OUR GARAGE AND WRECKER SERVICE v. CITY OF COLUMBUS (2001)

OPINION

Plaintiffs Appellees Ours Garage and Wrecker Service, Inc. (“Ours”), an Ohio corporation operating a towing business in the City of Columbus, and the Towing and Recovery Association of Ohio (“TRAO”), a trade association of tow truck operators, brought suit against the City of Columbus (the “City”) and certain of its officials to enjoin enforcement of Chapter 549 of the Columbus City Code (the “towing ordinance”), which regulates consensual towing operations.   Specifically, Ours and TRAO alleged that the Interstate Commerce Act (“ICA”), 49 U.S.C. § 14501(c)(1), preempts the towing ordinance, which among other things requires the owners and operators of tow trucks to obtain a license from the City, maintain insurance, and comply with other regulatory requirements.   See generally City of Columbus, Ohio, Code ch. 549 (1991).   On cross-motions for summary judgment, the district court ruled in favor of Ours and TRAO and permanently enjoined the City from enforcing the towing ordinance.   This appeal followed.

In Petrey v. City of Toledo, 246 F.3d 548, 555, 558-59, 564 (6th Cir.2001), we held that the ICA does not preempt municipal licensing and safety regulation of non-consensual towing operations when a municipality acts as a market participant, but does preempt other regulation not falling within this narrow exception.   On appeal, the City concedes that Petrey controls the disposition of this case.   Accordingly, we affirm the judgment of the district court permanently enjoining the City's enforcement of these towing provisions.

BATCHELDER, Circuit Judge.