Missouri Towers Warn of New County Rules

Tow operators are raising serious concerns after Jackson County passed a new ordinance aimed at curbing illegal towing.

The new rules require towing companies or independent operators doing significant business in the county to obtain a license—originally proposed at $1,000 annually, plus $250 per truck. After strong opposition, the county lowered the fees to $500 and $100 per truck.

Even with revisions, towers say the financial burden is still too high and fear the penalties are overly harsh.

The proposal includes suspending licenses. The length would likely depend on the company or driver’s history. -- 45–90-day suspension      Business or driver violates any part of the law in place      Business or driver violates city ordinances that pertain to tows      Business or driver has an active bench warrant -- 1 year suspension      Business or driver violates ordinance two or more times in 12 months -- 2-year suspension      Business or driver conducts tow operations while tow license is suspended

Some tow operators said they don’t believe they are fair penalties.

“You’re risking an entire business for one small error,” said Jared Innis, President of the Missouri Tow Truck Association. "Right now, you could have one driver make a small mistake which technically violates an ordinance with no intention to fraud anyone or do anything wrong,” said Innis, “but you’re technically in violation which makes them pull the entire business license for 45-90 days, essentially putting them out of business.”

County leaders say the ordinance gives cities the authority to enforce towing regulations, but many in the industry feel it targets legitimate businesses more than bad actors.

“This puts good operators at risk,” one tower said. “We want fair rules—not ones that shut us down.” Source: https://www.kctv5.com