Brand new 'windshield barnacle' leaves drivers with $400 fines - but they're slammed as illegal and predatory

DRIVERS in a major U.S. city have reported predatory parking restrictions.

In Philadelphia, a new device called a barnacle is being suctioned to car windshields.

The device immobilizes cars by completely blocking a driver's view, and can only be removed by paying a large fine.

Theresa Rodack got hit with a barnacle after being 15 minutes late to get to her car.

"Besides it sucking onto my windshield, it sucked the life out of me that night," she said to ABC affiliate WPVI.

After calling the number on the device, she was forced to pay $475 upfront to A. Bob's Towing to remove it.

After she removed the device and put it in a return bin in the lot, Rodack received a $300 refund, bringing the total fine down to $175.

In comparison, the Philadelphia Parking Authority only gives out $26 tickets for going over your time on Main Street.

Investigator Chad Pradelli called A. Bob's Towing to ask about the expensive fines.

"Listen, some would call this predatory parking. You guys know what you're doing, and you're taking advantage of paying customers," he said.

The owner, Mikina Harrison, claimed the barnacles are legal, that their rules are clearly displayed, and that vehicles technically aren't immobilized.

"Your car is not immobilized," said Harrison.

"You're free to go and drive off as you feel."

Philadelphia City Councilman Curtis Jones wants to change the towing laws to include legislation around barnacles.

"My concern about them is that they are unauthorized by the City of Philadelphia," Jones said.

"It's illegal and actually unsafe."

Philadelphia city law states that vehicles cannot be immobilized in any way unless they are ticketed by police or other law enforcement.

"No vehicle shall be hooked, towed, or handled in any manner under this subsection unless the vehicle has been ticketed by the police or other law enforcement authority."

Jones believes parking lots are using barnacles to try and get around that legislature.

"So it sounds like a hustle to me," he said.

"That somebody figured this out, figured this scheme out and implementing without authorization. And we're going to take a hard look at it."

The U.S. Sun has reached out to Councilman Curtis Jones for comment.