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Voted Best Personal Injury Law Firm by Georgia Lawyers in 2022 and 2023
Tennessee Booting Lawyer and Booting Class Action Lawsuit
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Matt, from Wetherington Law Firm, has been extremely helpful, professional, and communicative. For months, he has updated us all by email on the class-action lawsuit, with many details. I appreciate his efficiency and his desire to help people who have been wronged by companies, no matter how long it takes.
– Lauren S
They were very professional and took very good care of me. I trust them to do what’s right and best for me and my family. Everyone I had contact with was very polite, patient and understanding.
– Tisha
Matt Wetherington is by far the most patient, compassionate and hard working attorney I’ve ever met.
– Kristen Rose
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Get Justice for Wrongful Booting in Any Part of Tennessee
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Vehicle booting has been a contentious issue across Tennessee, with many drivers experiencing unfair and excessive fees imposed by private booting companies. While booting is meant to enforce parking regulations and collect fines, numerous cases of wrongful immobilization, excessive charges, and predatory practices have been reported.
At Wetherington Law Firm, we fight for Tennessee drivers who have been unfairly booted. Our attorneys specialize in challenging illegal booting, reducing penalties, and leading class action lawsuits against predatory booting companies. If your vehicle was wrongfully booted, legal help is available to get the boot removed, recover unfair charges, and hold the responsible party accountable.
Contact our experienced booting attorneys in Tennessee to evaluate your case and explore options to join a class action lawsuit against booting companies.
Join our Tennessee booting class action—get a free case evaluation today!
Understanding Vehicle Booting in Tennessee
What is Vehicle Booting?
Vehicle booting refers to immobilizing a vehicle by attaching a wheel clamp, or “boot,” to one of its tires. This practice is commonly used to enforce unpaid parking violations or private property rules. Until recently, private booting was largely unregulated in Tennessee, leading to widespread abuse.
If you’ve ever walked up to your car only to find it booted, you’re not alone. Across cities like Nashville, Memphis, and Knoxville, thousands of drivers deal with vehicle booting every year, often with little knowledge of their legal rights.
Tennessee has specific regulations on booting, including who can place a boot, how much they can charge, and when the boot must be removed. In some cases, booting companies and private property owners overstep their authority, leading to wrongful booting incidents that can leave drivers frustrated and financially burdened.
If your car has been booted in Tennessee, it’s crucial to understand why it happened, how to remove the boot legally, and what steps to take if you believe the boot was placed unfairly. Whether you’re dealing with a parking enforcement company, a homeowners association (HOA), or a private property owner, knowing your rights can make all the difference.
Who Can Legally Boot a Vehicle in Tennessee?
With the enactment of the MOTION Act (Modernization of Towing, Immobilization, and Oversight Normalization) in 2024, Tennessee banned third-party booting companies statewide. Under this law, only authorized government agencies may boot vehicles under specific conditions. However, some private companies continue to engage in questionable booting practices, leading to potential legal challenges.
The primary enforcers of booting in Tennessee include:
- Local government agencies – Cities may boot vehicles for excessive unpaid parking violations.
- Private property owners (before the MOTION Act) – Previously, private booting companies were hired to enforce parking restrictions, often leading to excessive fees.
- Law enforcement agencies – In some cases, police may boot vehicles involved in legal disputes or outstanding warrants.
Despite new regulations, many Tennessee drivers are still dealing with wrongful booting, either from companies ignoring the law or unclear enforcement of the ban.
The Impact of Booting on Tennessee Drivers
Booting can be a major inconvenience and financial burden for vehicle owners. Common issues include:
- High Boot Removal Fees – Before the MOTION Act, private booting companies charged exorbitant fees, often exceeding $100. The law now caps removal fees at $75, but some companies may still attempt to overcharge.
- Towing Threats – If the boot is not removed in time, the vehicle may be towed, leading to additional impound fees.
- Wrongful Booting Cases – Many drivers report being booted despite no outstanding violations or without proper notice.
