Towing operators and lawmakers question $25 versus $35 impound rates

Members of the study committee and towing industry witnesses pressed DPS and staff to explain a seeming mismatch between statutory impound holds and municipal/contract rates, where the statutorily-described hold rate can be lower than other daily rates charged under DPS contracts.

Senator Gallen, who led the discussion, recalled earlier rate changes and said of the daily storage rate: "We got to 25." Tow operators pushed back that other contract rates can be higher. Richard Thompson of Valley Express Towing said, "I think it's 35 a day now on the new contract," and described how the 28-35-11 hold structure has evolved and often no longer produces the punitive outcome originally intended.

DPS staff (Ryan Boyd) acknowledged the committee needs to research the differences and agreed the department will investigate why the $35 contract rate exists alongside the $25 statutory measure, citing inflation and statutory timing as potential factors. The committee asked staff to return with analysis and data on current charging practices, how frequently holds are applied, and whether statutory language or administrative policy explains the disparity.