$75 Detroit Police Administrative Fee: What It Covers & When You Pay
If the Detroit Police Department tows your vehicle, expect a mandatory $75 administrative fee on top of towing and storage charges. This fee pays for official paperwork and notification processes.
What Does the $75 Admin Fee Cover?
- Data entry into Michigan’s Law Enforcement Information Network (LEIN)
- Mailing official notices from the Secretary of State
- Recordkeeping by the Detroit Police Towing & Impound Unit (PTIU)
- Managing release forms, title holds, and redemption paperwork
Is the Fee Legal?
Yes. Detroit City Code Chapter 46, Article XI authorizes the $75 fee for every police‑ordered tow, whether done by the city or a contracted tower.
Not applicable to:
- Private property tows (unless police assist)
- Voluntary impounds with no enforcement action
Who Pays the Admin Fee?
You’ll be charged $75 if:
- The Detroit Police ordered the tow
- Your vehicle is stored at a city or contracted impound lot
- You attempt to reclaim the vehicle or contest charges in court
Added to: Towing fee (approx. $20–$50) and daily storage (around $15/day).
Can It Ever Be Waived?
Yes. Victims of auto theft no longer pay towing or administrative fees when police recover the vehicle. The city covers costs directly. You can also request a court hearing to dispute the charge or seek a waiver if you believe the tow was improper or you cannot afford the fees.
Summary
- $75 is a mandatory processing charge for Detroit police‑ordered tows
- Covers law‑enforcement recordkeeping and owner notifications
- Waived for recovered stolen vehicles and potentially via court appeal
- Must be paid to reclaim your vehicle unless an exception applies