Minnesota lets a property owner have a vehicle towed off private property, but the rules depend on the type of property and whether it is posted. The charge has to be reasonable, and one thing surprises people: the state statute uses the phrase “properly posted” without defining exactly what a sign has to say or where it goes.
Who can authorize a private-property tow
Under Minnesota Statutes 168B.035, the owner of private property can authorize the towing of a vehicle parked there without permission. How quickly depends on the property, and the timelines are in 168B.04. On a single-family or duplex residential property, a car can be removed right away. On posted residential or posted commercial property, right away. On commercial property that is not posted, the wait is 24 hours. A repair facility has its own rule: five business days after certified-mail notice to the owner.
What “reasonable fee” means
The statute says the towing charge “must be reasonable for the type of vehicle removed and the circumstances surrounding its removal.” There is no single statewide dollar cap beyond that standard. In practice, ask the towing company for an itemized total, and know that “reasonable” is tied to the actual job, not to whatever number the lot wants that day.
What the statute says about signs
Minnesota’s law uses “properly posted” but does not spell out the sign size, wording, height, or number in the statute itself. Local ordinances in some cities fill that gap with their own posting standards. So if a sign question is central to your situation, the answer often lives in the city ordinance, not the state statute. Do not assume a specific statewide sign rule exists, because it does not.
After the tow
Once a car is towed from private property, the towing company has to be able to tell you where it is and what you owe. You have the right to get your car and, separately, to dispute a charge you believe is not reasonable. Keep any photos, the location, and the itemized bill.
Where this brand fits
Quick Tow Minneapolis is a referral service. For a property manager or HOA, we take the call and match you with an independent operator who does private-property work under Minnesota law. We are not the tow company and we hold no license, because Minnesota has no statewide tow-operator license to hold.
Frequently asked questions
Does Minnesota require a sign before a private-property tow? The statute requires proper posting for some property types but does not define the sign itself. Local ordinances may set the specifics, so check the city’s rules.
How fast can a car be towed from a private lot? It depends on the property. Single-family and duplex residential and posted properties can be towed right away; unposted commercial property has a 24-hour wait; a repair shop is five business days after certified notice.
Is there a price cap on a private-property tow? Not a fixed statewide number. The fee has to be reasonable for the vehicle and the circumstances. Ask for an itemized total.
Can I dispute the charge? Yes. Keep the itemized bill and any evidence, and you can challenge a fee you believe is unreasonable.