Rapid City, SD Business Licensing & Operations: Towing Companies (2026)
Key Facts
- Governing chapter
- RCMC Ch. 10.60, Towing of Vehicles
- Pre-tow notice
- Notify Rapid City PD before towing
- Owner notice method
- Certified mail with return receipt
- Unlocatable-owner deadline
- 10 days to report to police
- Penalty
- $1-$100 fine and/or up to 30 days jail
Summary
Any tow company operating in Rapid City at the request of someone other than the vehicle's registered owner must notify the Rapid City Police Department before towing, then send certified mail to the owner. Chapter 10.60 sets a 10-day window to report an unlocatable owner and fines violators up to $100 or 30 days in jail.
Any individual, firm, business or corporation which tows a motor vehicle within the city limits of Rapid City at the request of any person other than the registered owner of the motor vehicle, shall before towing the vehicle notify the Rapid City Police Department giving the license number or vehicle registration and a general description of the vehicle, including make, model, color and any other information that may be required by the Police Department. ... Any person violating this chapter shall be fined not less than $1 or more than $100 or imprisoned not longer than 30 days or both the fine and imprisonment.
Full Breakdown
010 requires any individual, firm, business or corporation that tows a motor vehicle within city limits at the request of someone other than the registered owner to notify the Rapid City Police Department before the tow, giving the license number or vehicle registration and a general description including make, model and color, plus anything else the Police Department requires. 020 then requires the tower to send certified mail with a return receipt to the registered owner notifying them their vehicle is in custody. 030 requires written notice to the Police Department stating that.
040 requires the tower to keep records of who requested the tow, including that person's name and address. 60's notice requirements. 56, which governs city-initiated tows of nuisance vehicles rather than private non-consent tows.
Violations & Fines
Rapid City Municipal Code § 10.60.060 sets its own penalty for Chapter 10.60: a fine of not less than $1 nor more than $100, imprisonment of not longer than 30 days, or both, for any towing company that fails to notify police before a non-consent tow, fails to mail the owner, or fails to keep the required records.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a tow company have to call police before a non-consent tow in Rapid City?
How does the owner find out their car was towed?
What if the towing company can't find the vehicle's owner?
Do these notice rules apply to police-ordered tows?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Rapid City
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