HB 4704

Abstract

Amends the Illinois Vehicle Code. Provides that the Transportation Division of the Illinois Commerce Commission shall establish a statewide database in which any licensed tow operator may enter information regarding vehicles towed for safety or relocation purposes. Provides that the database shall allow each tow operator to have its own login in order to facilitate the entry of information via a mobile device; may integrate with existing law enforcement databases; may have a vehicle identification number validation feature to permit only valid vehicle identification numbers to be submitted to the database; shall include the name of the tow company that took possession of the vehicle; and shall be available to the public. Provides that, within one hour after a vehicle is relocated, a commercial or safety relocator shall notify the law enforcement agency having jurisdiction in the area from which the vehicle was relocated by electronically entering the information into the database. Provides that the commercial or safety relocator shall maintain records documenting the notification. Provides that a commercial or safety relocator in possession of a vehicle that has remained unclaimed for a period of 15 days after having been towed shall, within 5 days after the expiration of that period, report the vehicle as unclaimed by entering the information into the database. Provides that the notification shall include specified information. Provides that a commercial or safety relocator that fails to enter the information into the database as required may not (i) charge or collect any amount in connection with the relocation, processing, or storage of the vehicle or (ii) dispose of the unclaimed vehicle.