Report Change
Towing Laws in Michigan
Report Card

D+

5

Strong Protections

0

Weak Protections

10

Missing Protections

Overall, Michigan ranks 34th out of 51 states and districts in the United States, in terms of consumer protection towing practices.

Predatory towing is a nationwide issue, where profit-seeking property owners and towing companies tow cars without the owner's consent. Protections are crucial to prevent individuals from being taken advantage of. We've identified key safeguards and evaluated their implementation in Michigan. Based on our criteria, Michigan receives a grade of D+.

If you believe that you have been towed illegaly contact a local attorney or your attorney general. To sum up all the laws that we have reviewed check out our overview. If you are intersted to read more go to the Michigan legislatures laws on towing Michigan's Towing Laws. See what steps to take when you have been towed.

Michigan has no laws regarding this issue. In locations where legislation is missing, there may be no explicit requirements for clear tow-away signs in private parking areas. Property owners might have more flexibility in establishing their towing policies without a standardized framework, potentially leading to confusion for vehicle owners unaware of the rules in place.

Michigan has no laws regarding this issue. In locations where legislation is missing, there may be no explicit requirement for taking a picture of the parked vehicle before towing. Without a standardized framework, towing companies might have varying practices, and the absence of photographic documentation could contribute to disputes and challenges in verifying the circumstances surrounding the tow.

Michigan has no laws regarding this issue. In areas with missing or insufficient legislation on non-consensual towing, there may be no specific regulations outlining a maximum towing rate. The absence of clear guidelines can create an environment where towing companies have the discretion to set their own rates without standardized limitations. Establishing comprehensive legislation becomes crucial to define clear and reasonable maximum towing rates, ensuring fairness and transparency for vehicle owners subjected to non-consensual towing.

icon
icon Michigan has strong laws regarding this issue. In regions with strong legislation on non-consensual towing, a well-defined and strictly enforced maximum towing rate is typically in place. Rigorous regulations prioritize consumer protection by ensuring towing companies adhere to fair and reasonable pricing structures, thereby preventing excessive charges and safeguarding vehicle owners from financial exploitation. As a note, the total bill can't exceed $1,000.

Michigan has no laws regarding this issue. In areas with missing or insufficient legislation on non-consensual towing, there may be no specific regulations outlining conditions for vehicle retrieval. The absence of clear guidelines can create an environment where towing companies have the discretion to set their own policies, potentially leading to challenging and unfavorable conditions for vehicle owners attempting to reclaim their towed vehicles. Establishing comprehensive legislation becomes crucial to define consumer-friendly conditions for the retrieval of towed vehicles in non-consensual towing situations.

Michigan has no laws regarding this issue. In areas with missing or insufficient legislation on non-consensual towing, there may be no specific regulations outlining the required documentation for impoundment. The absence of clear guidelines can create an environment where towing companies have the discretion to set their own documentation standards, potentially leading to challenges for vehicle owners trying to obtain essential information about the impoundment process. Establishing comprehensive legislation becomes crucial to define standardized documentation requirements for impoundment in non-consensual towing situations.

icon
icon Michigan has strong laws regarding this issue. In regions with strong legislation on non-consensual towing, towing companies are usually required to issue prompt and clear notifications to vehicle owners following impoundment. Stringent regulations may outline the necessary content, format, and delivery methods for these notifications, guaranteeing that owners receive timely and comprehensive information about the impoundment of their vehicles. This emphasis on providing clear notifications prioritizes consumer rights and fosters fair and transparent practices within the towing industry. As a note, the vehicle will be released for a drop fee.

Michigan has no laws regarding this issue. In areas with missing or insufficient legislation on towing practices, there may be no specific provisions outlining the legality or restrictions on towing companies patrolling or scanning private property for illegally parked cars. The absence of clear regulations can create an environment where towing companies have the discretion to patrol private property without standardized guidelines, leading to potential disputes and concerns about fairness and transparency. Establishing comprehensive legislation becomes crucial to define the parameters of towing practices on private property and protect the rights of both property owners and vehicle owners.

