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What a Texas tow and storage lot may charge
Texas sets maximum charges for private-property tows and for storage lots. Many cities set their own, sometimes lower, amounts. Here are the state numbers and how they work together.
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.
Private-property tows
Since November 1, 2021, the state maximum is $272 for a vehicle up to 10,000 pounds, $380 for 10,001 to 25,000 pounds, and $489 per unit (up to $978) above that. If the car is hooked up but you get there before it leaves, the drop charge is at most $135 for a car.
Sources: TDLR news: changes to private property towing fees (Oct. 21, 2021); TDLR: towing consumer information
City limits
A city may set nonconsent tow fees for tows that start inside it, but not above the state maximum. A tow company may not charge more than the state or city amount that applies, or a fee that is not on the approved list.
Sources: Texas Occupations Code ch. 2308 (Texas Towing and Booting Act)
Storage-lot charges
- Daily storage: at most $22.85 (25 feet or less) or $39.99 (longer) since 2024.
- Impoundment fee: at most $22.85, one time.
- Notification fee: at most $50, and none if the car is picked up within 24 hours or before a notice was sent.
- A car in the lot for less than 12 hours may be charged at most one day of storage.
- Storage lots must take cash, debit cards and credit cards.
Sources: Texas Occupations Code ch. 2303 (Vehicle Storage Facility Act); TDLR news: new VSF storage fees start Jan. 1, 2024
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