Springfield, Missouri Impound: What to Check Before You Drive Anywhere

If your car was towed in Springfield, Missouri, find out who ordered the tow before you go anywhere. A Springfield police tow goes to a contracted lot in Brookline, but you can't get it out there first. You need a release form from SPD headquarters at 321 East Chestnut Expressway. Call 417-864-1810 before you go. A private lot tow follows state rules instead.

Who towed my car: the city, the county or a private lot?

This is the question that saves you a wasted drive. Greene County has many police agencies. The Sheriff's Office says where your car ends up depends on which agency had it towed. After an arrest, the car may even have been left where you were stopped.

Think back to where it happened:

• Inside Springfield city limits: call the Springfield Police Department at 417-864-1810.
• Stopped by a county deputy: call the Greene County Sheriff's Records Department at 417-829-6235.
• On I-44, US 65 or another state highway: try the Missouri State Highway Patrol at 417-895-6868.
• In a nearby town: Republic Police are at 417-732-3900, Battlefield at 417-890-9876 and Willard at 417-742-3077.
• From a store, apartment or office lot: read the tow sign at the entrance. More on that below.

Have your plate number, the make, model and color, and the spot where you parked. Ask three things: is there a tow on file, where is the car, and is there a hold on it?

Why would Springfield police tow my car?

City Code section 106-101 lists the reasons. Knowing yours tells you what comes next. SPD can have a car removed when it is:

• Left on a street for more than 48 hours
• Parked in a spot marked with no parking signs, or in a loading zone
• Parked so badly it's a hazard to traffic
• Left blocking traffic on a bridge, viaduct or in a tunnel
• Disabled in the road while the driver is too hurt to deal with it
• Left alone because the driver was arrested or detained
• Parked on a city lot longer than allowed, or left on other city property
• Missing plates, or showing invalid or expired plates or tabs

The expired tags rule

That last one is newer. City Council passed it on February 24, 2025. It catches a lot of people by surprise, because the car runs fine. If your tabs lapsed, renew them before you think about picking the car up. SPD says the owner of a car towed for plates or tabs must make sure it leaves the tow yard safely and legally. You can't just drive it off with the same expired tags.

What do I need to get an SPD release?

Every car SPD custody tows goes to one contracted lot at 2806 South Farm Road 115 in Brookline. Don't drive there first. You need a release form, and you can only get it at SPD headquarters, 321 East Chestnut Expressway, during lobby hours.

The headquarters lobby is open Monday to Friday, 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. The phone line, 417-864-1810, is answered Monday to Friday, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. So a tow on a Friday night may mean waiting for Monday. Each day in storage adds to your bill.

Bring two things:

1. A government photo ID.
2. Proof you own the car. SPD accepts a fully signed title, a notarized bill of sale or an application for Missouri title and license. It also takes notarized power of attorney papers, proof of lien, proper repossession papers or a certificate of origin. Call ahead if yours is unusual.

What happens at the counter?

If the car can be released, you sign a Vehicle Release Form. Then SPD sends you to the lot. You pay the tow and storage fees there, straight to the tow company. You don't pay them to SPD. SPD posts its custody towing and storage rate sheet on its impound page, so check it before you go.

Can I just grab my stuff out of it?

No. SPD says personal things stay with the car. They can't be released unless the car is released too. If your wallet or work laptop is inside, that's one more reason to move fast.

What if there's a hold, or I think the tow was wrong?

Some cars have an investigative hold or a forfeiture order. Call first, because the release can stall here. If you want to protest the tow, SPD points you to the right department. Ask for the name of that office when you call.

What if a county deputy towed it?

The Sheriff's Office says a car towed after a deputy's arrest goes to that same Brookline lot. Call Sheriff's Records at 417-829-6235 for the details on your car. Don't call the Sheriff's property room. Its own page says it doesn't hold vehicles.

What are my rights after a private lot tow in Missouri?

A tow from a store or apartment lot is not a police tow. Missouri law, RSMo 304.157 and 304.158, sets the rules.

Was the tow allowed?

Without a police officer, the lot owner, tenant or a full-time property or security manager has to be there for the tow. In most cases a sign must be posted at every entrance. It has to be at least 17 by 22 inches, with letters at least 1 inch tall. It must state the maximum fee for towing and storage. It must give a phone number where you can find out where your car went.

What does the tow company owe me?

• A report to police. After a tow from a signed lot, the company must report it to local police within two hours. So police can often find your car.
• A letter. You get written notice within five working days. It says why the car was moved and where it is.
• A half charge if you catch it. Get back before your car leaves the lot? The most they can charge is half their regular tow fee.
• Cash accepted. The storage lot must take cash and be able to make change.
• A marked truck. The tow truck must show the company name, city and state in letters at least 3 inches tall.

You can also ask the lot owner why your car was towed. They must tell you. If they skipped the rules, the law says they owe you double the tow or storage charges. Knowingly breaking these rules is a class A misdemeanor.

Does Sentinel get cars out of impound?

No. Sentinel doesn't do impounds or private property tows. We can't sign a release or pay your fees. Only the agency and the lot can do that. Our part starts once the car is yours again.

That's often when you need help. A car that sat in Brookline for days may not start. A jump start may get it running. If it was towed for expired tags, or it just won't go, a car tow can take it home or to a shop.

Sentinel Towing is a towing and roadside network. A vetted local partner tow company does the job. We text you a locked price before anyone is sent. Then we check on you by text until your driver arrives. That's our Stay-With-You Promise. For Springfield roads, weather and the move-over law, see our Springfield, MO towing page.

Stuck right now? Call 1-888-TOW-1213, or request help online.

Springfield, MO Impound Questions

Rules change, so check the official source before you rely on it. Sources: Springfield Police: Obtain My Impounded Vehicle, Springfield Ordinance 6913 (City Code 106-101), Greene County Sheriff: Detention FAQ, Greene County Sheriff: Property Room, RSMo 304.157, RSMo 304.158.