Key Towing Laws in Iowa
Iowa Code Chapter 321
Governs vehicle registration, operation, and towing procedures in Iowa.
Private Property Rights
Property owners have the right to tow unauthorized vehicles with proper signage and notification.
Abandoned Vehicle Process
Iowa has a defined process for handling abandoned vehicles including notification and auction procedures.
Operator Licensing
Tow operators must maintain proper business licenses and insurance coverage.
Notification & Signage Requirements
Police Notification
A property owner may have a garagekeeper take an abandoned vehicle without police initiative. The custodian must notify the registered owner, lienholders, and other known claimants by certified mail within ten days after taking custody (Iowa Code 321.89).
Signage Requirements
No statewide signage requirement for private-property towing; posting tow-away signs is common practice and may be required by local ordinance in Iowa, but Iowa Code 321.89 and 321.90 contain no statewide mandate.
Your Rights in Iowa
- Right to be informed of vehicle location
- Right to reclaim unattached, readily accessible belongings once during the reclaim period
- Right to an itemized account of all fees when you reclaim the vehicle
- Right to file complaints with Attorney General
- Right to pursue small claims for improper tows
How to File a Complaint in Iowa
Complaint Agency
If you believe you were unfairly towed or overcharged, file a complaint with:
Iowa Attorney General Consumer Protection Division
Visit WebsiteSteps to File a Complaint:
- Document everything: take photos of signage, your parking location, vehicle condition, and all receipts.
- Note the date, time, tow company name, driver name, and truck number if available.
- To file a formal complaint, contact the Iowa Attorney General Consumer Protection Division.
- Consider filing in small claims court if you believe you are owed money for an illegal or improper tow.
Official Sources & Legal References
The fees and rules on this page are drawn from these primary sources - official statutes, administrative codes, and state regulator schedules. We link them so you can verify every figure yourself.
- Iowa Code 321.89 (Abandoned vehicles), 2026 edition
legis.iowa.gov · PDF
- Iowa Code 321.90 (Disposal of abandoned motor vehicles), 2026 edition
legis.iowa.gov · PDF
Regulated by Iowa Attorney General Consumer Protection Division.
Last reviewed by Daniel Richardson against Iowa's official state statutes and regulator schedules.
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