Minnesota features a network of 204 towing companies across 123 cities, providing assistance from the Twin Cities to the North Woods. Minneapolis leads the state with 13 listings, followed by Brainerd, St. Paul, St. Cloud, and Park Rapids. The state's 4.4-star average rating reflects high service standards along major corridors like I-35 and I-94. Approximately 38% of providers offer 24/7 emergency support, which is necessary given the extreme winter conditions and heavy traffic in the metro area. From heavy-duty recovery near Lake Superior to roadside assistance in the rural central plains, these professionals manage diverse terrains. Minnesota's unique geography, blending dense urban centers with vast wilderness, requires specialized equipment and quick response times during the unpredictable seasonal shifts that define the Land of 10,000 Lakes.

Towing Regulations in Minnesota

REGULATORY AUTHORITY

Minnesota Department of Public Safety and Minnesota Department of Transportation

Drivers must clear nonconsensual tows from private property within 24 hours of receiving a formal request from the owner.
Tow operators must notify local law enforcement within 30 minutes of removing a vehicle from private property without owner consent.
Maximum storage rates are not capped statewide but must be reasonable and publicly posted at every impound facility.
Tower lien laws allow companies to hold vehicles until all towing and storage fees are paid in full by the owner.
Vehicles abandoned on public highways for over 48 hours are subject to immediate impoundment by authorized Minnesota law enforcement agencies.

Move-Over Law: Minnesota Statute 169.18 requires drivers to move to the farthest lane from stopped emergency vehicles with flashing lights. Violations result in a fine exceeding $100 plus court costs.

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ROAD CONDITIONS

Road Hazards in Minnesota

SnowstormsHigh

Minnesota winters bring heavy snowfall that traps vehicles on I-94 and I-35. Tow operators frequently perform winch-outs for cars stuck in deep drifts or ditches during blizzard conditions, especially in rural areas near Brainerd and St. Cloud.

Black IceHigh

Rapid temperature drops create invisible ice patches on bridges and overpasses throughout the Twin Cities metro. These hazards cause sudden multi-vehicle pileups, requiring rapid emergency towing response to clear lanes and prevent further collisions on slippery surfaces.

Wildlife CollisionsMedium

Deer are a constant hazard on rural highways and suburban roads, particularly during autumn. Significant front-end damage often requires flatbed towing from sites like Highway 10 or the North Shore to specialized repair shops in Duluth.

Construction ZonesMedium

Summer roadwork on major arteries like I-494 creates narrow lanes and sudden stops. Breakdowns in these restricted zones cause immediate gridlock, necessitating quick-clearance towing services to maintain traffic flow and ensure the safety of highway workers.

Average Local Tow Cost

$85 – $145

$50$300

Winter weather increases demand and operational risks, often resulting in seasonal surcharges during active blizzards or extreme cold.

Remote locations in Northern Minnesota near Park Rapids involve longer travel distances, significantly increasing the total mileage-based service fee.

After-hours requests between 10 PM and 6 AM typically incur premium labor rates compared to standard daytime service calls.

Urban congestion in Minneapolis or St. Paul can raise costs due to time-intensive navigation through heavy traffic and limited parking.

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COST GUIDE

Towing Costs in Minnesota

Local Tow

$85 – $150

Long Distance (per mile)

$4.50 – $8.00

Heavy Duty Towing

$250 – $550

Roadside Assistance (Jump/Tire)

$65 – $115

Motorcycle Towing

$95 – $160

Winch-Out/Recovery

$125 – $300

Lockout Service

$60 – $110

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HELPFUL RESOURCES

Towing Guides & Resources

How Much Does Towing Cost? Complete 2026 Breakdown

Average rates, per-mile pricing, and how to avoid overpaying.

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Types of Tow Trucks: Flatbed, Wheel-Lift & More

Which tow truck type is right for your vehicle and situation.

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Car Got Towed? Step-by-Step Guide to Getting It Back

What to do immediately, who to call, and how to minimize fees.

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Best Roadside Assistance Programs Compared

AAA vs. insurance vs. manufacturer programs — which is worth it.

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Towing Fees Breakdown: What You're Really Paying For

Hookup fees, mileage charges, after-hours surcharges explained.

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Towing Capacity Guide: What Your Truck Can Really Pull

How to find your tow rating and stay safely within limits.

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COMMON QUESTIONS

FAQs About Towing in Minnesota

A standard local tow in Minnesota typically ranges from $85 to $135 for the hookup fee. Additional mileage charges usually apply after the first five to ten miles, often ranging between $4 and $7 per mile. In urban areas like Minneapolis, prices might be higher due to traffic and demand. Always request a clear breakdown of labor, hookup, and mileage fees before the service begins to avoid surprises.

Minnesota Statute 169.18, known as the Ted Foss Move Over Law, requires drivers to move to the lane farthest away from a stopped tow truck with flashing lights. If you cannot safely move over, you must reduce your speed significantly. This law protects operators working on dangerous shoulders. Violating this statute can lead to fines over $100, plus various court fees and potential insurance rate hikes.

Yes, vehicles can be removed from private property in Minnesota if there is clearly posted signage stating the parking restrictions. If no sign exists, the property owner must generally wait 24 hours or follow specific local ordinances before initiating a tow. Once towed, the operator must notify the local police department within 30 minutes to ensure the owner can locate their vehicle through official channels.

If your car was towed in Minneapolis or St. Paul, first check the city's online impound search tool or contact the local police non-emergency line. You will need your license plate number or VIN. Most impound lots require proof of insurance, a valid driver's license, and payment of all outstanding fees in cash or credit before releasing the vehicle back to the owner.

Minnesota does not have a statewide cap on maximum towing fees for most private services. Instead, rates are generally determined by market competition or specific municipal ordinances in cities like St. Cloud or Duluth. However, the law requires that all fees must be reasonable. Towing companies must provide an itemized receipt and have their current rate schedule available for public inspection at their primary office location.

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FULL DIRECTORY