Wayne County towing companies must register with Michigan State Police under MCL §257.252g and follow non-consensual towing rate caps. Detroit and surrounding cities maintain rotation lists; predatory towing complaints have driven additional disclosure rules and impound release requirements.
Michigan's Vehicle Code MCL §257.252g requires tow operators to register annually with Michigan State Police, carry $300,000 minimum liability insurance, and post rates conspicuously at storage facilities. Wayne County cities operate police rotation lists for accident and abandonment tows; non-rotation companies cannot tow from public roadways without owner consent. Detroit's 2018 reforms cap non-consensual tow fees at $295 plus storage. Vehicle owners must be allowed to retrieve personal items even if tow fees are unpaid. Notification to lienholders within 7 days is mandatory before lien sale proceedings begin.
Unauthorized towing or rate gouging is a state misdemeanor with fines up to $500 per incident plus loss of MSP registration and rotation list privileges.
See how Dearborn's towing companies rules stack up against other locations.
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