Austin's 2026-27 fee schedule keeps the city's tow maximums
The City budget fee schedule for October 2026 to September 2027 lists the same towing maximums as the year before. Police-ordered tows: $275 under 10,000 pounds, $400 for 10,000 to 25,000 pounds, $800 above that, plus a $25 administrative fee. Private-property tows: $272, $350 and $800. The booting fee stays at $100.
In effect October 1, 2026 (proposed-fee column of the Council backup; the signed ordinance was not read).
Austin lowered its private-property car tow maximum to $272
City Council amended the 2025-26 fee schedule to cut the maximum for a private-property tow of a vehicle under 10,000 pounds from $275 to $272, the state maximum. The change took effect December 22, 2025.
Ordinance No. 20251211-068. In effect since December 22, 2025.
City memo: Austin had issued 36 boot notices for unpaid tickets since 2022
A memo from Transportation and Public Works and the Municipal Court responded to news reports of about 160,000 unpaid parking tickets over five years. It said the City boots or tows eligible vehicles on public streets for unpaid tickets, had issued 36 boot notices since 2022, and described steps to collect more.
We read public records, laws and official reports and explain them in plain words. We do not say that any company broke the law; we report what the records show, with a link so you can check. If you see a mistake, email corrections@towedhelp.org.