Georgia Enforces New Laws to Regulate Booting Companies

Georgia House Bill 551 took effect this month. It caps vehicle booting fees and mandates state licensing for all companies that immobilize cars. The Georgia Department of Public Safety will oversee the implementation of the new regulations.

Companies can charge no more than $75 for passenger vehicles. Commercial vehicles face a $125 cap. Cash-only booting is now prohibited. The law also demands operators arrive within one hour of a release request. All operators must obtain licenses from the state agency.

The measure also prohibits operators from paying kickbacks to property owners or managers. In cities that permit it, private property owners can boot trespassing vehicles if they post proper warnings.

Companies have until Feb. 15 to install signs at each property entrance. The signs must be visible at night and display the company name and a 24-hour contact phone number.

Drivers across the state have complained for years about aggressive parking enforcement and confusing signage. 

Latoria Cheeks said she was booted for the first time two months ago after not realizing she needed to pay to park in the area. "I didn't see the signs that said you have to pay to park because I was going to the gym," said Cheeks, according to WRDW.

Drivers say the changes bring relief. The new bill brings more safety to the public and brings accountability to companies who are booting cars.