Skip to main content Skip to office menu Skip to footer
Capital IconMinnesota Legislature

Office of the Revisor of Statutes

169A.42 VEHICLE IMPOUNDMENT UNDER ORDINANCE; REDEMPTION.
    Subdivision 1. Definition. As used in this section, "impoundment" means the removal of a
motor vehicle to a storage facility or impound lot as authorized by a local ordinance.
    Subd. 2. Redemption; prerequisites. If a motor vehicle is impounded by a peace officer
following the arrest or taking into custody of a driver for a violation of section 169A.20 (driving
while impaired), or an ordinance in conformity with it, the impounded vehicle must only be
released from impoundment:
(1) to the registered owner, a person authorized by the registered owner, a lienholder of
record, or a person who has purchased the vehicle from the registered owner, who provides proof
of ownership of the vehicle, proof of valid Minnesota driving privileges, and proof of insurance
required by law to cover the vehicle;
(2) if the vehicle is subject to a rental or lease agreement, to a renter or lessee with valid
Minnesota driving privileges who provides a copy of the rental or lease agreement and proof of
insurance required by law to cover the vehicle; or
(3) to an agent of a towing company authorized by a registered owner if the owner provides
proof of ownership of the vehicle and proof of insurance required by law to cover the vehicle.
    Subd. 3. To whom information provided. The proof of ownership and insurance or, if
applicable, the copy of the rental or lease agreement required by subdivision 2 must be provided
to the law enforcement agency impounding the vehicle or to a person or entity designated by the
law enforcement agency to receive the information.
    Subd. 4. Liability for storage costs. No law enforcement agency, local unit of government,
or state agency is responsible or financially liable for any storage fees incurred due to an
impoundment under this section.
History: 2000 c 478 art 1 s 23

Official Publication of the State of Minnesota
Revisor of Statutes