Plymouth, MN Business Licensing & Operations: Towing Companies (2026)
Key Facts
- Bond required
- $10,000 surety bond per contract
- Contract term
- up to three years
- Pre-tow release fee cap
- $12.00, includes $5 city fee
- Lienholder notice deadline
- within 15 days of towing
- Enforcing office
- Director of Public Safety
Summary
In the City of Plymouth, only a City-contracted towing contractor may impound vehicles ordered removed by police under City Code § 1310.11. Contractors must sign a contract of no more than three years, post a $10,000 surety bond, and carry defined liability insurance before towing a single City-ordered vehicle.
No person shall act as towing contractor for the City before entering into such a written contract with the City, and filing with the City Clerk a bond in the sum of $10,000.00 which corporate surety, conditioned upon (1) the proper handling and safekeeping of impounded vehicles, accessories, and personal property during the period of impounding prior to delivery thereof to the City and the owner; (2) reimbursement to the City and owners for damage to or loss thereof; (3) to guarantee of payment to the City for fees due the City under the contract; and (4) guaranteeing the performance of said contract. ... When a request has been made by the Police Department for the towing and impounding of a vehicle on account of a parking violation, and when the owner or operator thereof appears before such vehicle is in transit via towing equipment to the impoundment location, the tow truck operator shall release said vehicle to the owner or operator upon the payment of a service fee not to exceed $12.00.
Full Breakdown
11 to clear streets for snow removal, traffic flow, or firefighting. The City Manager solicits proposals from would-be towing contractors, and the City Council awards the work by resolution rather than issuing an open business license. 00 corporate surety bond with the City Clerk, covering safekeeping of impounded vehicles, reimbursement for damage or loss, payment of fees owed the City, and performance of the contract itself. 00 per-vehicle clerical fee billed monthly to the Chief Financial Officer. 00 City clerical charge. Contractors must phone the registered owner immediately, or mail notice by registered mail within 24 hours, and must notify every lienholder by certified mail within 15 days; call logs and notices must be kept for three years.
Vehicles held in connection with a criminal case must be stored in an inside garage. A contractor may not solicit tows, though privately requested tows off City authority are unregulated by this fee schedule. Insurance minimums are $100,000 per-person liability, $300,000 per-accident, $10,000 fire and theft, $25,000 property damage, and $5,000 garagekeepers' coverage.
Violations & Fines
Acting as a towing contractor for the City without the required written contract, bond, and insurance, or charging more than the contract rate or the $12.00 pre-tow release fee, breaches § 1310.11. Because Chapter XX sets the City's default penalty, a violation is a misdemeanor punishable by a fine of up to $700.00 and up to 90 days in jail, with each day of noncompliance a separate offense.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can any tow company tow a car for the City of Plymouth?
How much can I be charged if I show up before my car is towed away?
How will I find out my car was towed in Plymouth?
Where are impounded vehicles stored?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Plymouth
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