Towing Laws in Michigan: Your Rights, Costs & Impound Rules

If your car was just towed in Michigan - from an apartment lot, a store parking lot, or after being flagged as abandoned - this page explains what state law says about the fees you can be charged, how to get your vehicle and belongings back, and where to file a complaint. Every fact below comes directly from Michigan statutes and state agencies, each cited so you can verify it yourself.

Who regulates towing in Michigan

Michigan has no statewide agency that licenses tow operators. Instead, consumer complaints about towing go to the Attorney General's Consumer Protection Division, which handles them through informal mediation. You can file via the online complaint form, call toll-free at 877-765-8388, or mail Consumer Protection, P.O. Box 30213, Lansing, MI 48909.

What a tow can cost

Michigan doesn't set a statewide tow rate schedule. What it does regulate is storage: under MCL 257.252i, the storage fees collectible for an abandoned vehicle released for disposition are the least of three amounts - the daily rate in the contract with the authorizing law enforcement agency or unit of government, the facility's own daily rate, or $1,000.00. That cap doesn't apply to commercial vehicles or vehicles owned by entities other than individuals.

Because towing charges themselves aren't capped statewide, ask the towing company for an itemized invoice and compare the storage line against this $1,000 ceiling. Our towing cost calculator can help you sanity-check the total.

Getting your car back from impound

Under MCL 257.252a, a vehicle is considered abandoned in Michigan if it's left on private property without the owner's consent, or on public property for not less than 48 hours. Within 7 days after the vehicle is entered into the Law Enforcement Information Network (LEIN), the Secretary of State mails the owner and any secured party a notice that includes the procedure for contesting the reasonableness of towing fees and daily storage fees. If you don't redeem the vehicle or request a hearing within 20 days after the date of that notice, the vehicle may be sold and your rights to it terminated.

If you're not sure where your vehicle ended up, Michigan's online Abandoned Vehicle Search can help you locate it and its custodian - you'll need your registration or title to arrange redemption, and the help desk can be reached at 517-636-5234. Note that Michigan also permits a $40 abandoned-vehicle fee on top of the accrued towing and storage charges.

If you're towed from private property

Before a private-property tow, Michigan generally requires the property owner or lessor to post notice at every vehicle entrance, with letters at least 2 inches high. That sign has to name the towing service and its phone number, and it must remain installed for at least 24 hours before a tow can happen.

After an accident

Michigan requires immediate police reporting when a crash injures or kills anyone, or causes apparent property damage totaling $1,000 or more. If you need an official copy afterward, Michigan traffic crash reports (the UD-10) must be purchased online through the Traffic Crash Purchasing System - the fee is $15, typical processing takes 3 to 30 days, and you'll need a MiLogin account to complete the request.

The Move Over law

MCL 257.653a requires drivers passing a stationary authorized emergency vehicle with flashing lights - a category that includes tow trucks - to reduce speed by at least 10 miles per hour below the posted limit and move into a lane at least one moving lane or two vehicle widths apart, where possible. If that's not possible, drivers must still slow to at least 10 mph below the posted limit and use due care. A violation is a civil infraction carrying a civil fine of $400.00.

Chains & winter traction

MCL 257.710 permits a tire chain "of reasonable proportion" on a vehicle when it's required for safety because of snow, ice, or other conditions tending to cause a vehicle to skid. Outside of that allowance, tires with blocks, studs, flanges, cleats, or spikes projecting beyond the tread are generally prohibited on Michigan highways.

FAQ

Is there a cap on what a Michigan tow company can charge for storage? Storage fees for an abandoned vehicle are capped at the least of the contracted rate with the authorizing agency, the facility's own daily rate, or $1,000.00 - though this cap doesn't apply to commercial vehicles or non-individual owners.

How long do I have before a Michigan impound can be sold? After the Secretary of State mails notice (sent within 7 days of LEIN entry), you have 20 days from the notice date to redeem the vehicle or request a hearing before it can be sold.

Who do I complain to if a Michigan tow company overcharges me? Michigan has no statewide towing licensing agency, so complaints go to the Attorney General's Consumer Protection Division, which mediates informally. File online or call 877-765-8388.

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