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Towing Laws in Delaware
Report Card

D+

4

Strong Protections

2

Weak Protections

9

Missing Protections

Overall, Delaware ranks 34th out of 51 states and districts in the United States, in terms of consumer protection towing practices.

Predatory towing is a nationwide issue, where profit-seeking property owners and towing companies tow cars without the owner's consent. Protections are crucial to prevent individuals from being taken advantage of. We've identified key safeguards and evaluated their implementation in Delaware. Based on our criteria, Delaware receives a grade of D+.

If you believe that you have been towed illegaly contact a local attorney or your attorney general. To sum up all the laws that we have reviewed check out our overview. If you are intersted to read more go to the Delaware legislatures laws on towing Title 21 of the Delaware Code relating to the removal of motor vehicles from private property. See what steps to take when you have been towed.

Delaware has no laws regarding this issue. In locations where legislation is missing, there may be no explicit requirements for clear tow-away signs in private parking areas. Property owners might have more flexibility in establishing their towing policies without a standardized framework, potentially leading to confusion for vehicle owners unaware of the rules in place.

Delaware has no laws regarding this issue. In locations where legislation is missing, there may be no explicit requirement for taking a picture of the parked vehicle before towing. Without a standardized framework, towing companies might have varying practices, and the absence of photographic documentation could contribute to disputes and challenges in verifying the circumstances surrounding the tow.

Delaware has no laws regarding this issue. In areas with missing or insufficient legislation on non-consensual towing, there may be no specific regulations outlining a maximum towing rate. The absence of clear guidelines can create an environment where towing companies have the discretion to set their own rates without standardized limitations. Establishing comprehensive legislation becomes crucial to define clear and reasonable maximum towing rates, ensuring fairness and transparency for vehicle owners subjected to non-consensual towing.

Delaware has no laws regarding this issue. In areas with missing or insufficient legislation on non-consensual towing, there may be no specific guidelines outlining a maximum towing rate. The absence of clear directives allows towing companies to exercise discretion in setting their rates without standardized limitations. Establishing comprehensive legislation becomes crucial in such cases to define clear and reasonable maximum towing rates, ensuring fairness and transparency for vehicle owners subjected to non-consensual towing.

Delaware has weak laws regarding this issue. In areas with weak legislation on non-consensual towing, the conditions for vehicle retrieval may be inadequately defined or enforced. The lack of specific guidelines can result in inconsistent practices, with towing companies having varying policies for vehicle retrieval. Weak legislation may not establish strict requirements for accessible retrieval locations or reasonable operating hours, potentially leading to challenges and frustrations for vehicle owners attempting to reclaim their towed vehicles. As a note, there are no public display requirements. Companies must provide written statement of charges.

Delaware has weak laws regarding this issue. In areas with weak legislation on non-consensual towing, the requirements for documentation related to impoundment may be inadequately defined or enforced. The lack of specific guidelines can result in inconsistent practices, with towing companies having varying documentation standards. Weak legislation may not establish strict requirements for detailed documentation, potentially leading to disputes and challenges in verifying the circumstances surrounding impoundment. As a note, towing companies are required to notify by mail only.

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icon Delaware has strong laws regarding this issue. In regions with strong legislation on non-consensual towing, towing companies are usually required to issue prompt and clear notifications to vehicle owners following impoundment. Stringent regulations may outline the necessary content, format, and delivery methods for these notifications, guaranteeing that owners receive timely and comprehensive information about the impoundment of their vehicles. This emphasis on providing clear notifications prioritizes consumer rights and fosters fair and transparent practices within the towing industry. As a note, the vehicle will be released fee should not be more than 50% of the full towing cost.

Delaware has no laws regarding this issue. In areas with missing or insufficient legislation on towing practices, there may be no specific provisions outlining the legality or restrictions on towing companies patrolling or scanning private property for illegally parked cars. The absence of clear regulations can create an environment where towing companies have the discretion to patrol private property without standardized guidelines, leading to potential disputes and concerns about fairness and transparency. Establishing comprehensive legislation becomes crucial to define the parameters of towing practices on private property and protect the rights of both property owners and vehicle owners.

