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Ohio’s New Towing Law: No More Trucks Held Hostage!

Semi-trucks on a tow truck, symbolizing Ohio’s new towing law.

Truckers, the days of being held hostage by outrageous towing bills are finally over. Starting April 9, 2025, House Bill 403 will change the game in Ohio, introducing a fair and efficient way to resolve towing disputes. Signed by Governor Mike DeWine on January 8, this law finally says, “Enough is enough.”

This isn’t just a policy—it’s a lifeline for truckers who’ve been at the mercy of sky-high towing fees. No more waiting, no more wild bills, and no more cargo sitting idle in a tow yard while you’re stuck chasing answers. House Bill 403 puts control back in your hands and keeps your wheels turning. Ready to see how it works? Let’s hit the gas.


The Old Problem: Towing Drama That Stopped Everything

Picture this: You’re hauling a full load, minding your business, when—BAM!—an accident or breakdown pulls you off the road. Before you know it, a tow truck arrives, hooks up your rig, and hauls it away. Then comes the bill—a figure so big it might as well have a comma for every axle on your truck.

What happens next? In the old system, you had two options:

  1. Pay the bill immediately, no matter how unfair it seemed, just to get your truck and cargo back.
  2. Refuse to pay, leaving your rig, trailer, and goods sitting in a tow yard while the dispute dragged on for weeks—or even months.

Neither option worked for truckers. Both caused delays, cost you money, and put your livelihood in jeopardy. It wasn’t just frustrating—it was a crisis for the trucking industry.

But Ohio said, “No more.” House Bill 403 changes everything.


How House Bill 403 Works

Here’s the play-by-play on how this new law solves the towing dispute problem once and for all:

Step 1: File a Complaint

When you get hit with a towing bill that feels like it belongs on a yacht instead of your truck, you now have the right to file a civil complaint. This officially starts the process of disputing the charges.

Step 2: Pay What You Owe (But Only What’s Fair)

Truckers must pay the undisputed portion of the bill—essentially the amount they agree is fair—and post a bond for the disputed amount. This ensures towing companies are compensated for the parts of the job you don’t contest, while the questionable charges go under review.

Step 3: Get Your Truck and Cargo Released

Here’s the game-changer: Once you pay the undisputed portion and post the bond, the towing company has two business days to release your truck, cargo, and personal property. No more waiting for weeks while your livelihood gathers dust in a tow yard.

Step 4: Bring in the Judge

After your wheels are back on the road, a judge will review the case. They’ll look at the evidence, decide whether the disputed charges are reasonable, and make the final call. If they find anything shady—on either side—they can impose penalties or refunds.

Step 5: Fairness for Towing Companies

It’s not just about truckers. Towing companies also get protection under this law. If payment hasn’t been made after 46 days, they have the right to pursue legal action to recover what’s owed. Everyone gets a fair shot, and the system stays balanced.


Why Truckers Are Celebrating

Before House Bill 403, trucking companies had little choice but to play along with towing companies’ demands. If they wanted their trucks and cargo back, they had to pay up—or risk delays that could ruin contracts and reputations.

“This law separates billing disputes from cargo movement,” said Tom Balzer, President of the Ohio Trucking Association (OTA). “Now, truckers can get their rigs back quickly and work out the rest without disrupting their operations.”

It’s a big win for truckers who can now:

  • Avoid Deadlines Slipping Away: With trucks released within two business days, there’s no need to sacrifice schedules for disputes.
  • Get a Fair Hearing: Disputed charges go before a judge, not a tow yard operator.
  • Focus on the Road: Time spent fighting disputes is time not spent driving. This law changes that.

Why Towing Companies Benefit Too

While this law brings relief to truckers, it also helps towing companies operate more efficiently. Towers provide vital services, from clearing accident scenes to keeping highways safe, and this law ensures they get paid for their hard work.

“This law creates fairness and clarity,” said Joe Hollabaugh, representing the Association of Professional Towers. “It encourages disputes to be resolved quickly and ensures towing companies are treated fairly in the process.”

The law provides towers with:

  • A Path to Payment: After 46 days, towing companies can pursue legal action to recover unpaid fees.
  • Clear Guidelines: A structured process makes it easier to manage disputes without unnecessary conflict.

Why This Law Matters to Everyone

Truckers and towing companies aren’t the only ones breathing a sigh of relief. The entire economy benefits from a system that keeps trucks moving. Every day a truck is stuck in a tow yard, the ripple effects can be felt everywhere—from delayed shipments to empty shelves.

With disputes resolved quickly and trucks released promptly, House Bill 403 ensures goods keep flowing and businesses stay running smoothly.


The Road to Reform

This law didn’t happen overnight. It’s the result of a rare partnership between the Ohio Trucking Association (OTA) and the state’s towing and recovery groups. These two industries, which don’t always see eye to eye, came together to fix a broken system.

State Senator Al Cutrona, the bill’s sponsor, called it “a very contentious issue” but praised the teamwork that made it possible. “This law establishes clear rules and creates a fair, expedited process for resolving disputes,” he said.

The collaboration paid off big time. The law passed with unanimous approval in the Senate and an 84-5 vote in the House. When was the last time you saw that kind of bipartisan support?


What This Law Means for the Future

Ohio isn’t just fixing its own problem—it’s creating a blueprint for other states. This law proves that fairness, collaboration, and a touch of common sense can solve even the toughest industry challenges.

As other states look to address similar issues, House Bill 403 could set the standard for how towing disputes should be handled across the country.


Key Takeaways

Here’s what truckers, towing companies, and anyone in the industry need to know about Ohio’s new law:

  • Truckers: Pay the undisputed amount, post a bond for the rest, and get your truck and cargo back within two days.
  • Towers: If you don’t get paid within 46 days, legal action is on the table.
  • Judges: Act as referees, reviewing evidence and ensuring disputes are handled fairly.

What You Should Do Next

April 9 is coming fast, so now’s the time to prepare. If you’re a trucker or a towing company operating in Ohio, here’s your to-do list:

  1. Learn the Rules: Familiarize yourself with the law so you know your rights and responsibilities.
  2. Document Everything: Keep clear records of invoices, services, and communications to avoid surprises.
  3. Play Fair: A structured process benefits everyone, so follow the rules and keep things professional.

This law is a win for the industry, the economy, and the people who rely on the open road.

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