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
On private nonresidential property, a vehicle may be impounded immediately only if the property is properly posted, or after 24 hours if it is not; single-family and duplex homes need no posting (Minn. Stat. 168B.04, subd. 2). State law does not set sign content.
Your Rights in Minnesota
- Right to written notice of the impound within five days, excluding weekends and legal holidays (Minn. Stat. 168B.06)
- Right to reclaim the vehicle by paying towing and storage charges within 15 or 45 days of the impound notice (Minn. Stat. 168B.07)
- Right to retrieve your ID, prescription medicine, and medical equipment from the impounded vehicle (Minn. Stat. 168B.07)
- 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's Office, Consumer Action Division
Visit WebsiteSteps 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.
- To file a formal complaint, contact the Minnesota Attorney General's Office, Consumer Action Division.
- 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.
Regulated by Minnesota Attorney General's Office, Consumer Action Division.
Last reviewed by Daniel Richardson against Minnesota's official state statutes and regulator schedules.
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