Bowling Green, KY Business Licensing & Operations: Towing Companies (2026)

Sec. 15-6 of the Bowling Green Code of Ordinances governs private-lot towing and vehicle immobilization, enforced through citations from the Bowling Green Police Department and license action by the City Attorney. Before any nonconsensual tow or boot, the lot owner must post an 18-by-24-inch illuminated sign at every entrance stating the lot is private, displaying TOW/BOOT ZONE in three-inch bold capital letters with the enforced hours, and listing the towing company's name and phone number. Tow trucks must be clearly marked with the company name, and towed vehicles must go to a storage yard inside the City that posts its rates and keeps a 24-hour attendant or phone line able to release a vehicle within one hour of contact.

Immobilization companies and tow operators need an annual City license from the Department of Finance, backed by a $50 nonrefundable application fee and $50 renewal, plus general liability and on-hook insurance. Boots must attach only to the driver's side tire, be a high-visibility color, and never use cables, chains or ropes. Operators must notify Bowling Green Police by phone with the vehicle's make, model, color, plate and VIN any time they tow from a private lot, and cannot hook up an occupied vehicle without first contacting police.

A vehicle that is wrongfully booted or towed incurs no charge to its owner, and the towing company remains liable for any resulting damage. Rebates or fee-sharing between lot owners and towing companies are prohibited outright.