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SPRINGFIELD – Illinois Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias’ initiative to crack down on rogue tow truck operators, strengthen oversight of tow truck registrations and combat fraud has been sent to Governor JB Pritzker.
House Bill 4843, which the Illinois General Assembly approved unanimously, expands the Secretary of State’s authority to suspend or revoke certificates and special registration plates issued to tow truck and wrecker operators who fraudulently obtain registrations, illegally use tow truck plates or violate vehicle registration laws.
“For too long, rogue tow-truck operators have exploited loopholes in the system, deceived consumers and undercut the honest businesses that play by the rules,” Giannoulias said. “This legislation gives us stronger enforcement tools to identify bad actors, revoke their registrations and remove them from Illinois roads.”
“Our neighborhoods depend on reputable tow operators who respond when vehicles break down, crashes occur and streets need to be cleared safely, but the actions of rogue towers damage the reputation of the entire industry,” said Chicago Alderman Gilbert Villegas (36th Ward), who has spearheaded ordinances cracking down on rogue towing operations. “By strengthening oversight of tow truck registrations, this bill strengthens accountability and gives motorists in Chicago and throughout the state greater confidence that the companies serving them are operating legally and responsibly.”
Under the bill, the Secretary of State may suspend or revoke tow truck or wrecker registrations and plates if an individual or company:
- Is not lawfully entitled to the registration or plates;
- Has made or knowingly permitted illegal use of the plates;
- Has committed fraud in the registration of vehicles; or
- Has failed to provide required notices involving vehicle transfers.
The bill builds on reforms signed into law last year that strengthened oversight of towing companies and enhanced protections for Illinois consumers against predatory towing practices. That law empowered the Secretary of State’s office to suspend tow truck registrations for companies that fail to pay Illinois Commerce Commission fines or penalties and improved consumer protections during towing and vehicle impoundment, including clarifying rules regarding personal property left inside towed vehicles.
The latest measure is part of a broader legislative package advanced by Giannoulias to modernize the Illinois Vehicle Code, strengthen consumer protections and prevent abuse within the vehicle registration system. If signed into law, the legislation would take effect immediately.
