New North Carolina Law Puts the Brakes on Predatory Towing of Semi Trucks

Starting December 1, 2025, North Carolina is taking a bold step to protect commercial truck drivers from exploitative parking enforcement practices. A new state law will ban the booting of semi-trucks, marking a significant victory for the trucking community.

What’s Changing?

Under the new legislation, it will be illegal to immobilize commercial vehicles with wheel boots a method often used to trap truckers into paying exorbitant fees, even for minor or unintentional parking violations. The law specifically targets predatory towing companies that have long been accused of taking advantage of out-of-state and independent drivers.

Violators of the new law could face misdemeanor charges, and in cases where towing does occur, companies will be required to return both the truck and its cargo without unreasonable delay.

Why It Matters

For many carriers, especially owner-operators and small fleets, being booted means more than just an inconvenience. It can lead to:

• Delayed deliveries

• Lost revenue

• Spoiled perishable goods

• Strained shipper relationships

  
  

The legislation sends a clear message: commercial truckers are essential to the economy and deserve fair treatment on the road.

Industry Response

The move has been widely praised across the industry. Driver advocacy groups say this sets a powerful precedent for other states to follow. Some have even called for federal regulation to address similar abuses in freight-heavy urban areas across the country.

Meanwhile, trucking companies are hopeful that the law will reduce unnecessary downtime and legal battles, especially when their trucks are targeted by towing firms looking to exploit a lack of local oversight.

What Drivers Should Know

• The law applies only in North Carolina (for now).

• It covers commercial trucks only, not passenger vehicles.

• It goes into effect on December 1, 2025.

• Drivers should still park legally but now they’re better protected against aggressive enforcement tactics.

  
  

A Win for the Road Warriors

This change represents more than just a legal shift it's a step toward fairness for the thousands of men and women who keep America’s supply chain running. With luck, other states will take note and follow suit.