Does Des Moines, IA have its own towing companies ordinance?

No. Des Moines, IA does not appear to have a local towing companies ordinance, Iowa state law applies instead. The rules summarized on this page come from Iowa Code §321.90.

Key Facts Ordinance Text Full Breakdown Violations FAQ Sources More in Des Moines

Des Moines, IA Business Licensing & Operations: Towing Companies (2026)

Some Restrictions

Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified September 2026

Key Facts

Authority: IA Code §321.90
Personal Items: Retrievable without payment
Rates: Posted at storage lot
Callback: Within 1 hour

Summary

Tow operators working private-property impounds and DSMPD rotation calls in Des Moines must hold city permits, post rate sheets, and follow Iowa Code §321.90 release-of-property rules.

321.90 Disposal of abandoned motor vehicles. 1. Garagekeepers and abandoned motor vehicles. Any motor vehicle left in a garage operated for commercial purposes after the period for which the vehicle was to remain on the premises shall, after notice by certified mail to the last known registered owner of the vehicle... be deemed an abandoned motor vehicle unless reclaimed by the owner within such ten-day period... All abandoned motor vehicles left in garages may be taken into custody by a police authority upon the request of the garagekeeper and sold in accordance with the procedures set forth in section 321.89, subsection 5... The proceeds of the sale shall be first applied to the garagekeeper's charges for towing and storage.

Source: Iowa Code §321.90View official code

Full Breakdown

Des Moines regulates towing companies that perform non-consensual tows from private property and those on the DSMPD rotation list. Operators must permit each tow truck, carry insurance, and post maximum rates inside the storage yard. Iowa Code §321.90 requires owners be allowed to retrieve personal items without paying tow fees. Storage lots must be staffed or have a published 24-hour callback number so owners can recover vehicles within one hour of arrival. Predatory tow practices like trolling private lots without contracts are prohibited.

Violations & Fines

Permit revocation, civil penalties, refund orders to vehicle owners, and consumer-protection complaints to the Iowa Attorney General.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can my car be towed from a strip mall?

Only with a written agreement between the property owner and tow company, and signs warning of tow enforcement must be posted at all entrances.

What if the tow company is closed?

Iowa law requires a 24-hour contact and one-hour response; complaints can go to DSMPD or the Iowa Attorney General consumer protection division.

Sources & Official References

[1]IA Code §321.90

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All Des Moines rules

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