Towing rules in Wisconsin
What the state says about towing, with the page each rule comes from. It's a summary of the published rules, not legal advice, and your city or county can have rules of its own.
Updated October 6, 2026
Tow company licensing
In Wisconsin, municipalities license tow companies. The City of Milwaukee's City Clerk License Division is one example.1-4
Limits on police and private-property tow fees
In Wisconsin, the most a company may charge for a private property tow is $150 for removal. It may add up to $150 for special equipment or for mileage over 20 miles, at $3 a mile.1
Storage fees
In Wisconsin, the most a storage lot may charge is $25 for each 24 hours outdoors and $35 indoors.1
Towed from a private lot
In Wisconsin, the posted notice must meet the state's sign rules. Before removing a vehicle, the tower must notify the local police or sheriff, and it may collect nothing if it doesn't. A municipality may add a service fee of up to $35.1
Where to complain
Keep your receipt and photos of your car, and ask the tow company in writing to correct a charge you think is wrong.
Get quotes from tow companies in your county
One request instead of calling tow companies one at a time. It's free, and you don't have to hire anyone. Your request may go to contractors nearby.
Sources
Tow companies in Wisconsin
Wisconsin has 1,153 tow companies listed, and 1,015 of them hold an active USDOT registration. Browse them by county and call one directly, or schedule a tow and we'll pass it to tow companies near you.
Cite this page
“Towing rules in Wisconsin.” FindTowingTruck.com, updated October 6, 2026. https://findtowingtruck.com/wi/rules/