How Much Are Impound Fees in Minnesota?
Getting a car out of impound in Minnesota usually means an initial tow of $150-$350 plus daily storage of $20-$60/day. Retrieve it fast - fees add up every day.
No statewide dollar figures exist. Minn. Stat. ch. 168B governs procedure (notice within 5 business days per 168B.06, lien/sale timelines, storage-duration limits for deficiency claims per 168B.087) but sets no fee caps. 168B.035 subd. 4(e) imposes only a "reasonable charge" standard (and subd. 4 is the MnDOT metro-district "quick clearance" context). 168B.09 subd. 2 affirmatively authorizes local units of government to adopt ordinances controlling towing; Minneapolis and St. Paul set their own fee schedules by city ordinance. capScope set to county-or-local (not none) because the statute delegates fee-setting authority to local government rather than leaving it purely to operator discretion.
Reviewed by Daniel Richardson against Minnesota statutes and regulator schedules.
Minnesota Impound Cost by Days Held (2026)
| Time in impound | Estimated total |
|---|---|
| 1 day | ~$170-$410 |
| 3 days | ~$210-$530 |
| 7 days | ~$290-$770 |
| 14 days | ~$430-$1,190 |
Estimate = a typical tow + storage. Minnesota has no single statewide dollar cap, so actual fees vary by lot and vehicle.
Max tow fee: No statewide cap; Minneapolis/St. Paul have local regulations
Storage: No statewide cap
Sources & Legal References
Regulated by Minnesota Attorney General Consumer Protection Division.
Last reviewed by Daniel Richardson against Minnesota's official state statutes and regulator schedules.
How to Get Your Car Out Fast
- Call the local police non-emergency line to confirm which lot holds your car and get a case number.
- Bring a photo ID, proof of ownership (registration or title), and payment.
- Many lots require proof of current insurance to release the car - if yours lapsed, get a policy or SR-22 quote first.
- Ask for an itemized receipt and retrieve personal belongings (allowed during business hours in most states).
Think your Minnesota impound bill is too high?
If you were charged above Minnesota's legal maximum, you can dispute it. Build a ready-to-send demand letter on your state's fee limits and send it yourself - in minutes.
Get the documents to dispute my bill →Minnesota Impound FAQs
How much does it cost to get a car out of impound in Minnesota?
In Minnesota, expect an initial tow of roughly $150-$350 plus daily storage of about $20-$60 per day, plus any administrative/release fees. The longer the car sits, the more you pay - so retrieve it quickly. No statewide cap; Minneapolis/St. Paul have local regulations.
How much is the daily impound storage fee in Minnesota?
Daily storage in Minnesota runs about $20-$60 per day. State rule: No statewide cap. Fees accrue every calendar day (sometimes counting partial days), which is why retrieving the vehicle fast saves the most money.
What do I need to get my car out of impound in Minnesota?
Bring a government photo ID, proof of ownership (registration or title), and payment. Many lots also require proof of current insurance to release the vehicle - if your coverage has lapsed, get a policy or SR-22 quote first so you can release the car.
Can I dispute impound or towing fees in Minnesota?
Yes. If you were charged above the legal maximum or the tow broke Minnesota rules, request an itemized receipt, demand a refund of any illegal charges, and file a complaint with the Minnesota Attorney General Consumer Protection Division. Keep every receipt and photograph the signage.
What happens during a Minneapolis snow emergency?
During declared snow emergencies, vehicles on designated Snow Emergency routes must be moved within specific timeframes or face towing. Monitor the city website and local news for declarations. Towed vehicles are taken to the Minneapolis impound lot.
How much does it cost to get a car out of Minneapolis impound?
Minneapolis tow and storage fees are set by city ordinance. Expect to pay a tow fee plus daily storage. Fees increase the longer your car is in impound, so retrieve it as soon as possible.