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Barnacle Busters: Parking Lot Rules for Immobilizing Cars

Official:Amending Section 9-605 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Towing," by regulating the use of vehicle immobilization devices commonly known as barnacles and other non-wheel-based immobilization devices by private parking lot operators, all under certain terms and conditions.

Sponsors: Councilmember Bass, Councilmember Landau, Councilmember Lozada, Councilmember Young, Councilmember Harrity, Councilmember Driscoll, Councilmember O'Neill

Introduced: March 5, 2026

: Committee on Commerce & Economic Development

government parking traffic

Plain-Language Summary

This bill regulates how private parking lot operators use devices called 'barnacles' to immobilize cars. It sets rules for when and how these devices can be used.

What This Bill Does

AI-written. Every figure is checked against the bill text.

Regulates the use of windshield immobilization devices or "barnacles" by private parking lot operators in Philadelphia, requiring them to be used only on vehicles that have been ticketed by police or law enforcement.
Prohibits towing companies, parking enforcement companies, or private parking lot attendants from immobilizing a vehicle with a windshield-mounted device as a condition of payment, enforcement, or compliance.
Imposes civil penalties and license suspensions for violations of this regulation, including towing from private lots, private property, or driveways.
Amends Section 9-605 of The Philadelphia Code to add these new provisions regarding towing and immobilization devices.

Both Sides

AI-written arguments. Every figure is checked against the bill text.

The case for

This bill protects vehicle owners from predatory towing practices and misuse of immobilization devices by parking lot operators, ensuring that these devices can only be used on vehicles that have been lawfully cited by police. It also prevents towing companies and parking lot attendants from extorting payment or compliance from vehicle owners by threatening to immobilize their vehicles. By regulating the use of immobilization devices, this bill helps to safeguard the rights of vehicle owners and prevent unfair business practices.

The case against

This bill hands significant power to private parking lot operators, allowing them to immobilize and tow vehicles without first verifying that they are parked illegally, as long as they claim to have done so. This bill also imposes severe civil penalties and license suspensions on vehicle owners, while giving private parking lot operators a significant enforcement burden, potentially leading to unfair and costly consequences for those who are mistakenly or unfairly targeted.

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