This website and the documents it makes are not a substitute for the advice of an attorney.
Who regulates towing in Texas
Several bodies share towing oversight in Texas. Knowing which one does what helps you find the right office.
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.
The state regulator
The Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation licenses tow companies, tow drivers and storage lots, sets the state fee maximums, and takes complaints. A complaint can lead to penalties or a refund order, but it does not replace the court hearing. TDLR stopped routine tow-truck inspections in 2019 and relies on cities for much of that work.
Sources: TDLR: towing consumer information; TDLR news: tow inspections discontinued (Feb. 12, 2019); Texas Occupations Code ch. 2308 (Texas Towing and Booting Act)
Cities and counties
Cities and counties may add stricter rules that do not conflict with state law, set fees for nonconsent tows that start in their area, license local drivers, and regulate booting. Federal courts have said cities may make safety rules for tow trucks (City of Columbus v. Ours Garage, 2002).
Sources: Texas Occupations Code ch. 2308 (Texas Towing and Booting Act); City of Columbus v. Ours Garage (U.S. Supreme Court syllabus)
Police and justice courts
Police order tows from streets and crash scenes and receive reports of private tows: a storage lot must report a towed-in car within two hours. Justice courts hold the tow hearing.
Sources: Texas Occupations Code ch. 2308 (Texas Towing and Booting Act); Texas Transportation Code ch. 545 (sec. 545.305, police removal)
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