Michigan has no laws regarding this issue. In areas with missing or insufficient legislation on towing practices, there may be no specific prohibitions or regulations addressing tow companies paying property owners kickbacks for towed vehicles. The absence of clear rules creates a potential loophole that towing companies could exploit. Efforts to establish comprehensive legislation become crucial in preventing abuses of power and maintaining the integrity of the towing industry, including addressing any financial incentives that may compromise fair towing practices.

icon
icon Michigan has strong laws regarding this issue. In regions with strong legislation on towing practices, towing companies are typically required to notify multiple parties when towing occurs. Robust regulations often mandate that the local law enforcement agency, the vehicle owner, and in some cases, the property owner or manager, be promptly notified after a vehicle is towed. Strong legislation aims to ensure transparency and accountability in the towing process, allowing affected parties to be informed promptly and reducing the likelihood of disputes. These laws often prescribe specific procedures for notification, including the provision of detailed information about the tow, location, and steps for vehicle retrieval. As a note, the towing company must specifically notify the vehicle owner and law enforcement.

icon
icon Michigan has strong laws regarding this issue. In regions with strong legislation on towing practices, towing companies are typically required to allow owners access to their personal items in a towed vehicle. Robust regulations prioritize the protection of consumer rights, and strong legislation often includes provisions specifying that vehicle owners have the right to retrieve their personal belongings from the towed vehicle without undue hindrance. These laws may mandate that towing companies provide reasonable access to personal items within a certain timeframe, promoting fairness and minimizing inconvenience for the vehicle owner. As a note, owners can get all items at no charge during first visit; $25 per visit thereafter.

Michigan has no laws regarding this issue. In areas with missing or insufficient legislation on towing practices, there may be no specific regulations governing non-consensual towing fees. The absence of clear rules can create a situation where towing companies have the discretion to set fees without standardized limits or consumer protections. Establishing comprehensive legislation becomes crucial to address potential abuses and ensure fair and transparent fee structures for non-consensual towing services.

Michigan has no laws regarding this issue. In areas with missing or insufficient legislation on towing practices, there may be no specific requirements for tow truck licensing and certification. The absence of clear rules can create an environment where tow truck operators may not be held to standardized standards of training and qualification. Efforts to establish comprehensive legislation become crucial to ensure that tow truck operators are adequately trained, certified, and held accountable for maintaining high standards of professionalism and safety.

icon
icon Michigan has strong laws regarding this issue. In regions with strong legislation on towing practices, tow truck operators are typically required to maintain insurance coverage. Robust regulations establish clear standards for insurance types and coverage limits, ensuring that tow truck operators carry adequate insurance to protect the interests of consumers and third parties. Strong legislation may mandate liability insurance, cargo insurance, and other relevant coverage to mitigate financial risks in the event of accidents, property damage, or injuries. These requirements aim to protect the public and uphold the financial responsibility of tow truck operators. As a note, the owner is entitled to reimbursement and damages.

Michigan has no laws regarding this issue. In areas with missing or insufficient legislation on towing practices, there may be no specific provisions outlining the tow company's responsibility to reimburse owners for damages. The absence of clear regulations can create an environment where vehicle owners have limited recourse for compensation. Establishing comprehensive legislation becomes crucial to define clear guidelines for reimbursement and ensure that towing companies are held accountable for damages incurred during the towing or storage process.

Be sure to contact a local attorney or your attorney general if you beleive that you have been a victim of illegal towing. If you are confused on what these protections mean, look at our explanations to help yourself out. If you are intersted to read more go to the Michigan legislatures laws on towing Michigan's Towing Laws. See what steps to take when you have been towed.

Top Ranked States

Missouri | New Mexico | California | Maryland |

Nearby States

Illinois | Indiana | Iowa | Ohio | Wisconsin |