This website and the documents it makes are not a substitute for the advice of an attorney.
How police towing works in Austin
When Austin police order a tow, the work is done by private tow companies, dispatched through a City contractor. Here is how the system works.
General information, not legal advice. The papers you got from the police, the tow company, the storage lot or a state agency control your dates. Agencies change phone numbers and steps, so check the agency's own page too.
Who does the towing
Since 2015, APD's towing has been managed by its contractor AutoReturn (Autura), which dispatches tow requests to local tow companies and tracks the cars. The cars are held at the tow companies' own licensed storage lots, not a City lot. APD's Wrecker Enforcement Unit keeps the rotation rosters, inspects tow trucks each year and licenses drivers after a background check.
Sources: APD Wrecker Enforcement page; Autura (AutoReturn) support page: Austin, TX; Austin City Council, May 21, 2015 regular meeting (items 5 and 17)
At a crash scene
City Code says the officer must let you choose a tow company and tell you that fees differ, and an officer may not steer you to a particular company or shop. Tow companies may not solicit business at crash scenes on city streets.
Sources: Austin City Code ch. 13-6 (Municode)
What it can cost
The City sets maximums for police-ordered tows: $275 for a vehicle under 10,000 pounds, $400 for 10,000 to 25,000 pounds and $800 above that, plus a $25 administrative fee (2025-26 and 2026-27 schedules). Storage is limited by the state maximum, $22.85 a day for a vehicle 25 feet or less.
Sources: City of Austin FY2026-27 Fees, Fines and Other Charges, Exhibit A (Council backup, Aug. 17, 2026); TDLR news: new VSF storage fees start Jan. 1, 2024
Free rush-hour removal
On weekday mornings and evenings, APD's traffic incident program removes broken-down vehicles from I-35, MoPac and US 183 to a safe place for free.
Sources: APD Wrecker Enforcement page
Finding the car
Search by plate or VIN at search.autoreturn.com, call 3-1-1, or call AutoReturn at 888-217-9731.
Sources: APD Wrecker Enforcement page; AutoReturn vehicle search
Check your Austin tow with our free tool
Last checked .