Towed Help

How to File a TDLR Towing Complaint in Texas

Answers taken from the rules Towed Help uses. Each one gives its official source and the date that source was checked. Which rules apply depends on the facts of each tow; the tool asks about them. Rules current as of September 29, 2026.

This website and the documents it makes are not a substitute for the advice of an attorney.

What can TDLR do about a complaint?

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 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

The law provides that an appeal from a tow hearing follows the justice-court civil appeal rules, except no appeal bond may be required. An award may be enforced like any judgment for a debt. TDLR must suspend a license holder's license if a final judgment awarded to a vehicle owner or operator is not paid before the 60th day after the judgment (with at least 30 days' notice to the license holder), once the owner submits a certified copy of the final judgment; TDLR must also bar renewal and reinstate only on proof of payment.

Source: Occ. Code §§ 2308.459, 2308.460 · Checked on September 28, 2026

Where does the storage lot have to show TDLR's complaint contacts?

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 September 29, 2026

TDLR: "Filing a complaint with TDLR is not a substitute for requesting a tow hearing; however, you may do both."

Source: tdlr.texas.gov/towing/consumerinfo.htm

In Texas, threatening a complaint or a report to get money can be treated as coercion.

Source: Penal Code § 1.07(a)(9)

License numbers

The company's TDLR license number (if you know it): It is on the tow ticket and the truck door, or in TDLR's license search.
The storage lot's VSF license number (if you know it): It is on the sign at the lot's entrance and on its letter.

Copies to attach

The tow ticket and the storage invoice or receipt
The written notice of your hearing rights, if you got one
Photos of the parking signs (or of the entrance with no sign) and of the storage lot's posted signs
Your card or bank statement showing the charge

File it

Online: TDLR's complaint form (ga.tdlr.texas.gov:1443/form/Complaint, linked from tdlr.texas.gov/complaints). Questions: (800) 803-9202.

After you file

Write down the date and the complaint number TDLR gives you
A complaint doesn't stop the 14-day deadline for a tow hearing, and TDLR doesn't award damages.