Connecticut Towing Companies Use Belongings Left in Cars as Leverage to Collect Fees, Drivers Say
3 minute readPublished: Thursday, May 15, 2025 at 9:00 am
Connecticut Towing Laws Under Scrutiny: Owners Struggle to Retrieve Belongings
**Hartford, CT** - A recent investigation by The Connecticut Mirror and ProPublica reveals a troubling trend: Connecticut residents are losing essential belongings when their vehicles are towed. The investigation highlights the struggles of vehicle owners to retrieve personal items, including work equipment, child car seats, and sentimental possessions, from towed cars.
Current Connecticut Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) regulations allow owners to retrieve items "essential to the health or welfare" of any person. However, this vague language gives towing companies significant leeway in interpretation. Many owners report being denied access to their belongings until they pay hefty towing and storage fees, even if they can't afford it.
The investigation details several cases, including Gary Hudson, who lost his work equipment and planned fishing trip after his car was towed. Another, Paul Boudreau, lost his carpentry tools, and Brandon Joyner lost irreplaceable family photos. These stories underscore the financial and emotional toll of the current system.
Connecticut's laws are particularly challenging, with a short timeframe before a vehicle can be considered abandoned and sold. While some nearby states offer broader protections, allowing retrieval of items like clothing and medications, Connecticut's laws are less clear. A proposed bill, House Bill 7162, aims to overhaul the law and allow owners to retrieve all personal property.
The DMV acknowledges the issue, with Commissioner Tony Guerrera suggesting owners file complaints. However, the complaint process can take longer than the period before a car is sold. While some towing companies are more lenient, others use belongings as leverage for payment.
BNN's Perspective: The situation highlights a critical need for clearer, more owner-friendly towing regulations in Connecticut. While towing companies have legitimate business concerns, the current system appears to disproportionately impact low-income individuals and those with limited resources. The proposed legislation offers a promising step towards protecting vehicle owners' rights and ensuring they can retrieve their essential belongings.
Keywords: Connecticut towing laws, towed cars, personal belongings, vehicle owners, Gary Hudson, Paul Boudreau, Brandon Joyner, towing fees, DMV, House Bill 7162, essential items, work equipment, car seats, sentimental items, Connecticut Mirror, ProPublica, Hartford, towing companies, abandoned vehicles.