Great Lakes Wire

Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel has reissued a consumer alert to inform residents about their rights under Michigan's towing laws. This follows a presentation by Jason Evans, chief of the Corporate Oversight Division at the Michigan Department of Attorney General, to the City of Detroit Board of Police Commissioners Towing Committee. The focus is on educating vehicle owners about protections available to them.

“It’s important Michigan drivers understand their rights when it comes to towing,” Nessel stated. “This alert gives people the information they need to know how to get their vehicles back and challenge unauthorized and unreasonable fees.”

Vehicles can be towed from both public and private properties. On private property, a visible notice must be posted before towing without consent. Once a vehicle is towed, companies are required to report its location to local police within 24 hours for verification against stolen vehicle reports.

If not claimed within 20 days after an accident, vehicles are classified as abandoned. The Secretary of State will notify owners by mail within seven days with details including where the vehicle was taken from, the towing company involved, and instructions on claiming or challenging fees.

Vehicle locations can be checked online via the Secretary of State's Michigan Abandoned Vehicle Search using VIN or license plate numbers. Owners can also contact the Abandoned Vehicle Help Desk at 517-636-5234.

The storage facility must allow owners one free visit for inspection and retrieval of personal items; subsequent visits cannot exceed $25 per time. Proof of ownership may be required.

Owners are responsible for storage fees if a vehicle remains at a facility after being towed due to an accident or other reasons. These fees are usually determined by agreements between police agencies and towing companies.

Challenges regarding improper towing or fee disputes should be addressed promptly in district court. Complaints can also be filed with various authorities including the Department of Attorney General and local police agencies.

For further assistance or complaints, residents may contact:

Consumer Protection Team

P.O. Box 30213

Lansing, MI 48909

517-335-7599

Fax: 517-241-3771

Toll-free: 877-765-8388