NONCONSENT TOW AND BOOTING

Kansas City Code ch. 76, art. III, div. 5

in effect

Kansas City Code § 76-421 Applicability.

Sec. 76-421. - Applicability. This division applies: (1) To the towing, by a tow service business, of motor vehicles from privately-owned property within the city without the consent of the vehicle owner or duly authorized driver or a law enforcement officer being present; (i) For purposes of this subsection, a duly authorized driver has permission or written authorization from the vehicle owner. (2) To the fees that are charged for such towing of vehicles; and (3) To the fees that are charged for the storage and retrieval of such towed vehicles. The division does not apply to the towing of motor vehicles from public streets and other locations within the city that is performed pursuant to an ordinance or contract with the city, or to the storage of such vehicles. (Ord. No. 120271, § 1, 3-29-12; Ord. No. 180606, § 1, 12-20-18)

Kansas City Code § 76-422 Towing and storage fees and regulations.

Sec. 76-422. - Towing and storage fees and regulations. (a) The maximum fees that may be charged for the towing of motor vehicles and for the storage and, when specifically authorized by this section, the retrieval of such towed vehicles shall be established by the director annually and shall not exceed the city tow and storage fees. The director may adjust the fees based upon the Consumer Price Index for all Urban Consumer (CPIaU). (b) It shall be an ordinance violation for any person to charge a towing fee, storage fee or retrieval fee that exceeds the fees established by subsection (a). (c) If the owner of a motor vehicle is present and capable of removing the vehicle before it is removed by a tow vehicle operator, the vehicle shall not be towed; provided, that in such an event, the owner of the vehicle shall be liable for a reasonable fee, not to exceed one-half of the regular towing fee, in lieu of towing, payable to the tow vehicle operator. This fee shall only apply if the tow vehicle is attached to the offending vehicle and the offending vehicle has been lifted so at least two of the tires are off the ground and still on the premises. (d) Any owner or lessee in lawful possession of real property that requests a towing company to tow a motor vehicle without authorization from a law enforcement officer shall at that time complete an abandoned properly report. The report shall be in the form designed, printed, and distributed by the State of Missouri Director of Revenue, as more fully described in RSMo 304.157.5. (e) It shall be an ordinance violation for any owner or lessee of real property to knowingly authorize the removal of a motor vehicle in violation of this section. (f) Except for the removal of motor vehicles authorized by a law enforcement agency, a towing company shall not remove or commence the removal of motor vehicles from private property without first obtaining written authorization from the property owner or lessee in lawful possession or the property manager or security manager of the real property, who must be present at the time of removal or commencement of the removal. A property manager or security manager must be a full-time employee of a business entity. All written authorizations shall be maintained for at least three years by the towing company. General authorization to remove or commence removal of motor vehicles at the towing company's discretion shall not be delegated to a towing company or its affiliates except in the case of motor vehicles unlawfully parked within 15 feet of a fire hydrant or in a fire lane designated by a fire department or the state fire marshal as required by RSMo. 304.158. (g) Any personal property within the abandoned property need not be released to the owner thereof until the reasonable or agreed charges for such recovery, transportation or safekeeping have been paid or satisfactory arrangements for payment have been made, except that any medication prescribed by a physician shall be released to the owner thereof upon request. The company holding or storing the abandoned property shall either release the personal property to the owner of the abandoned property or allow the owner to inspect the property and provide an itemized receipt for the contents. The company holding or storing the property shall be strictly liable for the condition and safe return of the personal property, (h) No towing company, impound facility, or their employees shall disable, block, tamper with, or otherwise interfere with the GPS, video, or other electronic tracking or recording devices of any towed or impounded vehicle. (i) Tow company employees shall not require or retain possession of a customer's title, keys, or other personal property as a condition of inspecting a vehicle that has been towed without the consent of the owner, retrieving personal items from such vehicle, or otherwise accessing the vehicle, and must immediately return any such items upon request. (j) All towing companies operating within the City or maintaining impound lots within the City shall comply with all applicable city, state, and federal laws, including but not limited to licensing requirements, completion of required tow authorization forms, and possession of valid USDOT registration where applicable. (Ord. No. 250367, § 2, 5-1-25)

Kansas City Code § 76-423 Notice of tow; procedure for removal of vehicles left unattended or improperly parked on private property of another.

