Key Towing Laws in Wisconsin
Wis. Stat. 349.13
Wisconsin statutes governing vehicle towing from private property.
Milwaukee Ordinances
City of Milwaukee has specific towing regulations and rate schedules.
Madison Regulations
City of Madison has additional towing consumer protections.
Winter Parking Rules
Many WI municipalities have alternate-side parking and snow emergency towing rules.
Notification & Signage Requirements
Police Notification
Towing service must notify a local law enforcement agency BEFORE removing a non-consensual tow, providing company name/phone, vehicle make, model, VIN, plate, and destination, by phone, voicemail, email, or other electronic method. (Wis. Stat. 349.13(3m); Wis. Admin. Code Trans 319.05)
Signage Requirements
For a tow without a parking citation, the lot must be properly posted: a readable notice at each vehicle entrance and another readable where the car was parked (Trans 319.04).
Your Rights in Wisconsin
- Right to get the tow company's name and phone, the tow time, and the storage address from police on request
- Right to pay no storage fee for any day the lot is open for pickup less than 4 consecutive hours between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m.
- Right to get your belongings free during office hours with ID (the car is then deemed abandoned unless you agree in writing to pay)
- Right to written receipt
- Right to file DATCP complaints
How to File a Complaint in Wisconsin
Complaint Agency
If you believe you were unfairly towed or overcharged, file a complaint with:
Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection
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 Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection.
- 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.
- Wis. Stat. 349.13 (statutory basis, 2013 Wis. Act 76)
docs.legis.wisconsin.gov
Regulated by Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection.
Last reviewed by Daniel Richardson against Wisconsin's official state statutes and regulator schedules.
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