Towing Laws in Minnesota (2026): Max Fees & Your Rights

Towing Laws in Minnesota

Max tow:No statewide capMax storage:No statewide cap

Storage fees stack up every day your car sits in the lot - the sooner you act, the less you owe.

Reviewed July 6, 2026 by Daniel Richardson

Know your rights: towing regulations, maximum fees, and consumer protections in Minnesota (MN).

Key Towing Laws in Minnesota

MN Statute 168B

Minnesota statutes governing vehicle towing, impoundment, and abandoned vehicle procedures.

Minneapolis Ordinances

City of Minneapolis has specific towing regulations and a tow hearing process.

Winter Parking Bans

Snow emergency rules allow towing of vehicles on designated routes during winter storms.

Operator Licensing

Tow operators must be licensed and maintain adequate insurance coverage.

Notification & Signage Requirements

Police Notification

No statewide police notification requirement for non-consensual tows; Minnesota Chapter 168B requires notice only to the vehicle owner, not law enforcement. Local ordinances may impose additional requirements.

Signage Requirements

State law requires property to be "properly posted" to allow immediate impound of unauthorized vehicles (Minn. Stat. 168B.04, subd. 2), but specific sign placement and content requirements are set by local ordinance, not state statute.

Your Rights in Minnesota

Right to police notification of tow
Right to retrieve vehicle during business hours
Right to personal belongings access
Right to written receipt
Right to dispute tows through local hearing processes

How to File a Complaint in Minnesota

Complaint Agency

If you believe you were unfairly towed or overcharged, file a complaint with:

Minnesota Attorney General Consumer Protection Division

Visit Website

Steps 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.
Contact the Minnesota Attorney General Consumer Protection Division to file a formal complaint.
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.

Minnesota Statutes Chapter 168B (Abandoned Motor Vehicles; Towing) - full text, MN Revisor's Office
revisor.mn.gov
Minn. Stat. 168B.035 (removal; reasonable-charge standard, subd. 4(e))
revisor.mn.gov
Minn. Stat. 168B.06 (notice to registered owner/lienholders within 5 business days)
revisor.mn.gov

Regulated by Minnesota Attorney General Consumer Protection Division.

Last reviewed July 6, 2026 by Daniel Richardson against Minnesota's official state statutes and regulator schedules.

Towing Costs in Minnesota

Average towing costs in Minnesota range from $80 to $155 for a local tow.

View Minnesota Towing Costs Calculate Your Towing Cost Minnesota impound & storage fees What to do with an abandoned or junk vehicle

Frequently Asked Questions

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.

Can I dispute a tow in Minnesota?

Yes. Many cities offer a tow hearing process. You can also file complaints with the Minnesota Attorney General Consumer Protection Division. Document everything and act within the required timeframes.