Springfield, MO Business Licensing & Operations: Towing Companies (2026)
Key Facts
- Police recommendation of a tower
- Absolutely prohibited
- Rotation list compiled by
- Chief of police, monthly
- Required response time
- 30 minutes
- First overcharge penalty
- 1-year list removal
- Repeat overcharge penalty
- Permanent removal
Summary
Springfield police may never steer a stranded driver to a particular tow company; the owner chooses, or the officer hands over a monthly rotation list of permitted, insured tow companies.
Any police officer making an accident or disabled vehicle investigation or otherwise in a position to recommend a tow truck company to any person shall absolutely refrain from making any such recommendation. The prescribed procedure shall be to ask the owner or person in charge of the motor vehicle to designate which tow truck service he desires or where he wants the motor vehicle to be towed.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 23 Update 2 | Land Development Code: Supplement 9 Update 1).
Full Breakdown
City Code § 118-171(a) forbids any police officer investigating an accident or disabled vehicle from recommending a tow truck company: the officer must instead ask the owner which company or destination they want. If the owner has no preference, or their chosen company can't respond, § 118-171(b) requires the officer to hand over a written rotation list, compiled and rotated monthly by the chief of police under § 118-171(c)-(d). To be on the list, a tow truck company must hold a city license and permit, carry minimum liability and garagekeeper's insurance, provide enclosed in-city storage for ten wrecked vehicles, and respond within 30 minutes of a call.
Violations & Fines
Charging above the maximum rate on file gets a tow company pulled from the rotation list for one year, and permanently on a repeat violation; soliciting tow business at a wreck scene independently violates § 118-172.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a Springfield, MO police officer tell me which tow company to call?
What happens if a Springfield tow company overcharges after a rotation-list call?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Springfield
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