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

Article III of Chapter 22 governs how Nicholasville police call tow trucks. Section 22-70 states the purpose: a safe, efficient and equitable system for the removal of damaged, disabled, abandoned, illegally parked vehicles, or vehicles whose driver is involved in illegal activity, from city streets. The chief of police maintains and monitors all applications, fees, lists and complaints under the direction and supervision of the city commission, and all police requests for wrecker or storage services go through the police department.

Who gets called: under § 22-71(a), the owner or lawful operator of a damaged or disabled vehicle has the right to pick the wrecker service and the destination, and the officer honors that preference unless it is contrary to accepted police practices or would create a risk to the general public. If the officer believes an alternative is needed to protect the public or promote legitimate police matters, the officer selects the removal method and storage site. Under § 22-71(b), where the operator is injured, unavailable or indicates no preference, the telecommunicator contacts a wrecker service. Each tow is recorded in the "wrecker tow log" kept in the telecommunications office, and no wrecker employee or agent can influence the owner's choice.

Section 22-73 sets the standards for listed services: a wrecker of a minimum weight of one (1) ton with a motor driven winch, one (1) ABC fire extinguisher, safety chains, broom and shovel; Kentucky Department of Transportation identification; operators holding a valid Kentucky Operator's license; certificates of insurance naming the city as an additional insured; and a record of every tow turned in to the Chief of Police by the first day of every month. Under § 22-73(g), no per day cost is added when a vehicle is held on the impoundment lot at the request of the Police Department. Section 22-80 requires each wrecker service to have its own storage facility meeting city planning and zoning specifications.

Appendix A sets the agreed price list: $110.00 max fee plus 1 day storage for a normal tow, $135.00 max fee plus 1 day storage for vehicles weighing 1 ton to 26,000 lbs, $25.00 max for winching over 30 feet, $35.00 max for outside storage and $40.00 max for inside storage.