(a) Notwithstanding another law to the contrary, a vehicle must not be towed without authorization by the owner of the vehicle until twelve (12) hours have elapsed since it was first observed to be abandoned, immobile, or unattended unless the vehicle is creating a hazard, blocking access to public or private property, or parked illegally. (b) A tow truck operator shall immediately release a motor vehicle that the operator has begun to tow but which has not left the parking area if the motor vehicle owner arrives and pays a release fee. (c) A violation of this section is a Class B misdemeanor. (d) (1) In addition to any other penalty provided for in this section, a violation of subsection (b) is also a violation of the Tennessee Consumer Protection Act of 1977, compiled in title 47, chapter 18, part 1. A violation of subsection (b) constitutes an unfair or deceptive act or practice affecting trade or commerce, and is subject to the penalties and remedies as provided in the Tennessee Consumer Protection Act of 1977, in addition to the penalties and remedies provided in this section. (2) The attorney general and reporter has all of the investigative and enforcement authority that the attorney general and reporter has under the Tennessee Consumer Protection Act of 1977 relating to alleged violations of subsection (b). The attorney general and reporter may institute any proceedings involving alleged violations of this part in Davidson County circuit or chancery court or any other venue otherwise permitted by law. (3) Costs of any kind or nature must not be taxed against the attorney general and reporter or the state in actions commenced under this section. Added by 2024 Tenn. Acts, ch. 1017,s 4, eff. 7/1/2024. (a) Notwithstanding another law to the contrary, a vehicle must not be towed without authorization by the owner of the vehicle until twelve (12) hours have elapsed since it was first observed to be abandoned, immobile, or unattended unless the vehicle is creating a hazard, blocking access to public or private property, or parked illegally. (b) A tow truck operator shall immediately release a motor vehicle that the operator has begun to tow but which has not left the parking area if the motor vehicle owner arrives and pays a release fee. (c) A violation of this section is a Class B misdemeanor. (d) (1) In addition to any other penalty provided for in this section, a violation of subsection (b) is also a violation of the Tennessee Consumer Protection Act of 1977, compiled in title 47, chapter 18, part 1. A violation of subsection (b) constitutes an unfair or deceptive act or practice affecting trade or commerce, and is subject to the penalties and remedies as provided in the Tennessee Consumer Protection Act of 1977, in addition to the penalties and remedies provided in this section. (2) The attorney general and reporter has all of the investigative and enforcement authority that the attorney general and reporter has under the Tennessee Consumer Protection Act of 1977 relating to alleged violations of subsection (b). The attorney general and reporter may institute any proceedings involving alleged violations of this part in Davidson County circuit or chancery court or any other venue otherwise permitted by law. (3) Costs of any kind or nature must not be taxed against the attorney general and reporter or the state in actions commenced under this section. Added by 2024 Tenn. Acts, ch. 1017,s 4, eff. 7/1/2024. (a) Notwithstanding another law to the contrary, a vehicle must not be towed without authorization by the owner of the vehicle until twelve (12) hours have elapsed since it was first observed to be abandoned, immobile, or unattended unless the vehicle is creating a hazard, blocking access to public or private property, or parked illegally. (b) A tow truck operator shall immediately release a motor vehicle that the operator has begun to tow but which has not left the parking area if the motor vehicle owner arrives and pays a release fee. (c) A violation of this section is a Class B misdemeanor. (d) (1) In addition to any other penalty provided for in this section, a violation of subsection (b) is also a violation of the Tennessee Consumer Protection Act of 1977, compiled in title 47, chapter 18, part 1. A violation of subsection (b) constitutes an unfair or deceptive act or practice affecting trade or commerce, and is subject to the penalties and remedies as provided in the Tennessee Consumer Protection Act of 1977, in addition to the penalties and remedies provided in this section. (2) The attorney general and reporter has all of the investigative and enforcement authority that the attorney general and reporter has under the Tennessee Consumer Protection Act of 1977 relating to alleged violations of subsection (b). The attorney general and reporter may institute any proceedings involving alleged violations of this part in Davidson County circuit or chancery court or any other venue otherwise permitted by law. (3) Costs of any kind or nature must not be taxed against the attorney general and reporter or the state in actions commenced under this section. Added by 2024 Tenn. Acts, ch. 1017,s 4, eff. 7/1/2024. (a) Notwithstanding another law to the contrary, a vehicle must not be towed without authorization by the owner of the vehicle until twelve (12) hours have elapsed since it was first observed to be abandoned, immobile, or unattended unless the vehicle is creating a hazard, blocking access to public or private property, or parked illegally. (b) A tow truck operator shall immediately release a motor vehicle that the operator has begun to tow but which has not left the parking area if the motor vehicle owner arrives and pays a release fee. (c) A violation of this section is a Class B misdemeanor. (d) (1) In addition to any other penalty provided for in this section, a violation of subsection (b) is also a violation of the Tennessee Consumer Protection Act of 1977, compiled in title 47, chapter 18, part 1. A violation of subsection (b) constitutes an unfair or deceptive act or practice affecting trade or commerce, and is subject to the penalties and remedies as provided in the Tennessee Consumer Protection Act of 1977, in addition to the penalties and remedies provided in this section. (2) The attorney general and reporter has all of the investigative and enforcement authority that the attorney general and reporter has under the Tennessee Consumer Protection Act of 1977 relating to alleged violations of subsection (b). The attorney general and reporter may institute any proceedings involving alleged violations of this part in Davidson County circuit or chancery court or any other venue otherwise permitted by law. (3) Costs of any kind or nature must not be taxed against the attorney general and reporter or the state in actions commenced under this section. (1) In addition to any other penalty provided for in this section, a violation of subsection (b) is also a violation of the Tennessee Consumer Protection Act of 1977, compiled in title 47, chapter 18, part 1. A violation of subsection (b) constitutes an unfair or deceptive act or practice affecting trade or commerce, and is subject to the penalties and remedies as provided in the Tennessee Consumer Protection Act of 1977, in addition to the penalties and remedies provided in this section. (2) The attorney general and reporter has all of the investigative and enforcement authority that the attorney general and reporter has under the Tennessee Consumer Protection Act of 1977 relating to alleged violations of subsection (b). The attorney general and reporter may institute any proceedings involving alleged violations of this part in Davidson County circuit or chancery court or any other venue otherwise permitted by law. (3) Costs of any kind or nature must not be taxed against the attorney general and reporter or the state in actions commenced under this section.
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