- Personal and Professional Disruptions – A booted car can prevent you from getting to work, taking kids to school, or attending important events.
If you were unfairly booted, Wetherington Law Firm is here to help you challenge the illegal action and recover your money. Join our Tennessee booting class action—get a free case evaluation today!
Booting Class Action Lawsuit in Tennessee
What is a Booting Class Action Lawsuit?
A class action lawsuit allows multiple victims of wrongful or illegal booting to join together against predatory companies or government agencies. If you have been charged excessive fees or booted without proper authorization, you may be eligible to join our lawsuit.
Our legal team is actively investigating Tennessee’s private booting companies for potential violations, including:
- Excessive fees beyond the legal limit
- Booting without proper notice or legal authority
- Failure to provide timely removal after payment
- Deceptive or predatory booting practices
If you or someone you know was wrongfully booted in Nashville, Memphis, Chattanooga, Knoxville, or anywhere in Tennessee, contact us today to explore your legal options.
New Tennessee Booting Laws and Regulations
Tennessee has taken a firm stance against predatory booting practices with the MOTION Act (Modernization of Towing, Immobilization, and Oversight Normalization Act), which went into effect on July 1, 2024. This law bans private booting statewide and imposes strict regulations on government and commercial parking enforcement.
If your vehicle has been booted in Tennessee, understanding your rights and the specific laws that apply is crucial. Here’s what you need to know:
1. Private Booting is Now Illegal in Tennessee
📜 Tennessee Code Annotated § 55-31-202
- Only licensed parking attendants can legally boot a vehicle in Tennessee.
- Private booting companies, landlords, and businesses can no longer boot cars—violating this law is a Class B misdemeanor for a first offense and a Class A misdemeanor for repeat violations.
- Vehicles identifiable by a USDOT number or specific registration plates are also exempt from booting.
This statute makes it an offense for any person, other than a licensed parking attendant, to knowingly boot a motor vehicle in the state. Additionally, it prohibits booting of motor vehicles identifiable by a U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) number or specific registration plates. A first violation is classified as a Class B misdemeanor, while subsequent offenses are Class A misdemeanors.
If a private company boots your vehicle, they are breaking the law, and you may be entitled to compensation, contact us today to explore your legal options.
2. Restrictions on Booting in Commercial Parking Lots
📜 Tennessee Code Annotated § 55-31-201
- Commercial parking lot owners cannot boot or tow vehicles unless the car is abandoned, immobile, or unattended.
- If a local ordinance allows booting, the parking lot operator must be licensed and follow strict regulations (see § 55-31-203).
- Violations of this law are considered deceptive business practices under the Tennessee Consumer Protection Act, meaning victims may be eligible for legal action and financial recovery.
This law prohibits commercial parking lot owners from booting or towing vehicles on their lots unless the vehicle is abandoned, immobile, or unattended. However, licensed parking lots or their attendants may boot or tow vehicles if they are located within a jurisdiction that has enacted an ordinance pursuant to § 55-31-203 and they comply with that ordinance. Violations are considered unfair or deceptive acts under the Tennessee Consumer Protection Act.
If your car was booted in a commercial parking lot, check if the operator was legally authorized to do so. If not, you may have a strong case for compensation. contact us today to explore your legal options.
3. Local Governments Can Regulate Booting, But Must Follow Strict Rules
📜 Tennessee Code Annotated § 55-31-203
While the MOTION Act bans private booting statewide, local governments can pass ordinances allowing booting in limited circumstances—but they must:
- Require all parking operators to obtain an annual license
- Ensure clear signage warning drivers about booting policies
- Cap boot removal fees at $75 or less
- Require that a boot must be removed within 30 minutes of payment
This section allows local governments to pass ordinances permitting licensed parking lots and their attendants to boot or tow vehicles, provided they adhere to specific requirements. These include annual licensing, clear signage, fee limitations (e.g., a maximum boot removal fee of $75), and prompt removal of the boot within 30 minutes of payment. Local ordinances may impose stricter regulations than the state minimums.