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icon Delaware has strong laws regarding this issue. In regions with strong legislation on towing practices, it is generally illegal for tow companies to pay property owners kickbacks for towed vehicles. Strong regulations prioritize ethical conduct and prevent towing companies from engaging in practices that could lead to abuse or exploitation. These laws typically establish clear guidelines to ensure fair and transparent towing operations, prohibiting any financial incentives between towing companies and property owners that could compromise the integrity of the towing process. Strong legislation aims to maintain the objectivity of towing decisions and protect vehicle owners from unjust towing practices. As a note, no kickbacks are given to the owner, lessee or agent of property from which the vehicle was towed..

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icon Delaware has strong laws regarding this issue. In regions with strong legislation on towing practices, towing companies are typically required to notify multiple parties when towing occurs. Robust regulations often mandate that the local law enforcement agency, the vehicle owner, and in some cases, the property owner or manager, be promptly notified after a vehicle is towed. Strong legislation aims to ensure transparency and accountability in the towing process, allowing affected parties to be informed promptly and reducing the likelihood of disputes. These laws often prescribe specific procedures for notification, including the provision of detailed information about the tow, location, and steps for vehicle retrieval. As a note, the towing company must specifically notify the vehicle owner, the leinholder and law enforcement.

Delaware has no laws regarding this issue. In areas with missing or insufficient legislation on towing practices, there may be no specific provisions addressing towing companies' obligations to allow owners access to their personal items in a towed vehicle. The absence of clear rules can create an environment where towing companies have the discretion to set their own policies, potentially leading to situations where vehicle owners face challenges in retrieving their belongings. Establishing comprehensive legislation becomes crucial to protect consumer rights and ensure fair treatment in these circumstances.

Delaware has no laws regarding this issue. In areas with missing or insufficient legislation on towing practices, there may be no specific regulations governing non-consensual towing fees. The absence of clear rules can create a situation where towing companies have the discretion to set fees without standardized limits or consumer protections. Establishing comprehensive legislation becomes crucial to address potential abuses and ensure fair and transparent fee structures for non-consensual towing services.

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icon Delaware has strong laws regarding this issue. In regions with strong legislation on towing practices, tow truck operators are typically required to obtain licensing and certification. Robust regulations set clear standards for training, safety, and ethical conduct, ensuring that only qualified individuals operate tow trucks. Strong legislation may establish comprehensive licensing processes that include background checks, training programs, and ongoing education requirements. These measures aim to enhance public safety, prevent unqualified individuals from engaging in towing operations, and promote a higher level of professionalism in the industry. As a note, these hour are supposed to be normal business hours.

Delaware has no laws regarding this issue. In areas with missing or insufficient legislation on towing practices, there may be no specific requirements for tow truck operators to maintain insurance coverage. The absence of clear rules can create a situation where tow truck operators have the discretion to operate without adequate insurance, exposing consumers and third parties to significant financial risks. Efforts to establish comprehensive legislation become crucial to ensure that tow truck operators carry sufficient insurance coverage to protect the interests of all parties involved.

Delaware has no laws regarding this issue. In areas with missing or insufficient legislation on towing practices, there may be no specific provisions outlining the tow company's responsibility to reimburse owners for damages. The absence of clear regulations can create an environment where vehicle owners have limited recourse for compensation. Establishing comprehensive legislation becomes crucial to define clear guidelines for reimbursement and ensure that towing companies are held accountable for damages incurred during the towing or storage process.

Be sure to contact a local attorney or your attorney general if you beleive that you have been a victim of illegal towing. If you are confused on what these protections mean, look at our explanations to help yourself out. If you are intersted to read more go to the Delaware legislatures laws on towing Title 21 of the Delaware Code relating to the removal of motor vehicles from private property. See what steps to take when you have been towed.

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Data source

Title 21 of the Delaware Code relating to the removal of motor vehicles from private property

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