Indiana Cracks Down on Predatory Towing – Finally, Some Love for Drivers

by TRUCKERS VA
(UNITED STATES)

Intro – New Towing Law Brings Relief in 2025

Starting July 1, 2025, Indiana is putting some serious bumpers on its towing industry. In a move that’s got truckers, RV drivers, and everyday commuters nodding in approval, the state has passed a “good faith” traffic law targeting shady tow companies.

Translation?
No more $3,000 “surprise bills” for being parked 5 inches over the line.
No more hostage negotiations over your rig.
No more mystery invoices that read like ancient scrolls.

This new law is a game-changer for drivers — especially those who’ve been at the mercy of predatory towing tactics for years.

What the New Law Actually Does

Let’s break it down. Here’s what Indiana’s new “good faith” towing law includes:

📄 Itemized invoices REQUIRED
Towing companies now have to break down every charge, line by line. No more “miscellaneous fees” that cost more than your truck’s monthly fuel bill.

💸 Caps on towing and storage fees
The law limits how much companies can charge for tows and overnight storage. That means no more $450/day “storage fees” while your truck sits behind a fence.

⏱ Faster vehicle release (even if there’s a billing dispute)
This is a big one. If you dispute a charge, the company must release your vehicle anyway, with payment adjustments to be settled later. No more rigs being held ransom.

🛠 "Good faith" clauses to protect honest mistakes
If you parked legally but were towed in error? Or weren’t properly warned? You’ve got legal recourse now — and the tow company could be on the hook.

Why This Matters for Truckers

You already know the pain if you’ve ever had your truck towed:

Missed loads = lost revenue

DOT violations for being “out of service”

Storage fees stacking like poker chips

Dispatch screaming while you’re stuck at a tow yard

This law can literally save drivers thousands in fines, fees, and downtime. And for independent O/Os or small fleet operators, it could mean the difference between staying in business or going broke.

What Drivers Are Saying

“It’s about time somebody did something.”
Veteran truckers who’ve had their rigs impounded for minor infractions are calling this a long-overdue move. Too many drivers have been strong-armed into paying unfair fees just to get back on the road.

“Let’s see if they actually enforce it.”
There’s healthy skepticism too. Laws are great — but only if the DOT and law enforcement actually back them up. Drivers want to see real accountability.

“Tow companies had a gold mine.”
Some tow operators were charging what they wanted because drivers had no time to fight it. With federal HOS rules ticking and dispatch breathing down your neck, who has time to go to court?

The Towing Industry’s Response (Spoiler: They’re Not Thrilled)

Tow companies are already saying:

The law will “hurt small businesses”

Price caps are “unrealistic” due to rising costs

It opens the door to more “unpaid bills” and legal disputes

But let’s be real — when you’ve been overcharging for decades, fairness probably does feel like a threat to your business model.

Still, the good operators — the ones who charge fair rates and release trucks fast — say they’re all for it. They’re tired of getting lumped in with the sharks.

How to Protect Yourself Until 2025

This law doesn’t kick in until July 1, 2025. So what can you do now?

📸 Always take pictures before you leave your truck
Photo proof of your parking spot can save you big if your truck gets towed unfairly.

📞 Ask for an invoice copy BEFORE paying
You’re entitled to a breakdown of charges. If they refuse? Get it on video.

🧾 Keep your receipts
Even if you pay under protest, file a complaint later with the Indiana Attorney General or DOT. And yes — you might get reimbursed under current fraud laws.

🤝 Know your carrier's towing policy
If you’re a company driver, ask dispatch: “What’s the process if I get towed?” If they stutter, that’s a red flag.

Bottom Line – Indiana Just Set the Standard

In an industry where drivers often get the short end of the stick, this law is a rare win. It’s common sense. It’s overdue. And if other states follow suit, it could signal a nationwide shift in driver protection.

Because towing should be about safety — not about squeezing working drivers for every last dime.

Call to Action – Plan Smarter, Drive Freer

Want more than just fair towing laws?

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Because winning in trucking isn’t just about miles — it’s about knowing your rights and planning your future.