A renewed push at the Missouri statehouse targets predatory towing.
The Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association is actively urging lawmakers to pass protections for truck drivers involved in a nonconsensual tow.
2026 bill
Rep. Dave Griffith is again pushing for rules to handle towing complaints. The Jefferson City Republican has introduced towing bills for at least four years in a row.
His 2026 version of the bill is at least very similar to previous ones. It would put the Missouri Department of Transportation in charge of overseeing nonconsensual towing, recovery and cleanup of commercial vehicles on state roads.
The bill would create a process to receive, investigate and resolve complaints from a truck owner, driver or insurer involved in a nonconsensual tow.
Certain information must also be entered on every invoice for nonconsensual tows. This includes contact details, the time of the service request and dispatch and arrival times on the scene.
Each invoice would include the following: “If you feel that you have been treated unfairly or provided a service that was unnecessary, you may file a complaint with the Missouri Department of Transportation.”
Towing companies that break the rules could be banned from performing such tows. Bans would be temporary or permanent.
Any company that ignores a ban would face a $25,000 fine for each violation.
Truck owners or drivers would also be allowed to request a specific towing company. Police would have to honor that request. Certain exceptions would apply.
MoDOT would also create a “Towing and Recovery Review Board.” The legislation specifies that the seven-member board must include “one member representing independent owner-operator truck drivers.”
Griffith has said the board would give independent truckers and the trucking industry a way to challenge unfair charges. He mentioned that they currently lack the option.
The bill, HB1741, also sets rules for releasing vehicles when fees are disputed. Additionally, per-pound charges for nonconsensual tows would be banned.
It awaits assignment to committee for the session that begins Jan. 7.
OOIDA advocates for members
OOIDA Executive Vice President Lewie Pugh testified at a hearing this year on behalf of the Association’s Missouri members.
Pugh told lawmakers that owner-operators have no protection from towing companies that charge whatever amount they want. For small-business truckers, he said, those costs can be devastating. LL
More Land Line coverage of Missouri news is available.
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