The impound lot tows and collects vehicles for a number of reasons:

• illegally parking or blocking traffic
• by police orders (e.g. it's in an accident, stolen, or involved in a crime)
• violating snow emergency rules
• blocking street sweeping, seal coating, or street maintenance
• if it's abandoned
• if it poses a danger to public safety

To avoid being towed, be sure to read parking signs, adhere to parking meter rates and restrictions, and follow the rules for parking in a snow emergency.

However, if your vehicle does get towed, here is some helpful information:

Required information to release vehicle:

Vehicle can be released to registered owner or a relative with the same last name. In addition to paying fees, you will need proof of insurance in your name, current registration, title, or lease agreement, License Plate Number or Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) and Picture ID, such as a Driver's License or Minnesota ID Card. A licensed driver is required to drive the vehicle from the lot. Otherwise, you may arrange to have the vehicle towed from the lot. The impound lot also charge fees, so be prepared to pay them when you get your vehicle out.

A person who is not the registered owner may pick up the vehicle, or remove property from the vehicle, if they have a notarized statement from the registered owner that includes:

•  The name of the authorized person
• A photo copy of the registered owner’s ID or Driver’s License.
• License Plate Number or Vehicle Identification Number (VIN).
• Make and year of the vehicle.

The authorization should be faxed to the Impound Lot at 612-370-397

To release a rental vehicle, a person must present the rental agreement and the matching ID or Driver’s License on the agreement. In some cases, the rental company must be notified by the renter and vehicle will only be released with a faxed authorization letter from the rental company naming who can pick up the vehicle.

If there are 5 or more unpaid parking violations, the owner of the vehicle must clear all fines with the Violations Bureau and show a receipt at the Impound Lot before vehicle can be released. If the vehicle was involved in a crime it must be cleared of any police holds. Call 612-673-5777 for details on clearing police holds.

Impound Lot Fees
Standard Tow Charge: $138.00
Daily Storage Rate: $18.00 per day (Assessed at Midnight)
Heavy Duty Tow: $175.00 plus Winch Time @ $45.00 per half hour
Notification Letter: $6.00