Officials admit predatory towing is a problem in KC. Here’s what they’re doing
In the wake of recent attention drawn to alleged predatory towing in Kansas City after criminal charges were filed against a pair of tow company owners, local government officials are racing to pass legislation with stiffer penalties for the practice.
The Kansas City City Council and Jackson County legislature both have separate ordinances that officials aim to pass over the next two weeks.
The council’s ordinance, sponsored by councilmember Darrell Curls, includes establishing a “towed vehicle owner” bill of rights, an online system to report all tows, and a public awareness campaign to inform citizens about illegal towing. Kansas City currently already has ordinances against non-consensual towing.
The city council passed its ordinance Thursday, with officials pledging to return to the council in 30 days with a status report.
Jackson County’s ordinance requires a tow license, registration, and penalties for companies that don’t comply. The county’s proposed ordinance, sponsored by legislators DaRon McGee and Venessa Huskey, will also require fees for its towing license.
Tow companies would have to pay Jackson County $1,000 per year and $250 per vehicle for a tow license at the beginning of next year.
The legislation comes two weeks after the owner of local company Metro Tow and Transport and his mother, Donald and Lannette Adamson, were both charged with illegal towing practices and falsifying documents. Kansas City police also recently opened a tip line for victims of predatory towing where they have received more than 100 complaints, according to spokesperson Cpt. Jake Becchina.
In a city committee meeting Tuesday, city leaders discussed that the county’s proposed ordinance can help enforce some city and state laws that are already in place. Kansas City director of public works Michael Shaw said Jackson County’s ordinance would align with required state laws and help enforce penalties on tow companies.
“Predatory towing has been a growing concern in our community,” Curls said in a news release. ”Too many of our residents have fallen victim to unreasonable fees and questionable towing practices. This ordinance will establish clear guidelines to ensure towing companies operate fairly and transparently.”
Jackson County legislators will hear the ordinance on May 5 at an Intergovernmental Affairs Committee hearing at the downtown Jackson County Courthouse.
Large fines for tow companies
Both proposed local ordinances would levy heavy fines on violating businesses.
Jackson County proposes a 45 to 90 day tow license suspension for any ordinance violation by any employee of a tow company or the company itself. The license is also suspended for any active warrant related to an ordinance violation.
The county will revoke a license for a year if a company has two or more violations in a 12-month period. A business will have its license revoked for two years for operating with a suspended license.
People who violate Kansas City’s ordinance would be subject to a $500 to $1,000 fine and up to 180 days in prison upon conviction. The previous penalty for violating any city towing ordinance is a fine of up to $250 for each violation for a first-time offender.
In a news release, Mayor Quinton Lucas said residents have been victimized by aggressive towing operations that have cost them lots of money and provided little accountability for businesses.
“Some Kansas Citians have faced financial hardships of hundreds or even thousands of dollars from predatory practices,” Lucas said. “The legislation to prevent predatory towing will finally put teeth into our enforcement efforts and create meaningful penalties for those who exploit our community.”
This story was originally published May 1, 2025 at 2:42 PM.