Arizona would set statewide towing rates, signs, and release rules for private-lot tows

Towing rates for cars towed from private property would be a statewide concern, and cities, towns, and counties could not regulate them further. This applies to private towing carriers and to cities, towns, and counties. A place with no rate rules on January 1, 2026 would use the rates in the Department of Public Safety tow service agreement for where the car was towed. A place that had rate rules by then must update them to market standards or the rates and fees in this section. Updates by places that already had rate rules are due on or before July 1, 2027.

A private lot would be treated as open to public parking, and a car there could not be towed, unless the lot has the required signs and the tow is requested by police or authorized in writing by the owner or the owner's agent. This applies to private property owners, their agents, and private towing carriers. It does not apply if a car is towed from a single-family home at the request of the homeowner or a tenant. Signs must say that unauthorized vehicles will be towed at the owner's or operator's expense, and list a phone number answered 24 hours a day and the towing and storage rate with release information by link or QR code. Signs must be weather resistant, between 9 by 12 inches and 12 by 18 inches, permanently mounted, and placed to face drivers at each driveway or curb cut. The owner or agent must sign each tow order or authorize tows in a written contract valid for a set time, and the towing carrier cannot act as the owner's agent.

Towing carriers would have to photograph the car before connecting it, tell police within one hour, and release the car when the owner pays or arranges to pay and proves ownership. This applies to private towing carriers towing cars from private property without the owner's permission, and to owners reclaiming them. Photos must show the car being towed, required signs, all four corners, and the license plate or vehicle number, and must be given to the owner on request. The carrier must tell police the owner's name, plate and vehicle number, reason for the tow, impound address, carrier details, and a 24-hour phone number. The owner must show photo ID and one listed document, such as a title, current registration, or proof of a financial interest. The carrier must give an itemized receipt and cannot demand immediate payment. A carrier or lot owner that knowingly or recklessly breaks the rules owes the vehicle owner twice the towing and storage fees. Police must be told within one hour after the car is connected to the tow truck.

Towing carriers could not pay property owners or their agents for tows, and owners could not accept money or gifts for tows. This applies to private towing carriers and to owners of private property and their agents. A person who violates the section commits a class 2 misdemeanor. The section does not apply to law-enforcement-initiated tows under agreements with towing carriers.

A heavy-duty truck towing study committee would review private-property towing of vehicles weighing 26,000 pounds or more, and the Department of Public Safety would report on a towing compliance unit. The committee has seven members, including lawmakers, towing and trucking industry members, and a public safety representative. Its topics are cargo release, enforcement, minimum towing insurance, and a possible state towing board. The Department of Public Safety report must cover a unit to investigate complaints, enforce rates and laws, act on deceptive practices, and audit carriers, with a proposed budget reviewed by the joint legislative budget committee. The committee report is due June 30, 2027, and the committee ends after December 31, 2027. The department report is due on or before December 31, 2026.