Towing rules in Missouri
What the state says about towing, with the page each rule comes from. It's a summary of the published rules, not legal advice, and your city or county can have rules of its own.
Updated October 6, 2026
Tow company licensing
In Missouri, cities and counties license tow companies where they've adopted a program. Kansas City's Regulated Industries Division is one example.1-3
Limits on police and private-property tow fees
Missouri has no statewide cap on tow charges. Counties and cities may set maximum reasonable towing and storage charges by ordinance.4
Storage fees
In Missouri, storage limits are set locally. Counties and cities may set maximum reasonable storage charges by ordinance.4
Towed from a private lot
In Missouri, the tower needs written authorization from the property owner or agent and must keep it for one year. A standing authorization is allowed only for fire lanes and within 15 feet of a hydrant. If the owner returns before the vehicle leaves, the charge is at most half the regular tow charge, and the registered owner must get written notice within five working days.4
Where to complain
Keep your receipt and photos of your car, and ask the tow company in writing to correct a charge you think is wrong.
Get quotes from tow companies in your county
One request instead of calling tow companies one at a time. It's free, and you don't have to hire anyone. Your request may go to contractors nearby.
Sources
Tow companies in Missouri
Missouri has 938 tow companies listed, and 747 of them hold an active USDOT registration. Browse them by county and call one directly, or schedule a tow and we'll pass it to tow companies near you.
Cite this page
“Towing rules in Missouri.” FindTowingTruck.com, updated October 6, 2026. https://findtowingtruck.com/mo/rules/