Wichita, KS Business Licensing & Operations: Towing Companies (2026)
Key Facts
- License required
- Emergency wrecker company license
- License term
- 12 months, renews June 1
- Uninvited scene response
- Prohibited (Sec. 3.49.190)
- Street solicitation
- Prohibited (Sec. 3.49.210)
- Max penalty
- $500 fine / 6 months jail
Summary
Wichita requires a City-issued emergency wrecker company license before any operator can tow wrecked or disabled vehicles, and it bans wreckers from soliciting business or self-dispatching to accident scenes.
No persons may engage in emergency wrecker service inside the City without first obtaining an emergency wrecker company license from the City. Only one license may be issued to each emergency wrecker company. A license is not assignable or transferable. Emergency wrecker company licenses shall be for a twelve-month period. Such licenses shall be renewed on June 1st of each year. The term of licenses shall be from June 1st to May 31st. The license issued to an emergency wrecker company authorizes the licensee and all its bona fide employees to engage in emergency wrecker service. Any person engaging in emergency wrecker services inside the City shall operate from a single location inside the City.
(Ord. No. 35-599 (part); Ord. No. 48-758, § 1, 6-22-10; Ord. No. 49-174, § 1, 12-20-11; Ord. No. 49-207, § 2, 2-28-12; Ord. No. 51-716, § 1, 2-22-22; Ord. No. 51-745, § 1, 4-26-22; Ord. No. 51-855, § 1, 5-10-22)
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 35).
Full Breakdown
Under Sec. 3.49.020, no one may engage in emergency wrecker service inside Wichita without a nontransferable, City-issued license good for a 12-month term running June 1 to May 31. Sec. 3.49.190 makes it unlawful to drive or send a wrecker to an accident scene unless requested by the vehicle's owner or an authorized public agency, and Sec. 3.49.210 bars soliciting towing business on city streets: a wrecker's uncalled presence at a wreck scene within one hour is treated as prima facie evidence of a violation.
Violations & Fines
Misdemeanor: fine up to $500.00 and/or up to six months' imprisonment (Sec. 3.49.275); the Chief of Police may also suspend or revoke the company's license for scene-chasing or solicitation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a tow truck drive to a Wichita accident scene uninvited?
What counts as illegal solicitation at a wreck scene?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Wichita
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