Questions about towing in San Antonio

How much can a tow company charge for a private-property tow in San Antonio?

For a nonconsent tow that starts inside the San Antonio city limits and is covered by article XI (a private-property tow; SAPD-directed tows are exempt, § 19-389), the most a tow company may charge for the tow is $177 for a vehicle of 10,000 pounds or less, $196 for 10,001 to 24,999 pounds, and $602 for 25,000 pounds or more. Weight is "the gross weight recorded on the vehicle registration". No other towing fees may be charged, "including charges for dollies, special equipment, or mileage" (§ 19-402(a)-(c)). The state maximums for private-property tows also apply ($272, $380, and $489 per unit up to $978; 16 Tex. Admin. Code § 86.455), and a tow company may not charge more than a fee set by TDLR rule or authorized by the city (Occ. Code § 2308.2065). So for a car, SUV or pickup towed from a lot inside San Antonio the tow fee is at most $177. Example: a $250 tow fee for a car is within the state maximum but $73 over San Antonio's.

Source: San Antonio City Code §§ 19-401, 19-402(a)-(c), (g); Occ. Code § 2308.2065 · Checked on October 5, 2026

The TDLR rule sets the maximum that may be charged for a private property tow: $272 for light-duty tows (gross weight rating 10,000 lb or less), $380 for medium-duty (more than 10,000 but less than 25,000 lb), and $489 per unit (maximum $978) for heavy-duty (more than 25,000 lb).

Source: 16 Tex. Admin. Code § 86.455(a)-(b) · Checked on October 5, 2026

The law bars a license or permit holder from charging more for a nonconsent tow than the fee set by TDLR rule (§ 2308.0575) or authorized by a political subdivision, and from charging for any service related to a nonconsent tow that is not on the TDLR or local fee list. TDLR may require a refund of the excess or of the whole charge for an unlisted service.

Source: Occ. Code § 2308.2065 · Checked on September 28, 2026

What can a storage lot charge for storage in San Antonio?

The TDLR rule, applying the 2023 biennial CPI adjustment, sets the maximum daily storage fee at $22.85 for a vehicle 25 feet or less and $39.99 for a longer vehicle, and the maximum impoundment fee at $22.85. If an impoundment fee is charged, the bill must specify the exact services performed and the dates. The fees apply to government-owned storage lots too and control over conflicting city ordinances. No other storage-related fees are allowed besides those in the rule and authorized nonconsent towing fees.

Source: 16 Tex. Admin. Code § 85.722(a), (b), (d), (e), (g); Occ. Code § 2303.1552 · Checked on October 5, 2026

The law defines a storage day as beginning at midnight and ending at the next midnight, and allows a full daily fee for any part of a day, except that no more than one day's storage may be charged if the vehicle remains at the facility for less than 12 hours.

Source: Occ. Code § 2303.155(d) · Checked on September 28, 2026

The law lets a storage facility charge daily storage for no more than five days before the owner notice is mailed or published (Texas-registered vehicles) or before the request for owner information is sent to the other state (out-of-state vehicles), and then for each day after notice until the vehicle is removed and all accrued charges are paid.

Source: Occ. Code § 2303.155(e) · Checked on September 28, 2026

How long do I have to ask for a tow hearing in San Antonio?

The law requires a person entitled to a hearing to deliver a written request to the court before the 14th day after the vehicle was removed and placed in storage or booted, not counting Saturdays, Sundays and legal holidays. If the rights notice was not given, the deadline does not apply and the request may be made at any time. The 14-day period does not begin until the towing company or storage facility provides the information needed to fill in the request. Missing the deadline waives the hearing.

Source: Occ. Code § 2308.456(a), (c), (c-1), (d) · Checked on September 28, 2026

Bexar County's Request for Hearing on Towed/Removed Vehicle form says it is "To be filed in any Justice Court in the county from which the vehicle was towed." The county's justice courts list the filing fee for a "Towing Administrative Hearing (Tow Hearing Request Form)" as $54, with no service fee. The form asks for: your name, address and phone; the location and county the vehicle was removed from; the date; who authorized the removal; the storage lot; the towing company; a copy of any receipt or notice; and photos of the signs (or a statement that there were none). The request must be delivered before the 14th day after the tow, not counting Saturdays, Sundays and legal holidays. Courts (each open Monday-Friday, 8 a.m.-5 p.m.): Precinct 1, 3505 Pleasanton Rd., San Antonio 78221, 210-335-4500; Precinct 2, 7723 Guilbeau Rd, Suite 105, San Antonio 78250, 210-335-4800; Precinct 3, 320 Interpark Blvd., San Antonio 78216, 210-335-4700; Precinct 4, 8794 East Loop 1604 North #2, Converse 78109, 210-335-4900.

Source: Bexar County Request for Hearing on Towed/Removed Vehicle (rev. 04/21/14); Bexar County JP Filing Fees (2026); Occ. Code §§ 2308.453, 2308.456 · Checked on October 5, 2026

What are the rules for tow-away signs on private property in San Antonio?