Sec. 76-423. - Notice of tow; procedure for removal of vehicles left unattended or improperly parked on private property of another. (a) Prior to towing any motor vehicle, the tow service business or operator shall contact the city's police department and provide the following information: (1) The name of the tow service business and operator; (2) A description of the vehicle to be towed, including its year, make, model, vehicle identification number and license plate number; (3) The date and time of the tow; (4) The reason for effectuating the vehicle tow; (5) The address of the location from which the vehicle is being towed; (6) The name and address of the facility to which the vehicle is to be delivered and stored, and from which the vehicle may be retrieved; and (7) If the vehicle to be towed is reported as stolen the tow company shall not remove the vehicle and provide the location and description to the police. (b) Any towing company which tows abandoned property without authorization from a law enforcement officer shall report the tow to the city via the online reporting platform as designated by the city manager. (1) Such report shall be completed via the online platform as designated by the City Manager within two hours if the tow was made from a signed location pursuant to 76-423(c)(J ). For all other tows, the report shall be completed within 24 hours. (c) Notwithstanding Section 76-422, if a person abandons property on any real property owned by another without the consent of the owner of person in possession of the property. at the request of the person in possession of the real property , a Kansas City Police Department officer may authorize a towing company to remove such abandoned property from the real property in the following circumstances: (1) The abandoned property is left unattended for more than forty-eight hours; or (2) In the judgement of a law enforcement officer, the abandoned property constitutes a safety hazard or unreasonably interferes with the use of the real property by the person in possession. (d) The owner of real property or lessee in lawful possession of the real property or the property or security manager of the real property may authorize a towing company to remove abandoned property or property parked in a restricted or assigned area without authorization by a law enforcement officer only when the owner, lessee, or property or security manager of the real property is present. A property or security manager must be a full-time employee of a business entity. An authorization to tow pursuant to this subsection may he made only under any of the following circumstances: (1) There is displayed, in plain view at all entrances to the property, signage in accordance with section 76-429; (2) The abandoned property is left unattended on owner-occupied residential properly with four residential units or less, and the owner, lessee, or agent of the real property in lawful possession has notified the appropriate law enforcement agency, md ten hours have elapsed since the notification; or (3) The abandoned property is left unattended on private property, and the owner, lessee, or agent in lawful possession of the real property has notified the appropriate law enforcement agency, and 96 hours have elapsed since that notification. (Ord. No. 250709, § 1, 9-11-25)

Kansas City Code § 76-424 Hours of operation of storage facilities.

Sec. 76-424. - Hours of operation of storage facilities. Any tow service business that tows a motor vehicle from a location within the city shall take the vehicle to a storage facility from which towed vehicles may be retrieved 24 hours a day, seven days a week. It shall be unlawful to charge any additional fees, other than the fees allowed pursuant to section 76-422(a), to reclaim a vehicle. (Ord. No. 120271, § 1, 3-29-12)

Kansas City Code § 76-425 Methods of payment.

Sec. 76-425. - Methods of payment. A tow business service, tow vehicle operator and storage facility operator shall accept payment for any towing fee, storage fee, retrieval fee and the "in lieu of towing" fee as set out in section 76-422(a) in each of the following ways: (1) Cash in United States currency; (2) Travelers' checks or money orders payable in United States currency; and (3) Visa, MasterCard or Discovery credit card. There shall be no additional charge for the use of a credit card. (Ord. No. 120271, § 1, 3-29-12)

Kansas City Code § 76-426 Receipt.

Sec. 76-426. - Receipt. (a) Upon payment of all towing, storage and, if applicable, retrieval fees, the tow service business or storage facility operator, as the case may be, shall immediately give possession of the vehicle to the owner or custodian, along with a written receipt that contains the following information: (1) The name and address of the tow service business; (2) The address from which the vehicle was towed; (3) The date and time that the vehicle was towed; (4) The date and time that the vehicle entered the facility at which it was placed for storage; (5) An itemized list of all the fees that are being charged; (6) A signature of an authorized representative or property owner who requested the tow; and (7) A statement on the receipt that reads as follows: Please refer to sections 76-425 and 76-426 of the Code of Ordinances of the City of Kansas City, Missouri for more information on payment options and receipt requirements regarding vehicle tows. The receipt must be signed by the vehicle owner or custodian on the date that payment is made and a copy of the signed receipt must be given to the vehicle owner or custodian on the day the receipt is signed. Receipts shall be kept by the tow service business or storage facility operator for five years. (b) No towing company, impound facility, or their agents shall impose any requirements, besides payment of all legally permissible fees or charges, for the release of a vehicle beyond verifying ownership or lawful possession. A vehicle shall be released upon presentation of reasonably reliable documentation demonstrating ownership or right to possession, including but not limited to a title, bill of sale, valid temporary permit, lease agreement, rental agreement, or insurance documentation, regardless of whether the vehicle has been formally registered with the department of revenue, whether more than 30 days have passed since the date of purchase, or whether proof of insurance is presented, Proof of current registration shall not be required for release. Proof of insurance, if requested, must be accepted in electronic or digital form without requiring a paper copy. Towing companies and impound facilities are prohibited from creating any additional administrative barriers, requirements, or delays that are not strictly necessary to confirm ownership or lawful possession of the vehicle. (c) Towing companies and impound facilities shall not require customers to make an appointment to retrieve a vehicle and must release vehicles during normal operating hours upon proper presentation of documentation. A customer's demeanor or communication, whether over the phone or in person, shall not be grounds to refuse release of a vehicle or to impose additional conditions, delays, or storage charges. (d) For purposes of this section, "custodian" shall include the registered owner of the vehicle or any person authorized by the registered owner to retrieve the vehicle, as reasonably determined by the police department or based on available documentation presented at the time of release request including a rental or lease agreement, bill of sale, etc. Authorization may be established by presenting a rental or lease agreement, bill of sale, insurance documentation, or written or electronic communication from the owner, accompanied by a copy or image of the owner's government-issued identification. The custodian may also include an employee or agent employment or agency and authorization from the business entity. Personal appearance by the owner shall not be required if authorization and identification can be electronically or remotely. (Ord. No. 250367, § 2, 5-1-25)

