Illinois Lawmakers Approve Bill to Crack Down on Rogue Tow Truck Operators

SPRINGFIELD — Legislation backed by Illinois Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias to strengthen oversight of the state’s tow truck industry has been sent to Gov. JB Pritzker after receiving unanimous approval from the General Assembly. House Bill 4843 would expand the Secretary of State’s authority to suspend or revoke registrations and special license plates for tow truck and wrecker operators who fraudulently obtain registrations, misuse tow truck plates or violate vehicle registration laws. The measure also targets companies that are not legally entitled to registrations, commit fraud or fail to meet vehicle transfer requirements. If signed into law, the legislation will take effect immediately and builds on consumer protection reforms approved last year to address predatory towing practices and improve oversight of the industry.