QuestionI am trying to find out where I can find laws that pertain to the state of VT, specifically regarding tow companies responsibility to notify me that they towed my car.
Answer well it looks like a 2 edged sword here on the notification issue..
here is part of the rules..
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§ 4203. REMOVAL SERVICES
(a) An abandoned or unattended motor vehicle shall be removed only by a certified t.r.s. firm at the request of a state, county or municipal law enforcement officer or by a private property owner from his or her property or by a lessee. A certified t.r.s. firm shall report a removal of an abandoned or unattended motor vehicle to the department within three state working days. Within three state working days, the department, upon verifying the certified t.r.s. firm's identity, shall furnish, if available, the name and address of the motor vehicle's owner or lienholder.
(b) Certified t.r.s. firms shall have storage facilities to store retrieved motor vehicles.
(c) Within 72 business hours of relocating a motor vehicle, a certified t.r.s. firm shall, upon receiving information from the department, notify the motor vehicle owner by certified mail. The notice shall include:
(1) the certified t.r.s. firm's name, phone number and address;
(2) a statement detailing the reasons for impounding the motor vehicle;
(3) an explanation of the removal service fees that are occurring, and the motor vehicle owner's legal liability including the existence of a t.r.s. lien and that upon payment of all charges and presenting ownership documents, the lien can be terminated and possession restored to the motor vehicle owner.
(d) Failure of the certified t.r.s. firm to file either the motor vehicle towing report or the owner notification as prescribed in this section shall result in a $50.00 fine.
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Now the tow company has to notify the motor vehicle department (looks like that or police department) within 3 STATE WORKING DAYS, who then gives the tow company the owner information...
But next line says they have to notify you within 72 hours of towing.. Hard to do if the state does not provide the information fast enough..
here is a link for you to read on the laws.. its from 1994 but should still be active..
http://www.leg.state.vt.us/DOCS/1994/BILLS/INTRO/H-075.HTM