Kansas City Code § 76-427 Tow service business requirements.

Sec. 76-427. - Tow service business requirements. A tow service business operating a tow vehicle pursuant to the authority granted in this article shall: (1) Have and occupy a verifiable business address; and (2) Have a fenced, secure, and lighted storage lot or an enclosed, secure building for the storage of motor vehicles. The city's bill of rights for towed vehicles shall be displayed, in a conspicuous place, at the service desk and/or window of the tow service business ; and (3) Be available 24 hours a day, seven-days a week, availability shall mean that an employee of the towing company or an answering service answered by a person is able to respond to a tow request; and (4) Maintain a valid insurance policy issued by an insurer authorized to do business in this state, or a bond or other acceptable surety providing coverage for the death of, or injury to, persons and damage to property for each accident or occurrence in the amount of at least $750,000.00 per incident; and (5) Provide workers' compensation insurance for all employees of the towing company if required by RSMo Ch. 287; and (6) Maintain current motor vehicle registrations on all tow vehicles currently operated within the tow service business fleet; and (7) Maintain the business name, address and phone number on all tow vehicles operated within the tow service business fleet; and (8) All towing company employees, agents, and representatives operating within the city shall cooperate fully with law enforcement officers by promptly providing their true full name, valid government-issued identification, employer and position, and producing for inspection any documentation authorizing the tow or impoundment of a vehicle, including but not limited to a completed Form 4669 or equivalent authorization including the documentation required by section 76-290. (Ord. No. 250709, § 1, 9-11-25)

Kansas City Code § 76-428 Towing log or similar record.

Sec. 76-428. - Towing log or similar record. Every tow service business shall maintain a separate log or other document which shall show, for each motor vehicle that it has towed from a location within the city, the following information: (1) The date and time that the vehicle was towed; (2) The tow vehicle operator's first and last name; (3) The name and the business, cellular or home phone telephone number of the person who ordered the tow: (4) The date and time that the vehicle entered the facility at which it was placed for storage; (5) The make, model, year, vehicle identification number and license plate number of the vehicle; (6) The address of the property from which the vehicle was removed; (7) The total mileage of the tow; and (8) The towing, retrieval and storage fees actually charged. Such log or record shall be maintained for a period of at least three years from the date of each tow and shall be made available, during normal business hours, for inspection by the city. In addition, the portion of such log or record pertaining to a particular motor vehicle shall be made available, during normal business hours, for inspection by the owner of the vehicle. (Ord. No. 120271, § 1, 3-29-12; Ord. No. 180606, § 1, 12-20-18)

Kansas City Code § 76-429 Warning signs.

Sec. 76-429. - Warning signs. It shall be unlawful for any tow service business or tow vehicle operator to tow a motor vehicle unless the area in which the vehicle is parked has been posted by a sign, in plain view, at each entrance and exit that has been permanently installed for a minimum of 24 hours prior to any vehicle being removed. The legible sign shall be a minimum of 17 inches by 22 inches in size with lettering not less than one inch in height and posted so that the bottom of the sign is at least 36 inches, but no more than 72 inches off the ground and shall include: (1) A pictorial symbol of a tow vehicle; (2) A statement to the effect that any trespassing motor vehicle within the area is subject to towing and storage at the expense of the vehicle owner; (3) If applicable, the hours and days of the week when trespassing vehicles are subject to towing; (4) A telephone number, other than that of the police department, that may be called and answered 24 hours a day for information regarding the retrieval of a towed vehicle; and (5) The maximum fee that will be charged for a towing fee, storage fee, retrieval fee and in lieu of towing fee. Provided, that the requirements of this section shall not apply to areas providing parking for single-family, two-family and townhouse dwellings, as such dwellings are defined in the city zoning ordinance. (Ord. No. 120271, § 1, 3-29-12; Ord. No. 180606, § 1, 12-20-18)

Kansas City Code § 76-430 Immobilizing vehicles on a private lot.

