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What changed: towing updates in Madison

New laws, rules and rates that affect people whose cars were towed, newest first. Each item is our own short summary with a link to the official source.

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· State law

Wisconsin small-claims limit rises to $15,000

2025 Wisconsin Act 105 raises the small-claims limit for most civil claims from $10,000 to $15,000 starting January 1, 2027. The $5,000 limit for tort claims does not change.

In effect January 1, 2027.

Source: Wis. Stat. § 799.01 (official text)

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· State law

Wisconsin small-claims filing fee rises to $39

2025 Wisconsin Act 179 raises the clerk's fee to start a small-claims case from $22 to $39, and the mailing fee for each defendant served by mail from $2 to $7, starting November 1, 2026.

In effect November 1, 2026.

Source: Wis. Stat. § 814.62 (official text)

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· Agency

Madison tests a delayed start for winter alternate-side parking

For winter 2025-26 the City started alternate-side enforcement only with the first general plow or snow emergency instead of on November 15, and said ticketing could pause in dry spells. Its January 9, 2026 update said a snowfall in late November meant the season felt typical, and that it is building a notification system for 2026-27. The ordinance dates (November 15 to March 15) did not change.

Pilot, winter 2025-26. Re-check for 2026-27 in November 2026.

Source: Alternate Side Parking Program Updates (City of Madison); Madison General Ordinances § 12.1335 (Municode)

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