It looks like the city of Los Angeles will finally regulate valet stands, an effort to protect car owners and prevent valet operators from blocking traffic and hogging prime public parking spots.
City Council members Eric Garcetti and Wendy Greuel, both now candidates for mayor, called for valet regulation four years ago. In December, the LA City Council voted unanimously to ask the city attorney to draft valet regulations that will soon come back for formal approval.
The vote follows reporting from the GetGarcia team that exposed how vulnerable drivers are when they hand over their keys.
Ana Garcia’s series of hidden camera investigations uncovered valets stealing credit cards, crashing customers' cars, getting parking tickets, and even getting pulled over for moving violations.
If passed, the city’s planned ordinance would require valet companies to registered with the Los Angeles Board of Police Commissioners and apply for a permit. The cost of the permit has not been set yet.
As part of the permitting process, valet companies will have to show proof of insurance, and every driver will be required to have a valid driver’s license. Drivers will also be put through a background check.
The LAPD will be in charge of enforcing the law and violations will be considered misdemeanors.
“If we could name ordinances still, it would be the Ana Garcia ordinance,” said Garcetti, laughing.
A final vote on the Valet Parking Operator Permit Program is expected next month.
