Towing Guide: Fees and Rights in Austin

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

• Complaints can be filed via 3-1-1 or with the TDLR [F2, F9].

Locating Your Towed Vehicle

If you discover your car is missing from a parking lot in Austin, start by checking the entrance and exit of the property. According to Austin police, red and white signs should be posted at these locations, providing the name and phone number of the wrecker company (austintexas.gov).

If no signs are visible or you cannot reach the company, you have other options to track your vehicle. You can call 3-1-1 to find where your car was taken. Alternatively, you may use the online tool at search.autoreturn.com or call 888-217-9731 to locate your vehicle.

Maximum Towing Fees for Private Property

When a vehicle is towed from private property without consent, there are statewide maximum charges that apply (tdlr.texas.gov). For vehicles weighing up to 10,000 lb, the maximum tow charge is $272.

For heavier vehicles between 10,001 and 24,999 lb, the cap is $380. For vehicles 25,000 lb and over, the charge is $489 per unit, with a total maximum of $978. Be aware that additional costs may apply; a notification fee of up to $50 and an impoundment fee of up to $20 may be added to your total bill.

Storage and Drop Fees

Once your vehicle is impounded, you will be charged for storage. For a vehicle 25 feet or shorter, daily storage is capped at $22.85 (tdlr.texas.gov).

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If your vehicle is longer than 25 feet, the daily cap is $39.99. These figures represent the 2023 adjustment of the statutory $20 and $35 amounts. If you catch the tow operator while the vehicle is hooked up but has not yet left the property, you may pay a drop fee. For vehicles up to 10,000 lb, the maximum drop fee is $135.

In this scenario, the operator must accept debit cards, credit cards, or cash.

How to Challenge a Tow

If you believe your car was towed illegally or the fees are incorrect, you have legal recourse in Austin. You can request a tow hearing in the Justice of the Peace court (tdlr.texas.gov).

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This request must be made within 14 days of the tow or the application of a boot to challenge the legality of the tow or the associated fees. To initiate this process, you can call 3-1-1 to file a police report for a ‘wrecker ordinance violation’ (austintexas.gov). You are generally required to pay the fees to retrieve your car first before requesting the hearing.

Filing Formal Complaints

Beyond court hearings, you can file formal complaints regarding towing services. Within the city, calling 3-1-1 is the primary method for reporting wrecker ordinance violations (austintexas.gov).

For broader regulatory complaints, you should contact the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR) (tdlr.texas.gov). You can reach the TDLR by calling (512) 463-6599 or (800) 803-9202. Additionally, complaints can be submitted online through the official portal at tdlr.texas.gov/complaints.

Understanding Rate Variations

It is important to note that the fees mentioned for private-property tows and storage are statewide maximums (tdlr.texas.gov). While these caps protect consumers from excessive pricing, they do not mean every company charges the same amount.

A specific county or city may set lower rates than the state maximums. Always verify the specific charges being applied to your vehicle against these legal ceilings to ensure you are not being overcharged.

Sources

• https://www.austintexas.gov/police/divisions/wrecker-enforcement
• 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.