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Your rights after a tow in Missouri

Missouri law sets rules for towing from private property, such as apartment complexes and store lots. Counties and cities set the maximum rates. Here is what the law says, in plain English.

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Tow-away signs and permission

A property owner, lessee or full-time property manager can have a car towed on the spot only if they are present, and only if a sign is posted in plain view at all entrances. Without that sign, the owner must first notify police and wait 10 hours (small owner-occupied homes of four units or fewer) or 96 hours (any other private property). RSMo 304.157.4 (opens in a new tab)
The sign must be at least 17 by 22 inches with letters at least 1 inch tall. It must prohibit public parking, say unauthorized cars will be removed at the owner's expense, show the maximum fee for all towing and storage charges, and give a police number or a staffed 24-hour phone number to find the car. RSMo 304.157.4(1) (opens in a new tab)
A tow company cannot start removing a car from private property without written permission from the owner or an agent who is present. A blanket permission to tow at the company's own discretion is not allowed, except for cars within 15 feet of a fire hydrant or in a fire lane. RSMo 304.158.8 (opens in a new tab)
A company that tows without that written permission owes the property owner four times the towing and storage charges. A property owner who tows in violation of the rules owes the car owner double the towing or storage charges. RSMo 304.158.4, 304.158.9 (opens in a new tab)

If you get back before the tow leaves

If you return before your car is removed from the property, the company may charge no more than half of its regular towing charge. The full charge can be imposed only once the car has left the property and is in transit. RSMo 304.158.6 (opens in a new tab)

Police reports and notice to you

A company towing without a police officer's order must give police a copy of the signed abandoned property report within 2 hours if the tow was from a posted location, and within 24 hours otherwise. Calling the police non-emergency line is the fastest way to find a private tow. RSMo 304.157.6 (opens in a new tab)
The property owner or manager must fill out an abandoned property report at the time of the tow, signed under penalty of false-statement law. It lists the car, any damage noticed, where it was parked, why it was towed, and the tow company. RSMo 304.157.5 (opens in a new tab)
The registered owner and any lienholder must be told in writing within 5 working days that the car was removed, why, and where it was taken. The property owner must also state the reason for the tow if you ask. RSMo 304.158.1-2 (opens in a new tab)
After the state looks up the owner, the tow company must send a certified-mail notice with the storage lot's details, the reason for the tow and the charges owed. The notice must say you may reclaim the car during business hours, may request a hearing, and that title can transfer after 30 days. RSMo 304.156.1 (opens in a new tab)

Getting your car back

The owner or the holder of a valid security interest can reclaim the car by proving ownership or the security interest and paying the reasonable towing and storage charges. RSMo 304.155.8 (opens in a new tab)
The storage lot must accept cash for towing and storage and keep enough money on site to make change. State law does not require it to accept credit or debit cards. RSMo 304.158.7 (opens in a new tab)
The company must either release your belongings or let you inspect the car and give you an itemized receipt of what is inside. It is strictly liable for the condition and safe return of those items. Prescription medication must be released on request. RSMo 304.155.9 (opens in a new tab)
The tow company is responsible for damage it causes during towing and storage, and for towing a car other than the one the property owner named. You can also recover damages from whoever caused the removal. RSMo 304.158.2-3 (opens in a new tab)

What you can be charged

Missouri sets no statewide maximum tow price for private-property tows. The sign at the lot must state the maximum fee for all towing and storage charges. RSMo 304.157.4(1), 304.158.10 (opens in a new tab)
Any Missouri county, city, town or village may pass ordinances setting maximum reasonable towing, storage and other charges for companies operating there. Kansas City has done so; check your own city. RSMo 304.158.10 (opens in a new tab)
Storage charges must be reasonable and cannot exceed what is charged for vehicles towed with the owner's consent. Storage may be charged only for the time the company is following the notice and report steps in the law. RSMo 304.156.2 (opens in a new tab)
Missouri law reviewed does not limit how far a private-property tow may be taken. Local ordinances may add limits. RSMo 304.155-304.158 (no distance rule found) (opens in a new tab)

Contesting the tow and what happens if unclaimed

If you think the tow was improper, you can file a petition in the associate circuit court in the county where the car is stored within 10 days of the company's notice. You can have the car released by posting a bond or other security equal to the towing and storage charges. RSMo 304.156.5 (opens in a new tab)
If the car is unclaimed 30 days after the notice is mailed and you have not asked for a hearing, the company can apply to the state for title. A car may also be sold as scrap on a bill of sale once 30 days have passed since the notice. RSMo 304.156.7, 304.155.12 (opens in a new tab)
If you paid by credit card, you can dispute the charge with your card issuer. For billing errors, your written dispute generally must reach the issuer within 60 days of the first bill showing the charge. Whether a tow charge qualifies is up to the issuer. Fair Credit Billing Act (FTC guidance) (opens in a new tab)

Penalties and enforcement

Knowingly violating the private-tow rules is a class A misdemeanor, and a violation also counts as a violation of the Missouri Merchandising Practices Act. In an Attorney General case, a court may suspend or revoke the tow company's registration or license. RSMo 304.158.11 (opens in a new tab)
A property owner or lessee who knowingly authorizes a tow in violation of the private-property tow rules is guilty of a class C misdemeanor. RSMo 304.157.9 (opens in a new tab)

Where to complain

Missouri Attorney General Consumer Protection. File a consumer complaint online or call the hotline at 1-800-392-8222. Violations of the private-tow law are also violations of the Merchandising Practices Act, which the Attorney General enforces. File a complaint (opens in a new tab)
Kansas City 311. For tows in Kansas City, file a complaint through the MyKCMO app or by calling 311.
Local police non-emergency line. Police receive the abandoned property report for private tows and can tell you where your car was taken.

Missouri small claims court hears money claims up to $5,000, not counting interest or costs. You can also sue for the double or four-times damages the towing statute allows if the rules were broken.

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Sources

Last checked 2026-10-17. These are the laws and official pages this page is based on.