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Friday, June 29, 2012

TDLR Commissioners Meeting Public Comment


Texas Towing Compliance Executive Director Pat Johnson addresses the Texas Department of Licensing & Regulations Commissioners Meeting this morning. Topic of interests: companies allowed to operate even without paying fines, vehicle damage complaints, convicted felons, and continued dishonesty among towing companies.

Saturday, June 23, 2012

A&A Wrecker Busted for Illegal Drop Fee Scam

According to the Texas Department of Licensing & Regulations, A & A WRECKER & RECOVERY LLC was busted recently because their driver refused to release a vehicle when the vehicle owner caught them in the process of loading the vehicle. The State, TDLR is asking for a fine of $6000.00. This is not the first time this company has been fined by the State and the Austin Police Department.

http://texastowingcompliance.com/files/A_A.pdf

The public should continue filing complaints with TDLR against towing companies, like A&A to insure they are held responsible for their illegal acts.

Thursday, June 21, 2012

A-AARLINGTON ABANDONED VEHICLE ENFORCEMENT Continues Sticker Expired Scam Unabated

texastowingcompliance.com

This company claims being in business for 25 years gives them the right to tow vehicles for expired inspection/registration  without the 10 day certified mail notice. They are in for a serious fine from TDLR for continuing this serious violation.

This company has already been fined $10K by TDLR by violating the rules and regulations, so what's another $3000 fine to them.

I suggested the victim pursue criminal charges via the Irving Police Department for Felony Theft since probable cause didn't exist to take his vehicle.

Tuesday, June 19, 2012

Desoto, Texas Latest Towing Scam Community

As I said before, predatory towing companies will operate in jurisdictions where law enforcement looks the other way, or is just uninformed of their responsibilities.

Yesterday, I received a call via the towing hotline, 512-680-3190, from a female motorist in Desoto, Texas whom followed the suggestions regarding illegal towing. A police officer with Desoto Police Department told the victim, "all we can do is maintain peace". That in itself is a serious blunder, as had this police officer been update on the towing law, he/she might have realized the sign posted was not in compliance, but it's obvious this law enforcement agency needs additional training, since I was told, "they (Desoto) don't have a problem with private property towing", but they do.


The towing company, 24 Hr Wrecker Service Inc of Lancaster has already been cited by the Texas Department of Licensing & Regulations for violating the rules and regulations back in February 2012. Now they are going to deal with another complaint for illegal towing, since the sign fails to state whom may park in the parking facility and prohibit all others.

The victim, was ever so cool to send me the photos of sign prior to arriving at the storage lot and that began a whole different outlook, as after a brief conversation regarding the illegal sign, the towing company released her vehicle at no charge.

By far, Texas Towing Compliance comes through to save another victim of illegal towing from paying for the release of their vehicle.

In hindsight, the Desoto Police Department should be a wary eye on towing companies operating in their city stealing vehicles from private property, unabated.

Wednesday, June 13, 2012

TDLR Fine Matrix Sends Strong Message to Towing Industry

After attending the TS&BAB meeting earlier this week, I must say TDLR shoved it into their faces, the fines they face for violating the rules and State Law.  This fine matrix should be incorporated by municipal courts and Justices of the Peace fine schedules.

TDLR is meeting with law enforcement agencies across the State of Texas is educate them on their responsibilities in enforcing the Towing Law, as they would a traffic citation, or the in case of a repeat offender, a trip to Jail.

The biggest towing scam that is occurring is expired registration or inspection stickers. This entails a wrecker driver or employee of the towing company attaching a bright orange warning sticker, waiting a few days, then towing it.  IF this has happened to you, take action against the apartment complex owner or manager in Court. Do not hesitate in filing criminal charges against the wrecker driver and the property manager, as they are fully aware of the notification requiring a 10 day certified mail letter warning.  You also want to file a complaint with TDLR against the towing company, as this violation carries a $3000 fine, per violation.





As I told the board during the comment session, they should adopt the matrix and quit nick picking, stalling and asking for delays..These fines are for licensees who repeatedly violate the law and request a reduced fine, while John Doe motorist is out $300, or his vehicle.




Friday, June 1, 2012

Reasonable Effort - Author version

Thefts and violations within vehicle storage facilities licensed by TDLR are attributed to employees licensed by them. Convicted felon towing companies continue to target the motoring public, bringing gangs of burglars scouring your parking lots..

The issue of "reasonable effort" consist of preserving the vehicle in the state of receipt at the VSF until released or auctioned...

Pat Johnson, author, founder
Texas Towing Compliance

512-680-3190