Minn. Stat. » CHAPTER 169A. DRIVING WHILE IMPAIRED
Minnesota Statutes

Minn. Stat. § 169A.42 (2026)

Vehicle Impoundment Under Ordinance; Redemption

✓ current as of May 2026
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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.

Notes of Decisions
Cited in 3 cases, 2010–2013 · leading case: Patino v. One 2007 Chevrolet, VIN 1GNFC16017J255427, Texas License Plate 578VYH, 821 N.W.2d 810 (Minn. 2012).
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Patino v. One 2007 Chevrolet, VIN 1GNFC16017J255427, Texas License Plate 578VYH, 821 N.W.2d 810 (Minn. 2012). · cites it 8× “Subdivision 9(f) provides that when forfeiture is based on the commission of a designated offense and the person charged with the designated offense appears in court as required and is not convicted of the offense, the court shall order the property returned to the person…”
Peterson v. 2004 Ford Crown Victoria Vin: 2FAHP74WX4X158445, 792 N.W.2d 454 (Minn. Ct. App. 2010). · cites it 5× “Except when there is a judicial proceeding to determine forfeiture, law enforcement agencies, local units of government, and state agencies are exempt from financial liability for storage and towing fees.”
Woodruff v. 2008 Mercedes, 831 N.W.2d 9 (Minn. Ct. App. 2013). · cites it 3× “According to the record, Tollefson remains in possession of the vehicle, rendering the redemption requirements of Minn.Stat. 169A.42 (2012) moot. .On January 14, 2013, nine days before oral argument, this court issued an order instructing the parties to be prepared at oral…”
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