If a city or county has authorized booting, they must follow these strict rules. If you were charged excessive fees or the boot was not removed in time, you may be eligible for legal action, contact us today to explore your legal options.
My Car Got Booted in Tennessee—What Should I Do?
If your car was booted in Tennessee, chances are you’re standing in a parking lot right now, staring at a wheel lock, wondering what to do next. First, don’t panic—booting is a temporary measure, and you have options.
Here’s what you should do:
- Check for a Notice or Contact Information: Most legal booting requires a visible notice on your vehicle explaining why it was booted and how to get it removed. Look for details about the parking enforcement company, property owner, or city agency responsible.
- Understand the Reason for Booting: Common reasons for booting in Tennessee include:
- Unpaid parking tickets: Cities like Nashville and Chattanooga use booting to enforce unpaid citations.
- Private property violations: Apartment complexes, shopping centers, and private lots can contract booting companies to immobilize vehicles parked without authorization.
- Outstanding toll or traffic violations: In some cases, local governments or private toll operators may boot vehicles for unpaid tolls or repeated traffic offenses.
- Verify That the Booting Was Legal: Not all booting is lawful. Some companies operate in gray areas or illegally place boots on vehicles in violation of Tennessee law. Check if:
- The booting company is licensed to operate in your city.
- The boot fee does not exceed the legal limit set by local laws.
- The boot was placed correctly (some cities have strict rules on booting hours and signage).
- Follow the Proper Steps for Removal
- If the boot was placed by a city enforcement agency, you’ll likely need to pay outstanding fines or request a hearing.
- If a private company booted your car, you’ll need to contact them and follow their process. Tennessee law may require them to remove the boot within a certain timeframe after payment.
- Take Action Against Wrongful Booting: If you believe your car was booted unfairly, take pictures, document the situation, and contact a lawyer who specializes in parking disputes. Wrongful booting lawsuits have been filed across Tennessee, especially when private enforcement companies fail to follow proper procedures.
Booting Class Action Lawsuit in Tennessee
Join the Fight Against Illegal Booting in Tennessee
If your vehicle was wrongfully booted or you were charged excessive removal fees, you may be eligible to join a Tennessee booting class action lawsuit. At Wetherington Law Firm, we are leading a legal battle against private booting companies, property owners, and enforcement agencies that have violated Tennessee’s booting laws.
In July 2024, Tennessee passed the MOTION Act, which banned private booting statewide. Despite this, some companies continue to engage in illegal booting, charging drivers outrageous fees and failing to follow legal removal procedures. We are taking action to hold them accountable.
Why Join the Tennessee Booting Class Action Lawsuit?
If you were booted in Tennessee after July 1, 2024, by a private company, it was illegal. You may be entitled to compensation for:
✔ Refunds of excessive booting fees
✔ Penalties for violations of Tennessee consumer protection laws
✔ Damages for wrongful immobilization of your vehicle
Who Can Join the Lawsuit?
You may qualify for the Tennessee booting class action lawsuit if:
- Your vehicle was booted by a private company after July 1, 2024.
- You were charged more than $75 for boot removal.
- Your boot was not removed within 30–45 minutes of payment.
- You were booted in a commercial parking lot without proper signage or authorization.
If you have receipts, photos, or records of your booting incident, they can help strengthen your claim, contact us today to explore your legal options.
We Are Seeking Justice for Tennessee Drivers
At Wetherington Law Firm, we have a proven track record of taking on illegal booting practices and winning. Now, we are bringing that experience to Tennessee to ensure predatory booting companies are held accountable.
Take Action Today!
If you believe you were illegally booted, do not pay unfair fees without talking to a lawyer. Join the Tennessee booting class action lawsuit today and fight back against wrongful booting.
🔹 Fill out our online form to see if you qualify.
