Towing Guide: Fees and Rights in San Antonio

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

• Complaints can be filed with the TDLR via phone or online.
• Police-directed tows in San Antonio go to 3625 Growdon Rd. (sa.gov).

Locating Your Impounded Vehicle

If your vehicle was towed at the direction of the San Antonio Police Department, it is typically taken to the impound lot located at 3625 Growdon Rd., San Antonio, TX 78227 (sa.gov). This facility provides 24-hour access for owners seeking to retrieve their property.

To confirm the location of your vehicle, the police impound page directs owners to use the Autura website. Checking this digital resource first can save you time before visiting the physical lot.

Maximum Towing Charges 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 up to 10,000 lb, the maximum tow charge is $272.

For vehicles weighing between 10,001 and 24,999 lb, the cap is $380. For larger vehicles weighing 25,000 lb and over, the charge is $489 per unit, with a total maximum of $978. It is important to note that these are statewide maximums, and the city or county may set lower rates.

Understanding Storage and Additional Fees

Beyond the initial tow, you will encounter storage and administrative costs. Daily storage fees are capped at $22.85 for vehicles 25 feet or shorter (tdlr.texas.gov). For vehicles longer than 25 feet, the maximum daily storage fee is $39.99. These figures reflect the 2023 adjustment of the statutory $20 and $35 amounts. Additionally, tow operators may add a notification fee of up to $50 and an impoundment fee of up to $20.

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The Drop Fee Rule

There are specific protections if you catch the tow operator before the vehicle has left the property. If the vehicle is hooked up but has not yet departed, the maximum drop fee is $135 for vehicles up to 10,000 lb (tdlr.texas.gov).

In this scenario, the tow operator is legally required to accept several forms of payment, including cash, credit cards, and debit cards. This allows you to stop the tow and avoid higher impound and storage costs.

How to Challenge a Tow

If you believe your vehicle was towed illegally or the fees charged are incorrect, you have legal recourse in San Antonio. 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 provides a formal venue to challenge the legality of the tow or the specific fees assessed by the towing company.

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Filing Formal Complaints

For disputes that are not handled through a court hearing, you can file a complaint with 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. Alternatively, complaints can be submitted online through the official portal at tdlr.texas.gov/complaints. This agency oversees towing regulations to ensure operators adhere to the law.

Sources

• https://www.sa.gov/Directory/Departments/SAPD/Services/Impounded-Vehicles
• https://www.tdlr.texas.gov/towing/consumerinfo.htm

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