Questions about towing in Madison

How much can a tow company charge for a private-property tow in Madison?

For a tow from private property, no removal charge may exceed $150, whether the vehicle is moved by flatbed, hook and chain, wheel-lift, boom or any other method.

Source: Wis. Admin. Code § Trans 319.03(1)(a) · Checked on October 12, 2026

Up to $150 more may be charged only for necessary special equipment or travel over 20 miles, and only if the vehicle is unusual or 10,001 lb or more, the space was hard to reach, or the round trip exceeded 20 miles ($3.00 a mile beyond 20, with odometer readings on the tow slip). Administrative, gate and lien processing fees, and fees for equipment or procedures ordinarily required, may not be charged under this paragraph.

Source: Wis. Admin. Code § Trans 319.03(1)(d) · Checked on October 12, 2026

What can a storage lot charge for storage in Madison?

Storage may not exceed $25 for each 24-hour period at an outdoor storage facility, or $35 at an indoor one. The storage period counts 24-hour periods from the time the towing service gave the police notice until the vehicle is retrieved, rounded up.

Source: Wis. Admin. Code § Trans 319.03(1)(b), (c), (4) · Checked on October 12, 2026

No storage fee may be charged for any calendar day on which the storage facility is open for retrieval less than 4 consecutive hours between 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. The rule's own example: a car towed Friday night and picked up Monday morning, from a lot closed Sunday, is charged for two days, not three.

Source: Wis. Admin. Code § Trans 319.03(4) and Note · Checked on October 12, 2026

What are the rules for tow-away signs on private property in Madison?

A parking area is properly posted only if there is a conspicuous, readily legible notice at each vehicle entrance and a conspicuous notice readily legible to persons at the location of the parked vehicle.

Source: Wis. Admin. Code § Trans 319.04(2)(a), (b) · Checked on October 12, 2026

"Properly posted" means clearly visible notice that the area is private property and that unauthorized vehicles may be immediately removed. The notice must be clearly visible and either a word message saying unauthorized parking is prohibited and unauthorized vehicles may be removed, or the tow-away-zone symbol with a word message saying unauthorized parking is prohibited.

Source: Wis. Stat. § 349.13(3m)(a)2.; Wis. Admin. Code § Trans 319.04(1)(a) · Checked on October 12, 2026

If private property is not properly posted, an unauthorized vehicle may be removed without the owner's permission only upon the issuance of a repossession judgment or of a citation for illegal parking.

Source: Wis. Stat. § 349.13(3m)(b) · Checked on October 12, 2026

Where can I file a complaint about a tow in Madison?

In Madison it is unlawful to tow a trespass-parked vehicle from a private lot without first notifying the Madison Police Department, to tow a vehicle reported stolen, to tow without the owner's permission unless the lot is properly posted or there is a repossession judgment or a formal complaint and parking citation, or for anyone other than a tow service to tow. Each violation carries a forfeiture of $100 to $1,000.

Source: Madison Gen. Ord. § 23.561 · Checked on October 12, 2026

Can I get my belongings out of the towed car in Madison?

Whoever holds a vehicle towed at the request of police, a parking enforcer, or a property owner or agent must release the personal property in it to the owner during regular office hours on proper identification, with no charge. If the owner takes the personal property out, the vehicle is deemed abandoned unless the owner signs a written agreement to pay the full towing and storage charges, and the owner must be told this before the property is released.

Source: Wis. Stat. § 349.13(5)(b)2.-4. · Checked on October 12, 2026

How do I find out where my car was towed in Madison?

The City's towed-vehicle page says a car towed from a tow-away zone or an illegal parking spot is located by calling Schmidt's Towing at 608-257-0505. To claim it, the registered owner (or someone with an original notarized letter from the registered owner authorizing the Madison Police Department to release it) brings a driver's license or photo ID, calls 608-266-4170 first to confirm the amount owed and the payment methods, and arrives before 3:30 p.m.

Source: City of Madison Police Department, Towed Vehicles · Checked on October 12, 2026

The police agency that receives a tow notice must keep it, with the date and time, for at least 60 days. When the owner (or someone the owner authorizes) asks, it must immediately give the towing service's name and phone, the date and time of the tow, and where the vehicle was taken.

Source: Wis. Admin. Code § Trans 319.05(3); Wis. Stat. § 349.13(3m)(dg) · Checked on October 12, 2026

What rules apply when a car is booted in Madison?

A parking area where boots may be used must have a sign at each vehicle entrance and at least one more for every 10 spaces, each at least 12 by 18 inches, saying unauthorized parking is prohibited, that a boot may be used, and the removal fee. The removal fee may not be more than $50.

Source: Madison Gen. Ord. § 23.56(3), (13) · Checked on October 12, 2026

No one may require payment of money, goods, services, a waiver of legal rights, a credit card number, or a business address or phone number as a condition of removing a boot, except the removal fee or the deferral agreement. Before removal, the person either pays the fee or signs a deferral agreement to pay it or contest it under § 23.565 within 14 days. If the car was not parked in violation, no removal fee is owed and the enforcer is liable for an amount equal to the fee.

Source: Madison Gen. Ord. § 23.56(6)(b)5., (7), (9), (12) · Checked on October 12, 2026

A person who signs a deferral agreement files an appeal with the Transportation Commission, on its form, within 14 days of the boot's removal. The parking enforcer has 14 days to respond; no response is an admission of every material allegation. The enforcer must prove by a preponderance of the evidence that the car was illegally parked, that the lot was posted under § 23.56(3), and that the fee was within the $50 limit. If the appellant wins, the enforcer is ordered to pay the appellant an amount equal to the removal fee.

Source: Madison Gen. Ord. § 23.565 · Checked on October 12, 2026