San Antonio's article lists where a vehicle may not be left unattended on a parking facility, including blocking a trash dumpster whose access area is "conspicuously and legibly marked on all sides of access" with "NO PARKING-TOW AWAY ZONE" in letters at least 3 inches tall, and obstructing a curb painted red and marked "NO PARKING-TOW AWAY ZONE", with curb markings or signs at intervals of no more than 50 feet. Tow-warning signs: at least one on the right or left side of each driveway or curb cut a vehicle can enter by (including from an alley or a neighboring property); where entrances are not defined by curbs or barriers and an entrance is wider than 35 feet, signs at intervals so no part of the entrance is more than 25 feet from a sign; each sign must meet state requirements and face drivers entering the property. Example: along a 120-foot red curb, the markings must be no more than 50 feet apart.

Source: San Antonio City Code §§ 19-390(4)-(5), 19-391(a)-(d) · Checked on October 5, 2026

For a sign-based tow or boot, the law requires each sign to be weather-resistant and at least 18 inches wide and 24 inches tall; show the international towing symbol; describe who may park and prohibit all others; bear the words "Unauthorized Vehicles Will Be Towed [or Booted, or Towed or Booted] at Owner's or Operator's Expense"; state the days and hours of towing and booting enforcement; and give a telephone number (with area code) answered 24 hours a day to locate a towed vehicle or arrange boot removal.

Source: Occ. Code § 2308.301(b) · Checked on September 28, 2026

For a sign-based tow or boot, the law requires a sign prohibiting unauthorized vehicles that faces and is conspicuously visible to drivers entering the facility; is on the right or left side of each driveway or curb-cut entrance (including alley entries), or, where entrances are not defined and wider than 35 feet, placed so no entrance is more than 25 feet from a sign; is permanently mounted on a pole, post, permanent wall or permanent barrier on the facility; and has its bottom edge between five and eight feet above ground.

Source: Occ. Code § 2308.301(a) · Checked on September 28, 2026

Where can I file a complaint about a tow in San Antonio?

SAPD's Vehicle Crimes Unit lists "Complaints involving private wrecker companies" among what it investigates. Contact: 210-207-7345 (Monday-Sunday, 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.) or the contact form on its sa.gov page. San Antonio's booting-lot signs must show a telephone number provided by SAPD for complaints (City Code § 16-503(b)(2)). TDLR takes complaints about tow companies, booting companies and storage lots anywhere in Texas.

Source: SAPD, Vehicle Crimes Unit (sa.gov); San Antonio City Code § 16-503(b)(2); Occ. Code §§ 2308.501-.503 · Checked on October 5, 2026

The law lets the Texas Commission of Licensing and Regulation impose administrative penalties on anyone who violates ch. 2308 or ch. 2303 or a TDLR rule or order, whether or not they hold a license, after an opportunity for a hearing; lets TDLR deny, revoke, suspend or refuse to renew licenses or reprimand; and requires TDLR to keep a system to act promptly on complaints and to keep complainants informed. Where the program law sets no maximum, penalties may be up to $5,000 per day per violation. TDLR may also order a refund of nonconsent tow charges above the TDLR or city amounts or for unlisted services.

Source: Occ. Code §§ 2308.501, 2308.503, 2303.304, 51.252, 51.302(a), 51.353(a), 2308.2065(c) · Checked on September 28, 2026

The TDLR rule requires each vehicle storage facility to notify vehicle owners of TDLR's website, email address, mailing address and telephone number for complaints, on a sign prominently displayed at the place of payment (letters at least one inch high on a contrasting background) and on the front page of any bill for service.

Source: 16 Tex. Admin. Code § 85.707 · Checked on October 5, 2026

What forms of payment must the tow company or storage lot accept in San Antonio?

Inside San Antonio, a towing company or storage lot must accept payment by electronic check, debit card or credit card for any charge for delivering or storing a vehicle. It may not refuse to release the vehicle because it can't take those payments, unless the reason is outside its control, "such as a power outage or machine malfunction". It may refuse a credit or debit card if the named cardholder is not present.

Source: San Antonio City Code § 19-402(f) · Checked on October 5, 2026

The law requires a private or governmental vehicle storage facility to accept cash, debit card and credit card for any delivery or storage charge, to conspicuously post a sign stating that it must accept those forms of payment, and bars it from refusing to release a vehicle because it cannot accept a debit or credit card, unless a power outage or machine malfunction, through no fault of the operator, prevents it.

Source: Occ. Code § 2303.159 · Checked on September 28, 2026

The TDLR rule requires every storage facility, including government-run lots, to accept cash, debit cards and credit cards. A facility that violates this may not charge storage beyond the date payment by credit card is tendered, in addition to administrative penalties.

Source: 16 Tex. Admin. Code § 85.711 · Checked on October 5, 2026

Can I get my belongings out of the towed car in San Antonio?

