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

If your car was just towed in Minnesota - 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 Minnesota statutes and state agencies, each cited so you can verify it yourself.

Who regulates towing in Minnesota

Towing disputes in Minnesota go to the Attorney General's Consumer Assistance Request process, which mediates complaints against businesses. You can file online, which the office prefers, or call (651) 296-3353 or (800) 657-3787.

What a tow can cost

Minnesota's impound statutes create a lien for towing and storage charges, but they don't set statewide nonconsent rate caps the way some states do. What the law does limit is how long an operator can charge for: Minn. Stat. 168B.087 caps a nonpublic impound lot operator's deficiency claim at no more than 25 days of storage for certain vehicles, or 55 days for others.

Since there's no flat statewide price ceiling, it's worth asking for an itemized invoice and checking with your city or county about any local rate rules that might apply. Our towing cost calculator can help you evaluate whether a bill looks reasonable.

Getting your car back from impound

Under Minn. Stat. 168B.051, impounded vehicles become eligible for disposal or sale 15 days after notice for junk or abandoned vehicles, and up to 45 days after notice for unauthorized vehicles. Minn. Stat. 168B.07 requires operators to release your proof of identification, prescription medicine, and durable medical equipment on request, and to let owners who show proof of homelessness or government benefits retrieve all contents of the vehicle without charge.

If you're towed from private property

Minnesota permits immediate towing from properly posted private nonresidential or residential property, and from single-family or duplex property. If the private nonresidential property isn't posted with a sign, the vehicle generally must be left in place for 24 hours before it can be impounded.

After an accident

Minnesota requires a driver to notify local police by the quickest means available after a collision causing bodily injury or death - there's no dollar-damage threshold that triggers this requirement. Investigating officers, in turn, must report fatalities, injuries receiving immediate medical treatment, disabling tow-away damage, and highway-side property damage within 10 days.

The Move Over law

Minn. Stat. 169.18, subdivision 11, requires drivers passing a stopped authorized vehicle with its lights activated - including tow trucks - to move to the lane farthest away on two-lane roadways. On roads with more than two lanes running the same direction, drivers must leave a full lane vacant next to the stopped vehicle, or otherwise reduce speed to one that's reasonable and prudent for the conditions. The statute doesn't publish a specific fine amount.

Chains & winter traction

Minn. Stat. 169.72 permits tire chains "of reasonable proportions" on any vehicle when they're required for safety because of snow, ice, or other conditions tending to cause a vehicle to skid. Studded tires are generally prohibited in Minnesota, with limited exceptions for occasional nonresidents and permitted rural mail carriers.

FAQ

Is there a statewide maximum tow fee in Minnesota? No. Minnesota's impound statutes create a lien for towing and storage charges but don't set a flat statewide nonconsent rate cap - check with your city or county for local rules.

How long can a Minnesota impound lot hold my vehicle before it's sold? It depends on the vehicle's status: a junk or abandoned vehicle becomes eligible for disposal 15 days after notice, while an unauthorized vehicle can be held up to 45 days after notice.

Can I get personal items out of my towed car in Minnesota without paying? Operators must release proof of identification, prescription medicine, and durable medical equipment on request. Owners who show proof of homelessness or government benefits can retrieve all contents of the vehicle free of charge.

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