ATLANTA, Ga. (Atlanta News First) — New Georgia laws regulating vehicle booting are now in effect, tightening the rules on who can immobilize cars and how the practice must be carried out.
Many Atlanta drivers say the changes are long overdue.
“I got booted in the Ponce area by the Beltline,” said Atlanta resident Joshua Loiten.
Jonathan Witcher said he had the same experience elsewhere.
“I got booted somewhere in Buckhead,” Witcher said.
Others say it has happened repeatedly. “I’ve been booted at people’s apartments. I’ve been booted at lounges. I’ve been booted all over—many, many times,” said Jacey Colton.
For years, drivers across metro Atlanta have complained about aggressive parking enforcement and confusing signage.
Latoria Cheeks said she was booted for the first time two months ago. She said she didn’t realize she needed to pay to park in the area.
“I didn’t see the signs that said you have to pay to park because I was going to the gym,” she said.
Now, Georgia House Bill 551 has been signed into law. The measure is changing how booting companies operate in the state. The law is enforced by the Georgia Department of Public Safety and includes several major restrictions.
Under the new rules, booting companies face strict caps on fees:
Drivers have also raised concerns about long wait times to get their vehicles released.
“I’ve had an issue where I would park somewhere and I’ve had to wait an hour or two before they would come,” Colton said.
Starting in 2026, companies may face consequences if they take too long to respond.
The booting regulations also state that operators must arrive within one hour of a release request.
Additional regulations take effect next year as well. Booting companies have until Feb. 15, 2026, to install signs at each entrance to a property. The signs must be visible at night and include the company name and a 24-hour contact phone number.
The law also bans booting companies from paying kickbacks to property owners or managers.
Some drivers say the changes bring a slight sense of relief.
“I mean, I’m happy for them, because I feel like they were being really aggressive and it came off as just trying to make some money,” Loiten said. He said, “So, at least we have some protection and accountability for who is booting our cars.”
In cities that allow it, private property owners will be permitted to boot trespassing vehicles, but only if they post proper warnings.
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