Towing Fees and Rights in Dallas, TX

You have 14 days to request a tow hearing in Justice of the Peace court.

• Complaints can be filed with the TDLR at (512) 463-6599 or (800) 803-9202.

Locating Your Towed Vehicle

If your car has been towed in Dallas, your first step is to determine its current location and the fees associated with its release. You can find this information by using the search tool at search.autoreturn.com (dallaspolice.net).

Alternatively, you can call (972) 430-6200 to check the status, location, and specific fees for your vehicle. If your car was taken to the Dallas Police Auto Pound, you can visit them at 1955 Vilbig Rd., Dallas, TX 75208. The pound is open 7 days a week from 9:00 a.m. to 7 p.m.. For direct inquiries regarding the police pound, you may call (214) 670-5116.

Maximum Towing Charges

For non-consent tows from private property, there are strict maximum charges based on the weight of the vehicle (tdlr.texas.gov). For vehicles up to 10,000 lb, the maximum tow charge is $272.

Vehicles weighing between 10,001 and 24,999 lb are capped at $380. For larger vehicles weighing 25,000 lb and over, the rate is $489 per unit, with a total maximum of $978. It is important to note that these figures represent statewide maximums. Local authorities in Dallas or the county may set lower rates than these state limits.

Storage and Additional Fees

Beyond the initial tow, you will likely face storage and administrative fees. Daily storage costs are capped based on the length of the vehicle (tdlr.texas.gov).

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For vehicles 25 feet or shorter, the maximum daily rate is $22.85. For vehicles longer than 25 feet, the cap is $39.99. These rates reflect the 2023 adjustment of the statutory $20 and $35 amounts. Additionally, the towing company may add a notification fee of up to $50 and an impoundment fee of up to $20.

The Drop Fee Rule

There are specific protections if you catch the tow operator before the vehicle has left the property. If your vehicle is hooked up but has not yet departed the premises, you can pay a drop fee to have the car released immediately (tdlr.texas.gov).

For vehicles up to 10,000 lb, the maximum drop fee is $135. To ensure this process is accessible, the tow operator is required to accept several forms of payment, including cash, credit cards, and debit cards.

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Challenging a Tow or Fee

If you believe your vehicle was towed illegally or that you were overcharged, you have legal recourse in Dallas. You can request a tow hearing in the Justice of the Peace court (tdlr.texas.gov). This request must be made within 14 days of the tow or the application of a boot. This hearing allows you to formally challenge the legality of the tow or the specific fees charged by the operator.

Filing Official Complaints

When disputes cannot be resolved through a court hearing or directly with the company, you can file a formal complaint with the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR) (tdlr.texas.gov). You can submit your complaint online at tdlr.texas.gov/complaints. If you prefer to speak with an agent or report the issue via phone, you can call (512) 463-6599 or (800) 803-9202.

Sources

• https://www.dallaspolice.net/divisions/Pages/GeneralInfo1202-2995.aspx
• https://www.tdlr.texas.gov/towing/consumerinfo.htm

P.S. A few readers have asked which roadside assistance we actually reach for — it's Urgently Roadside Assistance; take a look here if you want the current details.