Private real property owners may contact a local towing company or law enforcement. The law requires the towing service to contact law enforcement before a vehicle is towed from private real property. Law enforcement is responsible for determining whether the vehicle is stolen.

There are specific requirements for apartment complexes and owners and lessors of private real property. Under section 257.252k, each apartment complex or private real property owner that has a vehicle towed must have a warning sign posted stating that unauthorized vehicles will be towed at the owner's expense. The notice must include the name and telephone number of the towing agency that will remove vehicles from that property and be in letters at least two inches high on a contrasting background. Notices must be permanently installed with the bottom of the notice at least four feet from the ground and prominently displayed at each point of entry for vehicles. If the property does not have curbs or access barriers, there must be at least one notice for every 100 feet of road frontage. The notice must be in place at least 24 hours before vehicles can be towed from the property. Private real properties that are single- or dual-family residences are exempt from the notice requirements and vehicles removed under MCL 257.252d.

Posted notice is not required if the vehicle owner has been given personal notice that the vehicle is parked in an unauthorized area and is subject to towing. The law does not specify whether verbal or written personal notice must be given but a notice may be written into a lease or rental agreement. However, it is recommended that private real property owners provide written personal notices and retain a copy for their files.

A vehicle custodian is the person or business or legal entity responsible for the storage of an abandoned vehicle. Usually, this is the towing agency.

> Back To Abandoned Vehicle FAQ
> Additional Abandoned Vehicle Related Information