Kim Fundingsland/MDN A police impound notice placed on the windshield of a vehicle contains the message that the vehicle will be towed away within a few days. Vehicles parked on City of Minot streets must be moved every 24 hours or be subject to impoundment.

It’s a tag no vehicle owner wants to see – a bright orange notice of intent to tow. But vehicles left unattended on city streets for 24 hours or more are subject to being tagged by Minot Police for removal.

At this time of year, when winter snowfall could occur at anytime, there is added importance to keeping city streets as clear of unattended vehicles as possible.

“Obviously at this time of year we are concerned about snow removal,” said Dale Plessas, Minot Police Department. “We never know what’s coming and we need to keep on top of that.”

City ordinance allows for removal and impoundment of vehicles without notice if the vehicle “substantially and seriously” interferes with street cleaning or snow removal, such as what has occurred during past snowstorms when stuck or abandoned vehicles became obstacles for snow removal equipment.

Most times though, police will place a “tow tag” on a vehicle that allows ample time for a vehicle’s owner to comply with moving the vehicle.

“It gives owners a set amount of time to get their vehicle moved,” said Plessas. “At some times of the year those vehicles can be a big problem, not only in keeping roads open but they are a nuisance if left for an extended period of time.”

Once the date for removal stated on the tow tag has passed, the city can have the vehicle towed and impounded at any time without the consent of the owner. Having the city take such action may not only be a huge inconvenience for a vehicle owner, it can also be rough on the pocketbook.

“The city can assess the cost of the tow, a $10 administration fee and $25 per day in the impound lot,” said Plessas. “It gets expensive real quick.”

The rules guiding impounding of vehicles can be found in the Minot Code of Ordinances, Sec. 20-72 and Sec. 20-74.