July 08, 2024
Thom Carroll/for PhillyVoice
Tow truck drivers will be legally required to take photos of cars before they remove them. State Rep. Jose Giral, a Democrat from Philadelphia, sponsored the newly enacted legislation.
Tow truck drivers must now document parking violations before they haul away cars in Philadelphia.
Under Act 43, the Philadelphia Parking Authority and its agents are required to take photographs of infractions before towing vehicles. The photos must include the car's license plate and posted signs, if there are any, warning of illegal parking. These photos will be available to the vehicle owner free of charge, upon request.
Though the legislation is a Pennsylvania law that applies to any city with a population of 1 million or more, Philadelphia is the only city in the state that qualifies. Gov. Josh Shapiro (D) signed Act 43 into law Monday.
Pennsylvania state Rep. Jose Giral, the Philadelphia Democrat who sponsored the bill, argued that it will help owners who believe their cars were towed without cause fight their fees. The PPA charges $175 to haul most vehicles, plus storage fees that climb every day the car is unclaimed.
"I am pleased to see this commonsense measure signed into law," Giral said in a statement. "This will benefit everyone involved, the courts, the drivers and towing companies, and ensure greater accountability and transparency in our city."
The new law will take effect in 60 days.
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