The Overview

Pennsylvania drivers whose cars are towed will get new protections at storage facilities, including posted fees and hours, itemized charges, and vehicle release rules, under Senate Bill 779, which the governor approved on July 20, 2026 and which takes effect 60 days after enactment. Pennsylvania's Senate Bill 779, now Act 46 of 2026, creates a new criminal offense under Title 18 (Crimes and Offenses) of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes for unlawful towing and storage facility practices. ​

A Philadelphia City Controller investigation found that all eight towing companies it examined posted signs that violated city rules, including excessive fees, and the office reported complaints about overcharging and cash-only demands. In a separate case, a Pittsburgh-area towing operator was ordered to pay restitution after an insurer was billed $11,390 for a tow.

What the Law Does

The law adds § 7332 to Pennsylvania's criminal code and applies to tow truck operators and storage facility operators. Key requirements:

  • Operators must hold Pennsylvania Department of Transportation registration, display their business name and contact information on tow trucks, and post all fees and hours at storage facilities.
  • At accident scenes, operators must give vehicle owners written retrieval information, may not tow without being summoned, and may not require a storage authorization longer than 24 hours as a condition of towing.
  • Storage facilities must release vehicles during posted hours, itemize all charges in writing, and accept cash, major credit cards, or insurance company checks.
  • Operators may not charge storage fees for any period during which they unreasonably refused the owner or operator, or an authorized representative, access to the vehicle during posted business hours.

Basic violations are summary offenses with fines up to $500, or $1,000 for repeat violations. Scene and vehicle-retention violations are misdemeanors carrying fines up to $2,500 or up to one year in prison. A third or later violation allows police to impound the operator's tow truck until penalties are paid. The law takes effect Dec. 17, 2026.

Legislative Status

Sen. Joe Picozzi, a Republican, was the lead sponsor of the bill, which drew 16 cosponsors, including Sharif Street, Wayne Fontana, Elder Vogel and Greg Rothman.

The Senate passed the bill 49 to one on June 26, 2025. The lower chamber passed motion A3881 by a vote of 202 to zero on June 29, 2026. The bill received final passage on July 12, and the Senate concurred in House amendments the same day. Gov. Josh Shapiro (D) signed it July 20, making it Act 46 of 2026.

Picozzi said the law "strengthens enforcement of Pennsylvania's towing law by creating criminal penalties for those who knowingly violate consumer protection" rules. Street said it "gives law enforcement the tools to enforce the protections already on the books."

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