Green Bay, WI Business Licensing & Operations: Towing Companies (2026)
Key Facts
- Grounds for tow
- Emergency or private-property violation
- Notice required
- Owner told of location, retrieval
- Release condition
- Pay towing and storage fees
- Also requires
- A parking citation issued
Summary
Green Bay lets police order a vehicle towed without the owner's consent for blocking traffic, sitting in a reserved space, or violating a posted sign on private property, under Municipal Code § 40-33.
(c)Towing on private property or parking facility; non-emergency situation. Whenever a motor vehicle is parked on private property or in a parking facility contrary to a sign, in a space reserved for another use or individual, or against the consent of the person in ownership or control over said property, an officer may act under subsection (a) of this section upon verifying the complaint with the owner or person in control.(d)Traffic officer procedures. Whenever an officer chooses to exercise the authority under subsection (a) of this section, the officer:(1)Must issue a parking citation pursuant to Sections 40-28 through 40-32 .(2)Shall, immediately after the towing of said vehicle, or as soon thereafter as is reasonably possible, make a reasonable attempt to inform the registered owner:a.Of the location of the vehicle.b.Of the right to regain possession of the motor vehicle upon payment of the reasonable storage and towing fees.(e)Release of impounded vehicles. Any motor vehicle impounded under this subsection shall be released to the registered owner of such vehicle upon payment of reasonable towing and storage fees. (Code 1984, § 29.207)
Full Breakdown
Under Section 40-33, a traffic officer may order a vehicle towed if it creates an emergency, blocking traffic, sitting in a tow-away zone, a snow emergency zone, or blocking access, or if it's parked on private property or a lot contrary to a posted sign, in a space reserved for someone else, or without the owner's or occupant's consent, once the officer verifies the complaint. The officer must issue a citation and make a reasonable attempt to tell the registered owner where the vehicle was taken and how to reclaim it.
Violations & Fines
An officer must issue a parking citation alongside any non-consent tow; the impounded vehicle is held until the owner pays reasonable towing and storage fees.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a Green Bay property owner have my car towed without asking me first?
How do I get my car back after a non-consent tow in Green Bay?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Green Bay
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