dispute what constitutes violations and enforcement mechanisms
  • Employment classification: Requirements around "employing unregistered drivers" could affect contractor relationships and create disputes over independent contractor versus employee status

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

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