§ 40-56. Removal of illegally parked vehicles.

(a)

Hazard to public safety. Any vehicle parked, stopped or standing upon a highway or public parking lot or ramp in violation of any of the provisions of this division is declared to be a hazard to traffic and public safety.

(b)

Removal by operator. Such vehicle shall be removed by the operator in charge, upon request of any law enforcement officer, to a position where parking is permitted or to a private or public parking or storage premises.

(c)

Removal by traffic officer. Any law enforcement officer, after issuing a citation for illegal parking, stopping or standing of an unattended vehicle in violation of this division, is authorized to remove such vehicle to a position where parking is permitted.

(d)

Removal by private service. The officer may order a motor carrier holding a permit to perform vehicle towing services, a licensed motor vehicle salvage dealer or a licensed motor vehicle dealer who performs vehicle towing services to remove and store such vehicle in any public storage garage or rental parking grounds or any facility of the person providing the towing services.

(e)

Towing and storage charges. In addition to other penalties provided in this division, the owner or operator of a vehicle so removed shall pay the actual cost of moving, towing and storage. If the vehicle is towed or stored by a private motor carrier, motor vehicle salvage dealer or licensed motor vehicle dealer, actual charges regularly paid for such services shall be paid. If the vehicle is stored in a public storage garage or rental facility, customary, charges for such storage shall be paid. Upon payment, a receipt shall be issued to the owner of the vehicle for the towing or storage charge.

(Prior Code, § 10-1-26)

State law reference

Authority to impound vehicles for nonmoving traffic violations, Wis. Stats. § 349.139.