§ 169A.42 — Vehicle Impoundment Under Ordinance; Redemption
Plain-Language Summary
Sets the rules for getting an impounded vehicle back after a DWI arrest. Only the registered owner (or someone authorized by the owner) can pick up the vehicle, and they must show proof of ownership, a valid Minnesota license, and insurance.
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:
History: History:
2000 c 478 art 1 s 23