Towed Vehicles

Step 1.Determine If The Vehicle Was Towed

If you discover that your vehicle is not where you parked it or believe that it could have been towed, you need to take quick action. 

Call (913) 596-3000 and have your vehicle plate number and location the vehicle was parked ready. 

Non-Emergency Dispatch will confirm if the vehicle was towed and by which company. 

Step 2.Gather What You Need

• Proof of valid insurance on the towed vehicle
• Proof of valid registration or ownership
• Valid driver's license

Step 3.Know What, If Any Storage Fees Apply

In most cases is your vehicle was towed you are responsible for the payment of storage charges and towing fees. This would include a daily fee for storage, so quick action is advised. 

If the vehicle has been ticketed for illegal parking, those tickets must be paid before the vehicle can be released. 

Step 4.Head to the Tow Lot 

Once you have what you need and are ready to make payment, head to the tow lot. Make sure to check the hours of operation and it's always a good idea to call head. 

The Unified Government contacts with more than one tow company. You will want to make sure you get the tow company's name and location from the dispatcher. 

Step 5.Don't Have What Need? 

If you do not have the required documentation on the towed vehicle you will need to take a few more steps. You will need to call the Auto Release Desk for the best direction. Other options for "tow-out" releases might apply to your circumstances. 

(913)573-6065

Step 6.Understand the Timeline

According to Unified Government Code of Ordinance Chapter 35-Traffic / Article III - Vehicle Towing, property not retrieved 30 days after notice to the registered owner can be sold at auction. Let's take action to make sure you get your property back. 

Step 1.Review The Ordnance 

Chapter 35-Traffic/Article III - Vehicle Towing / Sec. 35-201 - Hearing Procedures 

Step 2.Decide on Retrieval 

In most cases you can retrieve your vehicle by posting a cash bond in the amount of the tow charges at the time the hearing is requested. 

• If the tow if found lawful, the bond will be applied to the amount owed to the tow company. 
• If the tow if determined as unlawful, or the fine/fee ruled to be less than charged, the balance of the bond will be returned to the owner of the property. 

You do not have to retrieve your vehicle to request a hearing. 

Step 3.Get the Report 

To schedule the hearing, you will need to obtain a copy of the tow report. This must be provided to the Clerk of the Court when you schedule the hearing. 

Obtain a Report

Step 4.Schedule the Hearing 

The hearing can be scheduled with the Clerk of the Municipal Court.

Make sure you bring:

1. Tow Report 
2. Picture I.D.  
3. Proof of Vehicle Ownership 
4. Receipt from the tow lot, if you retrieved your vehicle.

Located at 701 N. 7th Street, 2nd floor, Kansas City, Kansas 66101.