If you show you own the vehicle or have the right to possess it, a storage lot in San Antonio must let you reach the vehicle and take out personal property left in it (anything not permanently attached), unless a law enforcement officer says otherwise. It must give you that property "regardless of whether or not any or all fees associated with the towing or storage of the vehicle have been paid". The lot must ask you for a receipt for what you take.

Source: San Antonio City Code § 19-400 · Checked on October 5, 2026

The law requires a private or governmental vehicle storage facility to let a person claiming to own a stored vehicle access the glove compartment, console or other interior storage area if documents needed to establish the person's identity or ownership are there.

Source: Occ. Code § 2303.158 · Checked on September 28, 2026

The TDLR rule entitles a person who shows ownership or right to possession of a stored vehicle, or an authorized representative, to inspect a copy of the tow ticket without paying anything first; to access and remove personal belongings from the vehicle (unless a law enforcement officer indicates otherwise), signing a receipt; to access the vehicle during business hours for insurance or repair estimates; and, on request, to see the towing company's current nonconsent towing fee schedule.

Source: 16 Tex. Admin. Code § 85.708(a)-(b) · Checked on October 5, 2026

What happens if I get back to my car before it is towed away in San Antonio?

Inside San Antonio, if you get to your illegally parked vehicle before it is hooked up, the wrecker operator must release it for free. If you arrive after it is hooked up but before it leaves the property, the operator must tell you it will be released when you pay the drop fee and give you at least 15 minutes to get the money. The drop fee is at most half the tow rate: $88.50 for a vehicle of 10,000 pounds or less ($98 for 10,001-24,999 pounds; $301 for 25,000 pounds or more). "Hooked up" means fully prepared for transport, lifted, with tow lights and safety chains attached, "and the ONLY thing remaining is for the tow operator to drive away" (§ 19-387). Once a properly hooked-up vehicle has left the property, the operator does not have to release it at the scene.

Source: San Antonio City Code §§ 19-387, 19-402(d)-(e) · Checked on October 5, 2026

The TDLR rule caps the "drop charge" (the most that may be charged to release a hooked-up vehicle before it leaves the property) at $135 for light-duty, $190 for medium-duty and $244 for heavy-duty vehicles. If the owner, authorized operator or agent is present before removal, the towing operator must advise that he or she may offer payment of the drop charge, and the tow company must accept cash, credit cards and debit cards for the drop charge.

Source: 16 Tex. Admin. Code § 86.455(a)(4), (c)-(e) · Checked on October 5, 2026

How do I find out where my car was towed in San Antonio?

SAPD's Impounded Vehicles page says: "Vehicles that have been impounded or towed are handled by Alanis Wrecker Service, LLC." It points to the Autura website (search.autoreturn.com) to locate a vehicle and find out how to recover it. The San Antonio Impound Facility is at 3625 Growdon Rd., San Antonio, TX 78227, open Monday-Sunday, 24 hours; Alanis Wrecker Service: 210-881-8440. Vehicles unclaimed after 30 days, after the owner has been notified, can be sold at public auction. A vehicle blocking your driveway can be reported to SAPD's non-emergency line, 210-207-7273.

Source: SAPD, Impounded Vehicles (sa.gov); SAPD General Manual Procedure 607.04 · Checked on October 5, 2026

The law requires that, where a parking facility posts tow-away signs, the owner of a vehicle towed from the facility must be able to locate the vehicle by calling the telephone number on the sign.

Source: Occ. Code § 2308.303 · Checked on September 28, 2026

What rules apply when a car is booted in San Antonio?

In a San Antonio pay lot covered by the booting article, "The maximum, total fee a permit holder may charge for removing a boot from a vehicle is thirty-five dollars ($35.00). No additional fees may be charged." No other booting fees may be charged, including for dollies, special equipment or mileage. A booted vehicle may not be towed during the first 24 hours. The company must accept cash, electronic check, debit card or credit card, and may not collect a fee from someone offering a listed form of payment it is not equipped to accept. Example: a $75 boot fee is $40 over the maximum.

Source: San Antonio City Code § 16-533 · Checked on October 5, 2026

The law requires the booting company to remove a boot no later than one hour after the owner or operator contacts the company to request removal, and requires it to waive the boot removal fee (not associated parking fees) if it fails to do so.

Source: Occ. Code § 2308.258(a)-(b) · Checked on September 28, 2026

The law requires a boot operator to affix a conspicuous notice to the front windshield or driver's side window stating: that the vehicle was booted and damage may occur if moved; the date and time installed; the booting company's name, address and phone; a 24-hour phone number to arrange removal; the boot removal fee and any associated parking fees; notice of the right to a hearing under Subchapter J; and, as the local authority prescribes, how to file a complaint with it. The notice must include a notice of hearing rights.

Source: Occ. Code §§ 2308.257(b), 2308.454(d) · Checked on September 28, 2026