Towed in Minnesota? Three answers, fast.
Free, no account, built on each city's own published fees and Minnesota law. No towing company pays to be here.
What will it cost to get my car back?
The city's own published tow and storage fees, itemized, with the source and its date on every number.
My medicine, car seat, or wallet is in the car.
Minnesota law lets you get certain things out of an impounded car even before you pay. Step by step.
Was my tow even legal?
Five quick questions against Minnesota's towing statutes. An honest read: proper, questionable, or possibly against the rules.
Was this tow after an accident?
If your car was towed from a crash scene, the tow bill is usually the smallest part of the picture. Were you injured, or hit by someone? A crash tow usually means an insurance claim and sometimes a legal claim. You can send the basics to Dan Swenson, the Minnesota attorney who built this site, for a free look.
Towed after a crash: start hereFree, no obligation. Attorney advertising.
Cities covered so far
We publish a city's tow data only when we can cite the city's own published schedule, with its date. More cities are being added through Minnesota Data Practices Act requests to city clerks.
Watch out for the tow-lot hustle
Patrol trucks that hook cars minutes after you park, fees invented at the window, "runners" who show up at crash scenes pushing a tow or a clinic. Some of it is illegal, all of it costs you money. Know the warning signs.
Frequently asked questions
- How do I find out where my car was towed in Minneapolis or St. Paul?
- Minneapolis: search by plate or VIN on the city's impound lot vehicle search, or call 612-673-5777. The city lot is at 50 Van White Memorial Blvd. St. Paul: call the police impound lot at 651-266-5642. The year-round lot is at 830 Barge Channel Road; snow emergency tows from October 15 to April 15 go to 1129 Cathlin Street.
- How much does it cost to get a towed car back?
- Each city sets its own impound fees. Minneapolis publishes a $222 standard tow plus $18 per day of storage (city page, updated January 16, 2026). St. Paul publishes a $225.24 standard tow plus $15 per additional day, more for snow emergency tows. Storage is charged by the calendar day at midnight, so picking the car up today instead of tomorrow saves money.
- Can I get my medicine or wallet out of the car before I pay?
- Yes. Minnesota law requires every impound lot to let the registered owner retrieve proof of identification, prescription medicine, and durable medical equipment from the vehicle, and lots must have reasonable procedures for retrieving other contents. If you receive need-based government benefits, are homeless, or qualify for legal aid, you have the right to retrieve all your belongings free of charge.
- Do I have to pay the impound fees if my car was stolen or towed after a crash?
- Usually yes, at least up front: cities assess towing and storage fees on every towed vehicle, including stolen and crash-towed cars. After a crash, the tow and storage bill is often part of the insurance claim, which is one reason it is worth knowing your claim options before the storage fees pile up.