City council approves towing ordinance amendment

Last Thursday, the Graham City Council approved an ordinance amendment to protect the city from liability regarding drivers who are pulled over and cannot provide proof of insurance.

A driver is required by state law to provide proof of insurance if they are pulled over by a Graham Police Department officer, but Interim Chief Brent Bullock said what the law does not say is what comes next.

“When we stop a vehicle it has been our common practice, if they didn’t have insurance, to tow that vehicle,” he said. “... the state law requires that they just carry the insurance, but it doesn’t say what happens (next) if they don’t have the insurance...”

Bullock said he spoke with Young County District Attorney Dee Peavy and Assistant District Attorney Phillip Gregory, who advised him the city needed better coverage. The two advised the city to approve an ordinance similar to one used by Dallas Police Department.

“Dallas has this ordinance and it allows us to, according to the legal, take possession of that vehicle and tow it and have it stored until they can show proof of insurance, like everyone else has to operate on the highway,” Bullock said.

For the rest of the story see the Wednesday, March 27 edition of The Graham Leader.