Potential Outcomes for Plaintiffs in a Booting Class Action
By joining a Tennessee booting class action lawsuit, you may be able to:
✔ Recover illegal booting fees and penalties
✔ Secure policy changes to prevent future wrongful booting
✔ Hold booting companies accountable for predatory practices
✔ Receive compensation for damages caused by wrongful booting
Wrongful Booting in Tennessee: How to Fight Back
If your car was booted unfairly in Tennessee, you’re not alone. Many drivers across Nashville, Memphis, and Chattanooga have faced wrongful booting by overzealous parking enforcement companies, private property owners, and even city agencies. While booting is legal in certain situations, some companies break the rules—charging excessive fees, booting without proper signage, or targeting vehicles without valid cause. If you believe your car was wrongfully booted, here’s how to fight back and protect your rights.
1. Determine If the Booting Was Illegal
Not all booting is lawful, even if a booting company claims otherwise. Here are common situations where booting may be illegal in Tennessee:
- Lack of Proper Signage: Private property owners must have clear, visible signs warning drivers that unauthorized vehicles may be booted. If there was no sign, the booting may be unlawful.
- Excessive Boot Fees: Tennessee has regulations on how much a booting company can charge. If they demand an unreasonable amount, they may be violating the law.
- Booting on Public Property: Private booting companies are typically not allowed to place boots on vehicles parked on public streets. If this happened to you, it could be illegal.
- Booting Without Justification: Some drivers report having their cars booted even when they parked legally. If there was no valid reason for the boot, it may be considered wrongful booting.
2. Gather Evidence Immediately
To challenge an illegal booting, you’ll need solid evidence. Here’s what to do:
- Take Photos & Videos: Capture the boot, any nearby parking signs, and the surrounding area. This will help prove if signage was missing or unclear.
- Keep the Booting Notice: Most legal booting requires the company to leave a notice on your car with details about why your vehicle was immobilized and how to get it removed. Save this for your case.
- Document Witness Statements: If bystanders or nearby business owners saw what happened, their testimony could help prove wrongful booting.
- Check Local Booting Laws: Cities like Knoxville and Murfreesboro may have specific ordinances that regulate booting. Research local laws to determine if the booting company violated any rules.
3. Dispute the Booting Charge
If you believe your vehicle was booted illegally, you have the right to dispute the charge before paying. Steps include:
- Contact the Booting Company or Property Owner: Ask for written proof of the violation and challenge their decision if it was unlawful.
- File a Complaint with Local Authorities: In some Tennessee cities, booting companies must be licensed. If they acted unlawfully, report them to city officials or consumer protection agencies.
- Request a Hearing or Legal Review: Some areas allow drivers to dispute booting incidents through a formal appeal process. If the booting was city-enforced, check with the municipal court.
4. Take Legal Action for Wrongful Booting
If you’ve exhausted all options and the booting company refuses to comply, you may need to escalate your case:
- Demand a Refund: If you were forced to pay an unlawful booting fee, you may be entitled to a refund.
- Send a Legal Notice: A letter from an attorney can pressure the company to settle the dispute.
- File a Lawsuit: If a booting company or property owner acted illegally, you may have grounds to sue for damages, including financial losses and emotional distress.
5. Speak with a Tennessee Lawyer About Your Rights
Wrongful booting can be frustrating and costly, but you don’t have to fight it alone. A Tennessee attorney with experience in parking enforcement laws can help you dispute the charge, demand compensation, and hold violators accountable.
If your car was illegally booted in Tennessee, take action now. Contact a legal professional who understands local booting laws and can help you get justice.
Contact a Tennessee Booting Lawyer Today
If you or someone you know has been wrongfully booted in Tennessee, Wetherington Law Firm is ready to help. We specialize in fighting against unfair booting practices and have successfully sued and won against booting companies before.
📞 Fill out our quick online form for free case evaluation, you may qualify for a class action against illegal booting in Tennessee.