Rep. Pyrtle files bill in North Carolina House to regulate towing and booting practices

A new bill filed by State Rep. Pyrtle seeks to reform towing and booting laws by creating a commission to regulate practices and protect consumers in North Carolina, according to the North Carolina State House.

The bill, filed as HB 199 on Feb. 25 during the 2025 regular session, was formally listed with the short title: ‘Nonconsensual Booting and Towing Reform.’

The following is our breakdown, based on the actual bill text, and may include interpretation to clarify its provisions.

In essence, this bill aims to reform the laws on nonconsensual booting and towing in North Carolina by establishing the Towing and Recovery Commission under the Department of Public Safety. The commission will be responsible for issuing permits to towing businesses, setting maximum fees, and maintaining a database for public use to report noncompliance and check information on towed vehicles. It outlines specific procedures for towing, storage, and booting practices, including requirements for signage indicating towing policies and fees on private properties. The bill specifies that unlawfully booting, towing, or charging excessive fees is considered an unfair trade practice. Additionally, it calls for the commission to submit annual reports and recommendations concerning its continuation or integration into the Department of Public Safety. Several sections of the law will come into effect on July 1, 2026.

Of the four sponsors of this bill, Pyrtle proposed the most bills (15) during the 2025 regular session.

Bills in North Carolina follow a multi-step process before becoming law. A lawmaker starts by filing a bill, which is assigned to a committee for review. The bill must be read three times in each chamber. If one chamber changes the bill after the other passes it, both must agree on the final version. Once both chambers approve the same bill, it goes to the governor, who has 10 days (or 30 if the legislature is not in session) to sign, veto, or let it become law without a signature.

You can read more about the bills and other measures here.

Pyrtle graduated from Appalachian State University in 1989 with a BAS.

Pyrtle, a Republican, was elected to the North Carolina State House in 2021 to represent the state’s 65th House district, replacing previous state representative Jerry Carter.