Hallsville Maximum Charges ordinance (§ 385.050)
Chapter 385: Abandoned Vehicles
In short: Towing companies may charge only reasonable storage fees for abandoned vehicles towed without the owner's consent, no higher than for consensual tows, and only while following the required procedures. If the owner returns before removal, the tow charge is capped at half the regular rate; the full rate applies only once the vehicle is in transit.
Our plain-English summary, not the official text or legal advice. The ordinance below is what counts.
A. A towing company may only assess reasonable storage charges for abandoned property towed without the consent of the owner. Reasonable storage charges shall not exceed the charges for vehicles which have been towed with the consent of the owner on a negotiated basis. Storage charges may be assessed only for the time in which the towing company complies with the procedural requirements of this Chapter.
B. The Board of Aldermen may from time to time establish maximum reasonable towing, storage and other charges which can be imposed by towing and storage companies operating within the City, and which are consistent with this Chapter and with Sections 304.155 to 304.158, RSMo. Any violation of said established maximum charges shall be deemed a violation of this Section of the Code and shall be punishable pursuant to Section 100.220.
C. A towing company may impose a charge of not more than one-half (1/2) of the regular towing charge for the towing of abandoned property at the request of the owner of private real property or that owner's agent pursuant to this Chapter if the owner of the abandoned property or the owner's agent returns to the abandoned property before it is removed from the private real property. The regular towing charge may only be imposed after the abandoned property has been removed from the property and is in transit.
Official source: City of Hallsville official Code of Ordinances (online), § 385.050
Last checked November 1, 2026. The city's official copy controls; this page is a reading copy, not legal advice.