A significant new law in Georgia is reshaping how parking enforcement agencies operate and how drivers experience enforcement around the state—especially in high-pressure urban markets like Atlanta. Effective at the start of 2026, House Bill 551 implemented sweeping reforms to vehicle booting regulations aimed at curbing predatory practices and improving fairness for motorists.  

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Under the new law, booting companies must respond within one hour of being contacted for removal, and vehicles must be released free of charge if the owner returns before the booting process is completed. The bill also caps boot fees (at $75 for passenger vehicles and $125 for commercial vehicles), prohibits “cash-only” payments, and requires clear, visible signage with 24/7 contact information from enforcement operators.  

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Importantly, the legislation cracks down on corrupt kickbacks to property owners and managers, which is an issue that has drawn criticism from drivers and consumer advocates. Operators face fines of $1,000 for violations, increasing accountability in an area often characterized by opaque practices and frustration among drivers.  

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What This Means for Parking Professionals 

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This reform signals a larger trend in the industry: enforcement transparency and consumer protection are becoming top priorities in municipal parking policy. Traditionally, booting and towing rules have been fraught with controversy, especially when steep fees and unclear signage leave drivers feeling taken advantage of. Georgia’s law sets a clear expectation that enforcement must be timely, transparent, and equitable. 

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For operators and cities alike, this shift emphasizes the importance of clear communication and customer-centric enforcement strategies. Parking professionals should take note: as public scrutiny of enforcement practices increases, policies that prioritize fairness not only protect motorists but also build trust in local parking systems. 

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In a broader context, Georgia’s moves may foreshadow similar reforms in other states where balancing enforcement effectiveness with customer service and fairness is an increasing challenge. Whether you’re managing urban paid parking, campus enforcement, or event operations, now is the time to evaluate how your policies align with emerging expectations for transparency and accountability. 

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TPN has partnered with Barnacle Parking on projects across the country that require enforcement policies. Barnacle is an innovative, low friction solution to traditional booting. The ability to remotely manage the device, enablement of self-service devices and the car-friendly design lend itself to the new policies we are seeing deployed in Georgia and can anticipate spreading across the country.