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Your rights after a tow in Minnesota

Minnesota law sets rules for towing from private property, such as apartment complexes and store lots. Counties and cities set the maximum rates. Here is what the law says, in plain English.

Pick your city

Tow-away signs

On private nonresidential property (stores, offices, business lots) and on residential property other than single-family or duplex, a car can be towed right away only if the property is properly posted. On nonresidential property that is not posted, the car must sit unattended for 24 hours first. Minn. Stat. 168B.04, subd. 2(b)(2) (opens in a new tab)
On single-family or duplex residential property a car left without permission can be towed immediately, with no sign required. A lot run by a vehicle repair or service shop must give the owner 5 business days' notice by certified mail before removing a car. Minn. Stat. 168B.04, subd. 2(b)(2)(i), (iv) (opens in a new tab)
The statute says "properly posted" but, in the sections reviewed, does not spell out sign size, wording, or placement. Check your city's rules and photograph the signs (or lack of them) at the lot right away. Minn. Stat. 168B.04, subd. 2; 168B.09, subd. 2 (opens in a new tab)

Finding and getting your car

Within 5 days (not counting weekends and holidays) of the tow, the tow company or impound lot must send a written notice to the registered owner and any lienholder. It must say where and when the car was taken, where it is held, and your right to reclaim it. If the owner cannot be identified, notice goes in a newspaper. Minn. Stat. 168B.06, subd. 1-2 (opens in a new tab)
If a car towed as an unauthorized vehicle is still unclaimed 30 days after the first notice was sent, a second notice must go out by certified mail. Minn. Stat. 168B.06, subd. 3 (opens in a new tab)
You (or a lienholder) may get the car back by paying the towing and storage charges within the 15 or 45 day period that starts at the date of the notice. If you do not, you give up your rights in the car. Minn. Stat. 168B.07, subd. 1, 4 (opens in a new tab)

When your car can be sold

For most private-property tows, the car can be sold or disposed of 45 days after notice, or earlier if you sign over the title. In Minneapolis and St. Paul it can be sold 15 days after certified-mail notice, but that stretches to 45 days if you deliver a written statement that you intend to reclaim it. Minn. Stat. 168B.051, subd. 1a, 2 (opens in a new tab)
A private (nonpublic) impound lot that sells your car may keep the sale proceeds. Unclaimed personal belongings in the car can be sold too, except suspected contraband, which goes to police. Minn. Stat. 168B.08, subd. 4 (opens in a new tab)
If the sale does not cover the bill, a private impound lot can bill you for the shortfall. Its storage claim is capped at 25 days of storage in the 15-day cases and 55 days in the 45-day cases. Minn. Stat. 168B.087, subd. 1 (opens in a new tab)

Your belongings

If you are homeless, receive need-based benefits, or qualify for legal aid, you can take everything out of the car free of charge before the sale waiting periods end. Bring photo ID and paperwork from a government, nonprofit, or legal aid office. This applies even if you do not pay or reclaim the car. Minn. Stat. 168B.07, subd. 3(c) (opens in a new tab)
Any registered owner may retrieve proof of identification, prescription medicine, and durable medical equipment such as wheelchairs, walkers, or prosthetics from an impounded car. Minn. Stat. 168B.07, subd. 3a (opens in a new tab)
If a lot refuses to release belongings after you give the proper papers, it must give you the specific reasons in writing and must post a notice of this right. If it sells the contents anyway, you can sue for $1,000 plus attorney fees within 12 months of the impound. Minn. Stat. 168B.07, subd. 3b-3d (opens in a new tab)

Charges and local rules

In the Minnesota chapter reviewed, there is no statewide maximum for private-property towing. Cities may regulate towing, but their rules may not be less strict than the state chapter. Minneapolis licenses private-property towers and publishes maximum rates. Minn. Stat. 168B.09, subd. 2 (opens in a new tab)
State law does not set release hours or a time limit for handing the car back in the sections reviewed. Ask the lot for its hours and fees in writing, and keep every receipt. Minn. Stat. ch. 168B (opens in a new tab)

Disputing a tow

The chapter reviewed gives no special hearing or bond procedure for private-property tows. The usual route is to pay to reclaim the car, then bring a claim in conciliation (small claims) court. Minn. Stat. 168B.07; 491A.01 (opens in a new tab)
If you paid by credit card, you can dispute the charge with your card issuer. For billing errors, your written dispute generally must reach the issuer within 60 days of the first bill showing the charge. Whether a tow charge qualifies is up to the issuer. Fair Credit Billing Act (FTC guidance) (opens in a new tab)

Where to complain

Minnesota Attorney General, Consumer Action Division. Informally mediates consumer disputes with businesses but cannot sue for individuals or force a company to cooperate. Twin Cities (651) 296-3353; elsewhere (800) 657-3787. File a complaint (opens in a new tab)
City business licensing office (Minneapolis). Minneapolis licenses companies that tow from private property; a complaint about a licensed tower can be raised with Licenses and Consumer Services at 612-673-2080. File a complaint (opens in a new tab)

Minnesota conciliation (small claims) court hears most money claims up to $20,000. It can be used to challenge a wrongful tow or overcharge.

Check your tow

Sources

Last checked 2026-10-17. These are the laws and official pages this page is based on.