Sioux City, IA Business Licensing & Operations: Towing Companies (2026)
Key Facts
- Fee cap, cars
- $65 before sales tax
- Fee cap, heavy trucks
- $375 before sales tax
- Storage fee cap
- $17.50 per day
- Min. insurance
- $100,000 liability coverage
- Stolen check
- required before towing begins
Summary
Sioux City licenses and regulates nonconsensual ('predatory') tow companies under Chapter 10.25: capped fees, mandatory signage, stolen-vehicle checks, and records open to police inspection.
Unauthorized vehicles may be towed from private and commercial property. The towing of vehicles on a nonconsensual basis is permitted if: a. The property is a private residence; or b. Emergency circumstances exist that require the immediate removal of the vehicle; or c. Twenty-four hours have passed since the vehicle was parked; or d. A notice has been placed upon the vehicle's windshield stating the vehicle is unlawfully parked and will be towed at the owner's expense after a specified date and time.
Full Breakdown
Chapter 10.25 of the Sioux City code regulates 'nonconsensual' tows: vehicles removed from private and commercial property without the owner's consent. Towing companies operating in the city must keep a detailed record book open to police inspection, verify with Woodbury County Communications Center that a vehicle isn't stolen before towing it, post specific signage at each access point, carry at least $100,000 in liability insurance, and cap their fees ($65 for passenger vehicles, $375 for heavy trucks, before tax). Storage lots must operate 24/7 and cap daily storage charges at $17.50.
Violations & Fines
A municipal infraction under § 10.25.130, punished through the § 1.04.100 civil-penalty schedule ($100-$1,000 per offense, rising with repeat violations); each day the violation continues is a separate offense.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much can a Sioux City tow company charge to tow my car?
Can a tow company tow my car from a private lot without checking if it's stolen?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Sioux City
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