7-703 - Towing Procedure – General

The purpose of this policy is to establish procedure related to towing vehicles.

1. Towing requests shall be made to the Auto Desk.

1. Requests shall indicate the location of the vehicle, the license or Vehicle Identification Number (VIN), and the type of tow required.
2. Heavy duty towing shall be ordered if the vehicle to be towed has three or more axles, or a gross weight in excess of 10,000 pounds, or if an officer determines that heavy-duty equipment is necessary.

A "White Tag Tow" means that an officer is waiting at the scene for the tow truck. A White Tag Tow is used when it is necessary to immediately remove a vehicle to safeguard the vehicle and its contents, (i.e. when the vehicle is needed for evidence or when the vehicle is creating a traffic hazard).

1. When using a White Tag Tow, officers shall complete a Vehicle Impound Report "Tow Sheet" (MP 6925) and determine that the VIN and license plate correspond with the registration on file with the Department of Motor Vehicle Registration. A citation may also be issued depending on the reason for towing the vehicle.
2. Prior to removal by the towing service, the vehicle shall be searched according to P&P 7-702 Towing- Inventory Procedure.

A "Red Tag Tow" means that an officer is not waiting for the tow truck.

1. Officers using or requesting a "Red Tag Tow" shall complete a red tag tow report and attach it with the citation(s) issued to each towed vehicle's windshield.
2. When an officer directs a “Red Tag Tow,” no inventory search shall be performed. See Minneapolis City Ordinance 478.1160 (“It shall be the duty of the impound tower or his agent to prepare a written report of the description of the vehicle with an inventory of any personal properties visible therein at the time of the arrival of the tower at the location of the vehicle.”)
3. "Red Tag Tows" are separated into two (2) categories: Immediate and Delayed. (10/25/89)

1. Immediate Red Tag Tows

Immediate "Red Tag Tows" include:

• Rush Hour zones: 7‑9am and 4‑6pm;
• Snow emergency;
• Blocking alley, driveway, traffic lane, or right of way;
• Parked in a bus lane or at a bus stop, during hours when parking is prohibited;
• Blocking fire hydrant;
• Disability zones;
• Temporary no parking, when posted 24 hours in advance;
• Preventing egress by a lawfully parked vehicle;
• Posted emergency vehicle zone;
• Parked within 30 feet of a stop sign and visually blocks sign;
• Vehicles parked in posted taxicab stands not licensed as same;
• School zones;
• Winter Parking Restrictions.

2. Delayed Red Tag Tows

1. Delayed "Red Tag Tows" require at least a four-hour delay before the vehicle may be towed. The time the vehicle will be first eligible for towing should be listed on the front line of the red tag tow report. (10/25/89) (01/19/90)
2. Delayed "Red Tag Tows" include:

• Posted no parking zones (4 hours);
• Truck zones;
• Sidewalk or boulevard;
• Crosswalks;
• Municipal property (Abandoned vehicles on municipal property require 48 hours or 4 hours when properly posted, per MN Statute sections 168B.011 and 168B.035);
• Overweight Truck parking;
• Abandoned vehicles as defined in MN Statute section 168B.011 (must be parked over 72 hours).

4. Investigative and hit and run tows involving pedestrian victims shall be impounded at the Forensic Garage.

Definitions

Refer to the Commonly Used Terms page for general definitions.