- 2910 Business One Dr, Kalamazoo, MI 49048
- Mon–Sun: Open 24 Hours
- (269) 548-4665
Your right to choose your tow company, dispute fees, retrieve belongings, and file complaints under Michigan law. Know your rights before you’re stranded.
Michigan’s towing industry is regulated at both the state and local level. Understanding your rights as a vehicle owner can save you money, protect your vehicle, and help you dispute unfair tows or fees. This guide covers the most important Michigan towing regulations affecting Kalamazoo drivers.
This page provides general information for educational purposes. For legal advice about a specific towing dispute, consult a Michigan attorney or the Michigan Attorney General's Consumer Protection Team.
The Michigan State Police Commercial Vehicle Enforcement Division (CVED) regulates all towing companies operating in Michigan. Towing companies must obtain operating authority from CVED, maintain active liability insurance, and carry worker’s compensation insurance (or an approved exemption).
You can verify a towing company’s operating authority through the CVED’s Intrastate Carrier Authority Registration System. Questions: CVED at (517) 284-3250.
The City of Kalamazoo regulates towing under Chapter 40 of the Kalamazoo City Code. Key provisions:
The City Commission establishes maximum fees for towing services in the City — any fee above that maximum is unlawful
Tow companies removing vehicles from private property without owner consent between 6pm and 8am must post required signage and notify Kalamazoo Public Safety within specified timeframes
Required equipment on every Kalamazoo-operating wrecker: amber rotating dome warning light (min 5-inch diameter), winch capacity of at least 6,000 lbs, safety chain(s), three flares or portable red reflectors, and a 2.5-lb dry chemical fire extinguisher
Receipts are required for all non-consensual private property tows, and must contain specific language about the City of Kalamazoo’s regulation of private property towing fees
Right to choose your towing company: In police-directed accident tows, you can request your own preferred company rather than accepting the rotation company assigned.
Right to an itemized receipt: Required for non-consensual private property tows. Should contain all charges and regulatory notice language.
Right to retrieve personal belongings: First visit to retrieve personal items from your towed vehicle is at no additional charge under Michigan law.
Right to dispute (20-day window): You have 20 days from notice to request a court hearing to challenge whether the tow was proper and whether fees are reasonable.
Right to dispute at auction (5-day notice): At least 5 days before any abandoned vehicle auction, public notice must be published in a newspaper in the county where the tow occurred.
If you believe you’ve been unlawfully towed or charged excessive fees in Kalamazoo:
Michigan Attorney General Consumer Protection Team: (517) 335-7599 or 877-765-8388 (toll-free) | consumer-protection@michigan.gov
Michigan State Police CVED: (517) 284-3250 — for operating authority violations
Kalamazoo City Clerk: (269) 337-8792 — for City of Kalamazoo towing regulation questions
Small Claims Court: For disputed fees, filing in Kalamazoo County small claims court is an option
Yes. Michigan law does not require you to use the towing company assigned by police at an accident scene. You have the right to call your own preferred towing company. If a police officer directs you to a specific company, you can decline and call (269) 548-4665 instead.
Michigan law requires written notification within 7 days if your vehicle is classified as abandoned and towed. You must be notified by mail if the registered address is available.
You have 20 days from the notice date to claim the vehicle or request a hearing. After that, the vehicle may be processed as abandoned and eventually sold at auction.
Yes, with conditions. Private property tows must follow specific posting requirements (signage) under Michigan law. The tow company must notify police within 2 hours of any non-consensual private property tow.
Real person answers 24/7. Average response under 30 min across Kalamazoo County.
From Portage to Parchment, Oshtemo to Vicksburg, Mattawan to Battle Creek — if you’re within Kalamazoo County or along I-94, we’re your towing company.
2910 Business One Dr, Kalamazoo, MI 49048
(269) 548-4665
Monday–Sunday: Open 24 Hours
4.9★ (58+ Reviews)
Real Google reviews from real customers. Earrion, Jason, and the entire KZOO Towing team have earned a 4.9-star rating by doing the job right, every single call.
Jason Arndt’s team answers 24/7 — no automated system, no hold queue. Upfront pricing before we hook up. Under 30 minutes in most of Kalamazoo County.
