“Having your car towed without your knowledge is not only disruptive, it’s expensive and creates all kinds of additional problems – financial and logistical. That’s why it’s important Michiganders know their rights,” Nessel said in the release.

Vehicles are typically towed following instructions from police, private property owners or the vehicle's owner.

In the case of private property owners directing the towing of a vehicle, the Michigan Vehicle Code says the towing company must alert local law enforcement before the vehicle's removal.

Within a 24-hour window, police must determine if the vehicle has been reported stolen, add it to a database of abandoned vehicles and alert the Secretary of State, which in turn alerts the owner to information about the towing.

Owners can locate their vehicle by entering the vehicle’s identification number (VIN) or license plate number on the Secretary of State’s Michigan Abandoned Vehicle Search. They can also call the Abandoned Vehicle Help Desk at 517-636-5234.

What happens after a notice is issued for a towed vehicle

The vehicle owner has 20 days to redeem the vehicle or file for a petition for a court hearing to fight unlawful towing after the Secretary of State issues a notice, according to the Michigan Vehicle Code. However, after 10 days the secured party — usually a lending institution — may redeem the vehicle by paying the towing, storage and abandoned vehicle fees. The abandoned vehicle fee is $40.

If the vehicle owner or the secured party do not redeem the vehicle or petition for a hearing within 20 days of receiving the notice from the Secretary of State, all rights to the vehicle are lost and it may be sold at public auction.

How to challenge the towing of a vehicle or file a complaint

According to the consumer alert, Michigan residents can ask police to verify towing and storage fees. These fees are typically set by local law enforcement and towing companies. Auto insurance can sometimes cover these fees.

To file a petition to request a hearing for an unlawfully towed vehicle, Michigan residents can fill out a Petition Regarding Impoundment of Motor Vehicle form.

To file a complaint concerning towing, Michigan residents can contact the Michigan Attorney General’s Consumer Protection Division by phone, through an online form or by mail.

Consumer Protection Division
P.O. Box 30213
Lansing, MI 48909

Phone: 517-335-7599
Fax: 517-241-3771
Toll-free: 877-765-8388