Owners' Bill of Rights for Towed Vehicles

Who Can Tow Your Vehicle, and Why It Matters

In Kansas City, vehicles can be towed by either a public agency or a private party.

Understanding the difference helps you:

• Know who to contact.
• Understand your rights and responsibilities.
• Avoid confusion about fees, documents, and next steps.

Public Tows (City Ordered)

These tows are ordered by the City of Kansas City or another government agency. Your vehicle may be towed if it:

• Was involved in an accident.
• Has no valid license plate, registration, or inspection sticker.
• Is broken down or disabled.
• Is parked in a tow-away or no-parking zone.
• Blocks a private driveway.
• Appears abandoned or left in a roadway.
• Poses a public health or safety risk.

A private property owner can request a public tow if the vehicle is illegally parked on their property and has already been ticketed by the city.

Private Tows

These are ordered by individuals or companies outside of city government. Private tows can be requested by:

• You, the vehicle owner.
• Someone you authorize in writing through an agreement with a tow company.
• Your lender, if they financed your vehicle and have repossession rights.
• The person who was driving your vehicle at the time.

If your car was towed privately, you will likely need to contact the tow company directly, not the City. The rules and recovery process may differ from a public tow.

What to Expect from a Towing Company

All towing companies in Kansas City, Missouri must:

• Follow all local towing regulations for licensed operators.
• Have a separate license if they operate a towing storage lot.
• Clearly post their rate list at the storage facility.
• Treat you with courtesy and respect, no matter your vehicle's condition or your race, color, religion, sex, national origin, marital status, appearance, family status, education status, sexual orientation, disability, income source, caregiving responsibilities, political beliefs, age, or where you live or work.

Before the Tow

The towing company must give you or the driver:

• A copy of the Owners' Bill of Rights for Towed Vehicles.
• A signed, itemized estimate showing what services will be performed, the costs, where the vehicle is being towed to and from, the towing company's name and address, and the vehicle owner's name.

Stopping the Tow as It Is Happening

For a public tow, you can ask to stop the tow. If the official who ordered it agrees, the vehicle can be released on the spot after payment of a $50 drop fee.

For a private tow, if you are able to move the vehicle before it leaves the property, you can also stop it. The maximum fee in this case is $132.50.

After the Tow

You have the right to:

• Receive an itemized bill showing each charge.
• Hold the towing company responsible for damage caused during a public tow.
• Receive a receipt, the applicable ticket or legal order, and the Owners' Bill of Rights.
• Pay by credit card, debit card, or money order; cash is not required.
• Inspect your vehicle at the storage facility and remove personal items with permission from the City Tow Lot.
• Refuse repairs unless you gave written permission.
• Have the vehicle released after proving identity and ownership and paying all charges.

Vehicles Towed for Unpaid Tickets

To get your vehicle back:

1. Pay your tickets online at kcmo.gov/parking or in person at 1120 Oak Street.
2. Bring proof of payment to the tow lot.
3. Be prepared to pay towing and storage fees in addition to the ticket.

Maximum Fees for Most Private Passenger-Vehicle Tows

Tow

Up to $265

Storage

Up to $30 for every 24-hour period or part of a period. Twenty-five hours may be charged as two periods, totaling $60.

Reported-stolen vehicle tow

Up to $120

Retrieval

An additional maximum of $25

Private-property drop fee

Up to $132.50 if two tires are off the ground but the vehicle remains on private property and the owner is able to move it.

Maximum Fees for Public Tows

Regular duty or standard vehicle under 10,000 pounds

Up to $265 per tow, including preparation, hoist, and transport

Medium duty vehicle, 10,001 to 26,000 pounds

Up to $365 per tow, including preparation, hoist, and transport

Heavy-duty vehicle over 26,001 pounds

Up to $440 per tow, including preparation, hoist, and transport

Road service

Up to $50 per visit for basic roadside help that does not require a tow

Public-tow drop fee

$50

Storage

$30 per 24-hour period or part of a period

No Extra Barriers or Delays

Towing companies and impound lots:

• Cannot create extra paperwork or requirements not listed above to confirm ownership.
• Cannot make you set an appointment to pick up the vehicle.
• Must release the vehicle during normal business hours once you show the right documents.

Who Is Authorized to Pick Up the Vehicle

The vehicle may be picked up by:

• The registered owner.
• A person authorized by the owner through a rental or lease agreement, bill of sale, insurance documents, or a written or electronic owner message together with a copy of the owner's ID.
• An employee or agent of a business that owns the vehicle, with proof of employment or agency and business authorization.

The owner does not have to appear in person if authorization and identification can be verified electronically or remotely.

A customer's behavior or manner of speaking, in person or by phone, cannot be used to delay release, add fees, or refuse release. This remains true if the vehicle is not registered with the Department of Revenue, was bought more than 30 days ago, or the customer lacks proof of insurance.

Documents That May Prove Ownership or Authority

• Title.
• Bill of sale.
• Valid temporary permit.
• Lease or rental agreement.
• Insurance documents in electronic, digital, or paper form.

How to Find Your Towed Vehicle

• Search for your vehicle online.
• Call the Kansas City Police Department non-emergency line at 816-234-5111.
• Contact the KCMO Public Tow Lot at 7750 East Front Street, Kansas City, Missouri 64120; phone 816-513-0688; fax 816-513-0698.

Public Tow Lot hours listed in the supplied document: Monday through Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.; Saturday, 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.; closed Sunday.

To file a complaint, make a report through the MyKCMO app or call 311.