Towed From A Private Lot
Minn. Stat. 168B.04 — immediately if posted, 24 hours if not, and some contents out free
In Minnesota, a vehicle left unattended on private property may be impounded after the period the section sets for that kind of property.
- Single-family or duplex residential property: immediately.
- Private nonresidential property, properly posted: immediately.
- Private nonresidential property, not posted: 24 hours.
- Any residential property, properly posted: immediately.
- A vehicle repair or service business's property: five business days after notifying the vehicle owner by certified mail.
Identification and medicine come out regardless. An impound lot operator allows any registered owner to retrieve, or retrieves for the owner, proof of identification, prescription medicine, and durable medical equipment such as wheelchairs, prosthetics, canes, crutches, walkers and external braces.
Contents free, for some owners. A registered owner who shows photographic identification and documentation that they are homeless, receive relief based on need, or are eligible for legal aid services has the unencumbered right to retrieve all contents without charge, whether or not the charges are paid or the vehicle is reclaimed. Contents do not include permanently affixed parts or accessories.
If that is refused. A nonpublic impound lot operator who denies such a request gives a written statement of the specific reasons at the time. If the contents are sold or disposed of after the documentation was provided, the owner is entitled to $1,000 in statutory damages plus reasonable attorney fees and costs, in an action brought within 12 months of the impound.
| The assumption | What the law actually does |
|---|---|
| The assumptionEverything in the car stays until the bill is paid | What the law actually doesIdentification, prescription medicine and medical equipment come out regardless |
| The assumptionAn unposted business lot can tow at once | What the law actually doesUnposted private nonresidential property waits 24 hours |
Local ordinances, fee schedules and police ordered impounds are not all on this page. Whether a particular tow was lawful is a question for a licensed Minnesota attorney.
Sources for this section (2)
- Minn. Stat. 168B.04 — Authority to impound vehicles
- Minn. Stat. 168B.07 — Right to reclaim
Legal information, not legal advice. Verified as of September 2026. Applying it to a particular situation is the work of a licensed Minnesota attorney.