State hitches extra cost to towing bills

From the Santa Fe New Mexican.com - A recent state Public Regulation Commission decision means owners of illegally parked cars will pay dramatically more if their vehicles are towed. And while those whose cars are towed without their permission will no doubt be unhappy about the higher bills, local wrecker company owners aren't all smiling about the change, either. The increase, which took effect in mid-July, raises some of the fees that towing companies charge. But it also does away with other fees, prompting groans from some operators who say they're trying to stay in business. Depending on the type of car, the new rates mean the cost of a tow truck hookup is between $55 and $75 more than it used to be. The new rates range from $100 and $225 to get connected, and other fees including mileage apply on top of that. The increase applies to nonconsensual tows, such as those ordered by police or by property owners who find cars illegally parked. PRC Commissioner Jason Marks said the industry has had the same rates for 11 years, so it made sense to allow the increase. Administrative fees rose from $10 to $25. But the ability of wrecker companies to charge other fees was taken away. Companies used to be able to charge different rates for day and night service, They also used to be able to charge for time spent waiting to tow a car, such as at an accident scene that needs to be cleared first. Companies also were able to charge for the use of a dolly to hook cars up behind tow trucks, and for flat tires that had to be changed in order to tow cars, Read more