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HF1574 (Legislative Session 94 (2025-2026))

Requirements governing towing authority modified.

AI Generated Summary

This bill, H.F. No. 1574, introduced in the Minnesota House of Representatives by Representative Frazier, proposes modifications to state laws regarding towing authority for motor vehicles.

Key Provisions:

  1. Definition of "Properly Posted" (Sec. 1, Subd. 11a)

    • A property must have clear, conspicuous signage indicating that unauthorized vehicles may be towed.
    • The sign must not be obstructed by snow or other obstacles.
    • The signage must specify the conditions under which a vehicle is considered unauthorized.
    • The towing company and location where the towed vehicle will be taken must be identified.

  2. Clarifying Private Property Towing Authority (Sec. 2, Subd. 5)

    • Updates language to affirm that private property owners have the authority to arrange for towing unauthorized vehicles as per state law.

  3. Timeframes for Vehicle Impoundment (Sec. 3, Subd. 2)

    • Details different time limits based on where the vehicle is parked:
      • Public property:
      • On a highway and tagged by a peace officer: 4 hours.
      • Creating a hazard: Immediate removal.
      • Government-owned parking facilities (properly posted): 4 hours.
      • Private property:
      • Single-family or duplex residential property: Immediate removal.
      • Properly posted nonresidential private property: Immediate removal.
      • Unposted nonresidential private property: 24 hours.
      • Auto repair or service facilities: 5 business days after notifying the owner.
      • Any properly posted residential property: Immediate removal.

  4. New Restrictions on Private Towing Authorization (Sec. 4, Subd. 3)

    • A towing company may only remove a vehicle from private property if:
      • The property owner or designee specifically authorizes the tow.
      • The authorization includes identifying details of the vehicle (make, model, and license plate number).

Purpose:

  • Establishes clear guidelines for property owners, towing companies, and law enforcement regarding towing authority.
  • Ensures proper notice is given before towing a vehicle.
  • Helps prevent predatory towing practices.

This bill is currently referred to the Committee on Transportation Finance and Policy for further review.

Bill text versions

Actions

DateChamberWhereTypeNameCommittee Name
February 25, 2025HouseFloorActionIntroduction and first reading, referred toTransportation Finance and Policy
February 25, 2025HouseFloorActionIntroduction and first reading, referred toTransportation Finance and Policy
March 04, 2025HouseFloorActionAuthor added

Citations

 
[
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [
        ""
      ],
      "removed": [
        ""
      ],
      "summary": "This legislation modifies the authority related to the towing of unauthorized vehicles on private property.",
      "modified": [
        "Clarifies procedures under which a property owner can arrange for the towing of an unauthorized vehicle."
      ]
    },
    "citation": "168B.035",
    "subdivision": "subdivision 5"
  },
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [
        ""
      ],
      "removed": [
        ""
      ],
      "summary": "The changes relate to the impoundment of unauthorized vehicles by government units and peace officers.",
      "modified": [
        "Provides additional details on timeframes for vehicle impoundment based on location and circumstance."
      ]
    },
    "citation": "168B.04",
    "subdivision": "subdivision 2"
  }
]

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