PUC public comment hearing: Amendments to rules regulating towing carriers

NEWS RELEASE
COLORADO DEPARTMENT OF REGULATORY AGENCIES
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The Colorado Public Utilities Commission (PUC) will commence a public comment hearing to examine and consider revisions to towing carrier rules based on the 2022 Colorado Assembly passage of House Bill 22-1314 (HB22-1314). The law went into effect Aug. 10, 2022, and is designed to protect consumers of nonconsensual tows, or when companies tow vehicles without the owner’s consent.

Meeting Details

• Proceeding No 23R-0085TO, Amendments to Towing Rules to Implement HB22-1314.
• Thursday, April 20, 2023, at 11:30 a.m.
• Virtual meeting, via Zoom here.
• Requests for language accommodations should be made at least one week prior to the event by completing the Language Access Form. Requests can also be made directly by contacting Holly Bise at 303.894.2024 or [email protected]

What You Need to Know

The PUC issued a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NOPR) to consider amendments to certain Commission Rules regulating towing carriers, 4 Code of Colorado Regulations (CCR) 723-6 The amendments reflect the Commission’s intent to update its towing rules to align with the recent statutory changes and to expand upon certain operational standards. The new towing legislation is largely focused on nonconsensual tows from residential private property. Additional Information on this proceeding can be found by visiting Proceeding No: 23R-0085TO..

A stakeholder workshop was held on Dec. 19, 2022, during which members of the towing industry sought further discussion on specific items, including:

• Clarity on safety/overhead lighting for tow trucks
• Temporary towing permits.
• Additional standards for the new statutory provision for releasing a towed motor
  vehicle without full payment, and;
• Clarity on Commission authority over towing carriers when towing for insurance and/or
  auction purposes.
• The original rules with highlighted proposed amendments can be viewed here.

For more information on the new towing regulations and what it means to consumers, visit the PUC website, at: puc.towing.

Comment Process:

If you would like to provide oral comments at the hearing, please click Zoom here. Details on how to access the public comment hearing can be found on the Commission’s Calendar of Events.

Public comments can also be provided by:

• Submitting written comments through the Commission’s Electronic Filing System (EFilings)
• Submitting written comments using the Commission’s online form.
• Submitting through email at [email protected].
• Mailing comments to the Commission’s offices at: Colorado Public Utilities Commission, 1560 Broadway, Suite 250, Denver, CO 80202
• Calling (303) 869-3490 to leave oral comments (English and Spanish options).

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