Prairie State Wire

The Illinois Commerce Commission (ICC) is set to gain enhanced authority in towing enforcement following the passage of Senate Bill 2040. Sponsored by Senator Celina Villanueva and Representative Will Davis, this legislation aims to address predatory towing practices in the Chicagoland area by closing existing gaps in the Illinois Safety Towing Law. The bill now awaits Governor Pritzker's signature.

"ICC police have run detail after detail to stop wreck-chasers who monitor dispatch radios, drive up to accident scenes, and take advantage of unsuspecting drivers," said ICC Chief of Police Ruben Ramirez Jr. "The worst offenders rack up hundreds-of-thousands in fines, continue their illegal operations, and have even reregistered under new business names. Thanks to the reforms passed in SB2040, my officers will have better tools to keep rogue towers off Illinois' roadways."

State Senator Celina Villanueva emphasized the impact on local residents: "Chicagoans have had to deal with rogue towers who exploit gaps in the law for too long. Passing SB2040 sends a clear message: their bad behavior will no longer be tolerated." She expressed gratitude towards her co-sponsors and supporters for bringing the legislation forward.

Representative Will Davis also commented on the need for such measures: "Rogue towers have continued to prey on accident victims and put drivers at risk. I'm grateful to my colleagues in the statehouse who agree that Illinois can and should crack down on their shady business practices."

Senate Bill 2040 introduces several measures aimed at preventing unlawful safety towing activities:

- Impounding tow trucks that violate state safety tow laws.

- Revoking license plates for tow trucks with unpaid fines.

- Preventing known violators from reregistering under a new business name.

- Registering business and storage locations with proof of ownership or lease.

- Limiting tow locations to registered storage lots, licensed repair shops, or the motorist's requested location.

- Prohibiting tow operators from placing liens against essentials left in a vehicle, such as car seats, medical devices, and identifying documents.

- Barring any applicant making false statements from holding a commercial vehicle safety relocator registration for three years.

Rory McGinty, General Counsel for Professional Towing & Recovery Operators of Illinois, expressed support for these changes: "Our industry is excited to see accountability for the bad actors who are gaming the system... We applaud and support the Illinois Commerce Commission's efforts to address this ongoing problem."

The reforms will become effective on January 1, 2026. Customers can file complaints related to safety towing with the ICC through its website.

The ICC is responsible for overseeing public utility services across various sectors including electric, natural gas, telecommunications, water, sewer services as well as transportation-related consumer protection programs.