Yes — but where the car is parked changes who acts. If it's on the public street blocking your driveway, call the police non-emergency line and an officer authorizes the tow. If it's on your private property without permission, you arrange a licensed towing company yourself under Minnesota Statute 168B.035. Don't tow a street-parked car on your own.
If the car is on the public street
Blocking a driveway is a parking violation in Minnesota. State traffic law and city ordinances prohibit stopping or parking in front of a driveway — usually within five feet of it. You can't legally tow a vehicle off the public street yourself; that's the city's call. Phone your city's police non-emergency number (not 911 unless it's an emergency), explain that a vehicle is blocking your driveway, and an officer will come out, ticket it, and authorize a tow if needed. In the north metro that's the Roseville, Maplewood, Shoreview or your suburb's police department.
If the car is on your private property
A car parked in your driveway, lot or private space without your permission is different. As the property owner you can have it removed by a licensed towing operator. Minnesota Statute 168B.035 covers private-property towing, including the tow company's duty to notify law enforcement of the tow and to handle owner notification and storage. The key point: the towing company performs the removal and carries the legal responsibility for doing it correctly — you authorize it, you don't hook it up yourself.
| Where it's parked | What to do |
|---|---|
| Public street, blocking your driveway | Call police non-emergency; officer tickets & authorizes the tow |
| Your driveway or private lot, no permission | Call a licensed towing company; you authorize as property owner (168B.035) |
| Apartment/HOA lot with posted rules | The property manager or their contracted towing company handles it |
| Emergency — someone's trapped or it's a hazard | Call 911 |
The right way to do it
Document first: a quick photo showing the vehicle blocking your driveway and its plate protects you if the owner disputes it later. Then make the right call — police for the street, a licensed operator for your property. Using an unlicensed tow, or moving the car yourself, is how a legitimate removal turns into a liability claim against you.
This is general information for Minnesota drivers and property owners. City ordinances and signage rules vary — confirm with your local police department or city before authorizing a private-property tow.
Need a licensed tow in the north metro?
We handle private-property removals the legal way, with the law-enforcement notification Minnesota requires. Tell dispatch the address.
Call (651) 465-8009Frequently asked questions
Who do I call to tow a car blocking my driveway?
On the public street, your city's police non-emergency line. On your own property, a licensed towing company directly.
Can I tow a car off my own property myself?
No — a licensed operator performs the removal under Statute 168B.035. You authorize it as the property owner.
Is blocking a driveway illegal in Minnesota?
Yes — it's a parking violation; parking is prohibited within about five feet of a driveway, and police can ticket and tow.
About this guide
Based on Minnesota Statute 168B.035 (private-property towing) and standard Minnesota traffic and municipal parking rules on blocking driveways. General information only — verify specifics with your city or police department.