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Towing Laws in Wisconsin

Max tow:$150Max storage:$25/day
Billed over these limits? Get your money back - $29Impounded? Get your car out - $19 release plan

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

Reviewed by Daniel Richardson

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

Max Tow Fee

$150 statewide cap (Trans 319.03; +up to $150 special equipment and $3/mi over 20mi; municipal service fee up to $35)

Max Storage Fee

$25/day outdoor, $35/day indoor (statewide, Trans 319.03)

Signage Required

Yes

Police Notification

Required

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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

Private property must display towing warning signs at entrances.

Your Rights in Wisconsin

  • Right to notification of tow
  • Right to vehicle retrieval during business hours
  • Right to personal property access
  • 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 Website

Steps to File a Complaint:

  1. Document everything: take photos of signage, your parking location, vehicle condition, and all receipts.
  2. Note the date, time, tow company name, driver name, and truck number if available.
  3. Contact the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection to file a formal complaint.
  4. 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 Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection.

Last reviewed by Daniel Richardson against Wisconsin's official state statutes and regulator schedules.

Towing Costs in Wisconsin

Average towing costs in Wisconsin range from $75 to $145 for a local tow.

View Wisconsin Towing CostsCalculate Your Towing CostWisconsin impound & storage feesWhat to do with an abandoned or junk vehicle

Frequently Asked Questions

Are towing rates regulated in Wisconsin?
Yes. Wisconsin sets statewide caps under Wis. Admin. Code Trans 319.03: a $150 base tow fee (plus up to $150 for special equipment and $3/mile beyond 20 miles) and storage of $25/day outdoors or $35/day indoors. Cities such as Milwaukee and Madison may add their own rules, and a municipal service fee up to $35 may apply.
What are the winter parking rules in Wisconsin?
Many WI cities have alternate-side parking rules and snow emergency declarations that can result in towing. Monitor your city website and local news during winter months.
How do I file a towing complaint in Wisconsin?
Contact the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection (DATCP) to file a complaint. You can also contact your local consumer protection office.

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