Judge OKs Kansas City Towing Ordinance

A Jackson County, Missouri judge has cleared the way for Kansas City to enforce new ordinances aimed at curbing predatory towing, rejecting a legal challenge brought by a local tow company owner.

Judge Lauren Barrett ruled Tuesday that the ordinances, passed earlier this year, do not violate Missouri state law. The regulations include a new “Bill of Rights for Towed Vehicles,” which sets maximum towing fees, requires operators to provide vehicle owners with written notice of their rights, and allows drivers to stop a tow before it leaves private property.

Mayor Quinton Lucas pushed for the changes after the city received numerous complaints from residents about towing practices. “Kansas City will never stop protecting our community from predatory practices,” Lucas said in a statement, praising the court’s decision.

Tow operators have argued the rules expose them to new legal risks. Earlier this year, Private Party Impound and other companies sued the city, claiming the ordinance could force them to release vehicles to non-owners and conflict with state statutes. Operators have also voiced concerns about liability and lack of industry input.

Despite the opposition, the ordinance is scheduled to take effect January 1. Source: https://fox4kc.com