EL PASO, TEXAS (KFOX14/CBS4) — El Paso police are warning drivers to be cautious about towing decisions after a crash, as the city considers a new ordinance aimed at curbing unsolicited tow trucks at accident scenes.
The El Paso Police Department held its fourth community meeting on Wednesday for a proposed towing ordinance.
If approved, it would make it an offense for a towing company to arrive at the scene of a traffic accident to tow a vehicle without permission or to show up without being contacted.
A violation would be a Class C misdemeanor, carrying a fine of up to $500 for each offense.
“We fully understand that when you’ve been involved in an accident and you’re going through an emotional roller coaster,” said Executive Assistant Chief Victor Zarur of the El Paso Police Department.
He urged drivers to be careful about what they agree to after a crash.
“One, if you don’t know what you’re signing, get someone to assist you on it and be aware of the fine print,” Zarur said.
Ralph Barron III, an Ace Bodyshop owner, said he supports the proposal, stating, “I think it’s great, I think it’s a great first step, I think it’s a big issue.”
The ordinance remains a proposal and would need approval from the El Paso City Council.
RECOMMENDED: Serious-injury crash shuts down all westbound lanes on I-10 in East El Paso
Sign up to receive the top interesting stories from in and around our community once daily in your inbox.