Yes, your car can absolutely be towed in Michigan for not having license plates, especially if it's parked on a public street. Michigan law requires vehicles to be properly registered and display valid license plates. The only common exception is a very short grace period for newly purchased vehicles, allowing you to drive directly from the point of sale to your home or first place of storage.
The primary reason for towing is that an unplated vehicle is often considered abandoned or derelict when parked on public property. Law enforcement has no immediate way to identify the owner or determine if the vehicle is stolen or legally registered. This poses a public safety concern. If your unregistered car is parked on the street, it's a clear violation and a likely candidate for towing. Even on private property, like an apartment complex, management can have it towed if it violates their rules.
If your vehicle is actively being driven without plates, you can be pulled over and cited. While an officer might use discretion and not immediately tow a car you're sitting in, if you're parked and away from the vehicle, the risk of towing increases significantly. The financial burden is heavy: you'll face towing fees, daily impound storage costs, and fines for the registration violation itself.
| Violation Scenario | Likelihood of Towing | Key Michigan Law/Reasoning |
|---|
| Parked on a public street | Very High | Considered abandoned; violates registration requirements (MCL 257.255). |
| Parked in a public lot (e.g., mall, airport) | High | Property owner can authorize towing for non-compliance. |
| New car driven from dealer without temporary tag | Low (if driven directly) | Legal grace period exists, but a temp tag is always issued. |
| Actively being driven without any plates | Medium (at officer's discretion) | Primary offense leading to citation; towing possible if driver is unlicensed. |
| Parked in your own driveway | Low | Generally on private property, but local ordinances may apply if visible from street. |
The safest approach is to always ensure your vehicle has the proper plates or a clearly displayed temporary registration before leaving it unattended on any public roadway.