Sec. 76-430. - Immobilizing vehicles on a private lot. No one shall engage in vehicle immobilization within the city limits without complying with the provisions of this division. However, this division does not apply to any company that is acting on behalf of a governmental agency. (Ord. No. 120271, § 1, 3-29-12; Ord. No. 180606, § 1, 12-20-18)

Kansas City Code § 76-431 Immobilizing vehicles on private parking lots; signs required.

Sec. 76-431. - Immobilizing vehicles on private parking lots; signs required. (a) No one shall immobilize a vehicle, of any size or weight, parked in a private parking lot unless there is a sign conspicuously posted and clearly visible at each vehicle entrance and exit to the property that has been permanently installed for a minimum of 24 hours prior to any vehicle being immobilized. The legible sign shall be a minimum of 17 inches by 22 inches in size with lettering not less than one inch in height and posted so that the bottom of the sign is at least 36 inches, but no more than 72 inches off the ground. (b) Each sign must provide, at minimum, the following information: (1) In one-inch lettering: a. Property is a private lot; b. Vehicles not authorized to park will be immobilized at owner's expense. c. Name and telephone number of person or company authorized to remove vehicle immobilization device. Vehicle immobilization device may be removed at any time, day or night, upon payment not to exceed $75.00. (Ord. No. 120271, § 1, 3-29-12; Ord. No. 180606, § 1, 12-20-18)

Kansas City Code § 76-432 Notice of vehicle immobilization device; conditions.

Sec. 76-432. - Notice of vehicle immobilization device; conditions. (a) Notice. Immediately upon attaching a vehicle immobilization device to the vehicle, the vehicle immobilization service shall affix a written notice to the driver's side window containing the following: (1) A warning that any attempt to move the vehicle may result in damage to the vehicle; (2) The name and telephone number of the licensee responsible for removing the device; (3) The maximum fee, as established by ordinance, required to remove the vehicle immobilization device; (4) The time and reason the vehicle was immobilized; (5) Any complaints regarding excessive charges should be reported to the police department. (b) Other conditions. Each vehicle immobilization service or employee or agent of the vehicle immobilization service shall observe the following: (1) All vehicle immobilization devices used within the city shall be in safe and proper working condition. (2) Signs identifying the name and phone number shall be affixed to both sides of any vehicle used by a vehicle immobilization service or its agent to perform vehicle immobilization services. (3) All vehicle immobilization services shall have 24 hour service and access. All vehicle immobilization services shall respond to all calls for release of a vehicle within one hour of a request for response. (4) Charges for damages to vehicle immobilization equipment shall not be governed by this division and shall not prevent the vehicle's release if the removal fee is paid, which is specified in section 76-433. (Ord. No. 120271, § 1, 3-29-12; Ord. No. 180606, § 1, 12-20-18)

Kansas City Code § 76-433 Fee charged for removing vehicle immobilization device.

Sec. 76-433. - Fee charged for removing vehicle immobilization device. (a) The fee for any and all charges to remove a vehicle immobilization device shall not exceed $75.00. The vehicle immobilization service shall accept Visa, Discover, or Master Card in addition to cash. There shall be no additional fee charged for the use of credit cards. The licensee shall provide a receipt upon request of the individual making payment for the removal of the immobilization device, once payment is made. (b) It is unlawful for any person or entity, unless it is acting on behalf of a governmental agency, to place an immobilization device on a motor vehicle parked on the public right-of-way. (Ord. No. 120271, § 1, 3-29-12; Ord. No. 180606, § 1, 12-20-18)

Kansas City Code § 76-434 Emergency vehicles.

Sec. 76-434. - Emergency vehicles. Emergency vehicles used in police, fire or medical emergencies shall not be immobilized for any reason. Upon proof that an unmarked vehicle is used for the same purpose, the vehicle immobilization device shall be removed immediately at no charge. (Ord. No. 120271, § 1, 3-29-12; Ord. No. 180606, § 1, 12-20-18)

Kansas City Code § 76-435 Reserved.

Source: City of Kansas City, Missouri, Code of Ordinances, Charter and Zoning and Development Code (Municode Library, library.municode.com)URL: https://library.municode.com/mo/kansas_city/codes/code_of_ordinances?nodeId=COORKAMIVOII_CH76VEHI_ARTIIITOVE_DIV5NOTOBOFetched: 10/28/2026