Jackson, Mississippi — On April 19, Governor Tate Reeves signed a new law that targets predatory towing practices affecting commercial vehicles. The legislation creates a Commercial Vehicle Towing Advisory Committee within the Department of Public Safety’s Public Commercial Transportation Enforcement Division and sets statewide limits on towing and storage fees.

The move comes after a series of complaints from truck drivers, owner‑operators and fleet managers who reported that towing companies were charging exorbitant rates for nonconsensual tows, often on private property. The law is designed to protect the supply chain and keep freight moving efficiently. "Predatory towing is an egregious practice that not only disrupts our state’s supply chain, but also costs Mississippi truck owners thousands of dollars for each unwanted tow," said Hal Miller, president of the Mississippi Trucking Association. The association welcomed the swift action by the legislature and Governor Reeves.

The new law gives the Advisory Committee broad authority to set regulations and standards for towing services that will be listed on the approved tow list. The committee will define application procedures, establish minimum qualification requirements for towing companies, and publish a Towing Service Standard Manual that outlines fair billing practices for commercial vehicles. Importantly, the law bans the use of per‑pound billing for nonconsensual towing and caps maximum towing and storage rates for all nonconsensual tows, including those on private property. The law also clarifies that "nonconsensual towing" means the movement, transportation, or recovery of a commercial vehicle by a towing service without prior consent from the vehicle owner or operator, whether from private property or initiated by law enforcement. Vehicle owners or their representatives will now be able to retrieve personal property from their towed vehicles at storage facilities regardless of payment status. Before any nonconsensual tow, towing services must document the vehicle’s condition and the reason for towing, providing multiple photographs from various angles upon request by the vehicle owner. The new regulation also prohibits towing companies from using immobilization devices unless directed by law enforcement. The law takes effect on July 1, giving towing companies and commercial carriers time to adjust their procedures.

What This Means for Drivers

For CDL‑A holders and owner‑operators, the new limits mean predictable towing costs and a clear path to recover personal property from storage sites. Fleet managers will benefit from the standardized rate schedule, which eliminates the need to negotiate individual fees with each towing provider. The requirement that towing companies document vehicle condition and provide photographs gives drivers a tangible record to dispute incorrect charges. Additionally, the ban on immobilization devices protects drivers from being locked out of their vehicles without a lawful warrant. Finally, the Advisory Committee’s upcoming manual will serve as a reference for FMCSA regulations and help drivers understand their rights when a tow is initiated.

Industry Reaction

The Mississippi Trucking Association praised the legislation, noting that it aligns state policy with national efforts to curb abusive towing practices. Industry groups across the country have called for similar measures, citing the impact of high towing fees on trucking margins and the reliability of long‑haul operations. Trucking companies hiring for OTR truck driver and CDL‑A driver positions are watching the changes closely, as the new law could influence their fleet management strategies and driver satisfaction levels. The broader trucking community sees the law as a step toward greater fairness in the industry and a move that supports truck driver jobs and owner‑operator profitability.

Key Points

• Governor Reeves signed the law on April 19, effective July 1.
• The law establishes a Commercial Vehicle Towing Advisory Committee to set standards and approve tow lists.
• Maximum towing and storage rates for nonconsensual tows are capped, and per‑pound billing is prohibited.
• Drivers can retrieve personal property from storage sites regardless of payment and must receive vehicle condition documentation and photographs.

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