It depends on whose property the car is on. On a public street, only a towing authority (police or a company the local authority authorizes) can order a tow — so you call the non-emergency police line. On your own private property, including a residential driveway, the property owner may authorize a licensed tower to remove a vehicle parked without permission. Under Minn. Stat. 168B.035, a tower may not pull a vehicle off private property except at the request of the property owner/agent or the vehicle's owner/operator.
A car blocking your driveway from the public street
If a vehicle is parked on the public street in a way that blocks your driveway, the car is on public right-of-way — not your property. You generally cannot hire a tower to take it yourself. Instead, contact your city's non-emergency police line; a towing authority (a local authority authorized to enforce traffic laws, an authorized employee of MnDOT's freeway service patrol, or a private company authorized by the local authority) can order it removed.
A car parked on your private property
When a vehicle is parked on private property without permission — your driveway, your lot, your assigned space — Minnesota law treats it differently. Minn. Stat. 168B.035 does not restrict the authority of a private property owner to authorize the towing of a motor vehicle unlawfully parked on that property. In practice that means you (the property owner or your agent) authorize a licensed towing company, and the company removes it at your request.
No tower may remove a vehicle from private property except at the request of the vehicle's owner or operator, or the owner or agent of the property. A company cannot patrol a lot and tow at will without that authorization.
Notice requirements on nonresidential property
For private, nonresidential property (for example, a business lot), the owner or agent is authorized to remove an unauthorized vehicle after giving five days' notice by certified mail to the registered owner. That notice must identify the vehicle's registration plate number, vehicle identification number (VIN), and make, model, and color. Posted signage and local ordinances can add their own requirements, so confirm the rules for your specific property and city.
Your rights if you were wrongfully towed
If your vehicle is towed in violation of these laws, Minnesota gives you a remedy. The owner or driver may recover from the towing authority the greater of $100 or two times the actual damages sustained — including the costs of recovering the vehicle, time spent, and transportation costs.
- Document everything — photos of where the car was, signage (or lack of it), and the condition of the vehicle.
- Get the paperwork — who authorized the tow, the company, and an itemized invoice.
- Know the impound clock — storage fees accrue daily, so reclaim promptly even while you dispute charges.
This page is general information about Minnesota towing rules, not legal advice. Statutes and local ordinances change and the details of your situation matter — see Minn. Stat. Ch. 168B or consult an attorney for guidance on a specific case.
Need a vehicle removed from your property?
As the property owner you can authorize a licensed tow — call dispatch and we'll handle it correctly.
Call (651) 465-8009Frequently asked questions
Is it legal to tow a car blocking my driveway in Minnesota?
On a public street, only a towing authority (via the non-emergency police line) can order it. On your own private property, you as the owner may authorize a licensed tower — Minn. Stat. 168B.035 doesn't restrict that authority.
Can a company tow from private property without permission?
No — a tower may remove a vehicle from private property only at the request of the property owner/agent or the vehicle's owner/operator.
What notice is required on a business lot?
For private nonresidential property, the owner may remove an unauthorized vehicle after five days' certified-mail notice identifying the plate, VIN, and make/model/color.
What if I was towed illegally?
You may recover the greater of $100 or two times your actual damages, including recovery, time, and transportation costs.
Source
Based on Minnesota Statutes § 168B.035 and Chapter 168B. Provided for general information only; verify current statute and local ordinances for your situation.