SC beach city puts towing rules in place

NORTH MYRTLE BEACH, S.C. (AP) — One of South Carolina’s popular beach towns has put in writing rules for towing vehicles and the fees towing companies can charge.

The Sun News reports (http://bit.ly/p8mOOa ) North Myrtle Beach passed the rules after complaints about large fees towing companies charged and the predatory manner in which some companies removed vehicles from private property.

Now, when vehicles are towed without a driver’s consent, the company can charge $135. The fee is $170 if the vehicle is released to the owner between 6 p.m. and 7 a.m.

Towing companies may not tow a vehicle more than two miles outside of the city.

Spokesman Pat Dowling says the city has grown to the point where the businesses needed regulation. Eleven towing companies are authorized to tow vehicles in North Myrtle Beach.

___

Information from: The Sun News, http://www.thesunnews.com/