Michigan residents looking to arm themselves with knowledge about their rights in towing situations need look no further. Attorney General Dana Nessel has reissued a consumer alert outlining what Michiganders should know if they find their vehicle has been towed. This follows a recent presentation by Jason Evans, chief of the Corporate Oversight Division at the Michigan Department of Attorney General, to the City of Detroit Board of Police Commissioners Towing Committee. The focus of both the alert and presentation was squarely on Michigan's towing laws and the available protections for vehicle owners.
According to the Attorney General's Office, Nessel emphasized the importance of motorists to "understand their rights when it comes to towing," and the alert provides the necessary information to not only retrieve their vehicles but also to "challenge unauthorized and unreasonable fees." The intricacies of these protections are multifold. For instance, if your car is towed from private property, the property owner is required to have a clear and visible notice posted before they can authorize the tow without your consent. Also, after being towed, companies must promptly inform local police of the vehicle's new location.
Additional procedures kick in within the first 24 hours after the tow. The police must check if the vehicle was reported stolen, and subsequently, the towed car is entered into the law enforcement information network as an abandoned vehicle. The vehicle owner must then be contacted within a week by the Secretary of State, detailing the essential steps for reclaiming their property, including how to challenge any associated towing and storage fees.
Seeking the whereabouts of a towed vehicle has been streamlined - a simple search with the vehicle identification number (VIN) or license plate number on the Secretary of State's Michigan Abandoned Vehicle Search website can reveal the location and custodian of your vehicle. For additional help, there's a dedicated Abandoned Vehicle Help Desk. Nessel has advised vehicle owners to possess their title or registration when going to inspect the vehicle or retrieve items, as proof of ownership might be needed.
Understanding fees is another critical aspect of navigating a post-tow situation. Storage fees are the responsibility of the vehicle owner, which typically start accruing from day one. However, owners have the right to dispute whether the towing was justified and whether the fees are reasonable. Complaints can be filed not just with the Department of Attorney General, but also with local police or the Michigan State Police Commercial Vehicle Enforcement Division. The full details of these procedures are outlined in the consumer alert, and those wanting to file a complaint or in need of more information can reach out to the Consumer Protection Team of the Attorney General's office.
