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Bill

SB 40

Vehicle Laws - Towed, Removed, or Abandoned Vehicles - Electronic Notice to Owner

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Anthony Muse

Maryland now requires towing operators to notify vehicle owners electronically (email/text) when vehicles are impounded, ensuring faster notification and reducing owners' storage fee burdens.

Approved by the Governor - Chapter 521
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · SB 40

Legislative bill overview

SB 40 requires that owners of towed, removed, or abandoned vehicles receive electronic notice (email or text) in addition to or instead of traditional mailed notice. The bill modernizes notification procedures to ensure vehicle owners are promptly informed when their vehicles are impounded, establishing timelines and standards for electronic communication.

Why is this important

Vehicle owners often miss traditional mailed notices due to mail delays or address changes, resulting in expensive storage fees and vehicle auctions before they even know their car was towed. Electronic notice significantly reduces the time between towing and owner notification, potentially saving owners thousands in accumulated impound fees and giving them better opportunity to retrieve or contest the impound.

Potential points of contention

  • Implementation costs: Towing companies and municipalities must establish systems to collect and maintain accurate email/phone data, potentially requiring new software and staff training
  • Data accuracy concerns: Electronic contact information may be outdated or incorrect, creating disputes about whether proper notice was actually received
  • Liability questions: Unclear whether failure to successfully deliver electronic notice creates legal liability or exempts impound facilities from responsibility if emails bounce or texts fail to send

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

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