Questions about towing in the Rio Grande Valley

How much can a tow company charge for a private-property tow in the Rio Grande Valley?

McAllen City Code § 114-151 says "Those wrecker companies who volunteer to be on rotation agree to follow the rates as set herein as a condition of being placed on the rotation list." The rates include: $200 for a vehicle under three tons towed on a call from a city employee; $100 for a vehicle under three tons "towed from a private parking facility" (the Code cites the former Transportation Code ch. 684, now Occupations Code ch. 2308); $115 an hour (one-hour minimum) for vehicles over three tons; and a $40 drop fee. These rates are stated for companies on McAllen's police rotation list; this tool does not know whether the company that towed you is on that list. The state rule for private-property tows lists $272 for a light-duty vehicle (16 Tex. Admin. Code § 86.455(b)). Whether the city rate applies to your tow is a question this tool does not decide; it shows both.

Source: McAllen City Code § 114-151; 16 Tex. Admin. Code § 86.455(b) · Checked on October 6, 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 6, 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 the Rio Grande Valley?

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 6, 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 the Rio Grande Valley?

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

A tow or boot hearing is held in a justice court in the county the vehicle was towed from (Occ. Code § 2308.453); the written request must be delivered before the 14th day after the tow or boot, not counting Saturdays, Sundays and legal holidays (§ 2308.456). Cameron County's justice-court pages checked do not state a tow-hearing fee or form; ask the court clerk. Courts: Precinct 1, 505 Hwy 100, Port Isabel 78578, (956) 943-2520; Precincts 2-1, 2-2 and 2-3, 835 E Levee St, 2nd Floor, Brownsville 78520, (956) 544-0857, (956) 544-0858, (956) 547-7068; Precincts 3-1 and 3-2, 130 N. Williams Rd., San Benito 78586, (956) 361-4618, (956) 361-8257; Precinct 4, 745 W. Ocean Blvd., Los Fresnos 78566, (956) 233-6150; Precincts 5-1 and 5-2, 3302 W. Wilson Rd., Harlingen 78552, (956) 427-8057, (956) 427-8058; Precinct 5-3, 200 Industrial Way, La Feria 78559 (mailing), (956) 797-1887.

Source: Occ. Code §§ 2308.453, 2308.456; Cameron County Justice of the Peace page · Checked on October 6, 2026

A tow or boot hearing is held "in the Justice Court in the County in which the vehicle was towed/booted", and the written request must be filed before the 14th day after the vehicle was removed or booted, not counting Saturdays, Sundays and legal holidays (Hidalgo County JP Precinct 2, Place 1 Tow/Booted Vehicles page; Occ. Code §§ 2308.453, 2308.456). That court's information packet says: "Filing fee of $ 54 for a hearing under this chapter. (NO CASH)" (money order, cashier's check or credit card); it accepts filings Monday-Friday, 8 a.m.-12 p.m. and 1-4 p.m. Other precincts may differ; ask the clerk. Courts: 1.1 and 1.2, 1902 Joe Stephens Ave., Weslaco 78596, (956) 447-3995, (956) 968-0707; 2.1 and 2.2, 300 W. Hall Acres, Pharr 78577, (956) 784-3540, (956) 787-1986; 3.1 and 3.2, 730 N. Breyfogle, Mission 78574, (956) 519-8422, (956) 581-2124; 4.1 and 4.2, 1212 S. 25th Ave., Edinburg 78542, (956) 380-4473, (956) 383-0921; 5.1, 708 E Edinburg Ave, Suite B, Elsa 78543, (956) 292-7015.

Source: Occ. Code §§ 2308.453, 2308.456; Hidalgo County JP Pct. 2-1 Tow/Booted Vehicles page and information packet · Checked on October 6, 2026

What are the rules for tow-away signs on private property in the Rio Grande Valley?

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

The law requires each tow-away sign to have a bright red international towing symbol (a solid tow-truck silhouette on white, at least four inches high) at the top or on a separate sign just above; immediately below, white letters at least two inches high on a bright red background reading "Towing and Booting Enforced", "Towing Enforced" or "Booting Enforced"; the remaining required information in bright red letters at least one inch high on white; and the telephone number at the bottom in white letters at least one inch high on bright red.

Source: Occ. Code § 2308.302 · Checked on September 28, 2026

Where can I file a complaint about a tow in the Rio Grande Valley?

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 6, 2026

What forms of payment must the tow company or storage lot accept in the Rio Grande Valley?

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 6, 2026

Can I get my belongings out of the towed car in the Rio Grande Valley?

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 6, 2026

What happens if I get back to my car before it is towed away in the Rio Grande Valley?

If the owner or operator of a vehicle parked in violation of the Code or state law arrives after the wrecker has been physically attached but before the vehicle is removed from the property, "a towing company shall release the vehicle at the scene for a fee not to exceed the drop fee" (McAllen City Code § 114-152), which § 114-151 sets at $40 for rotation-list companies. If you had no cash, § 114-151 sets $65 if the vehicle is claimed at the storage lot within one and one-half hours of delivery, with no storage charge. The state rule lists a drop charge of up to $135 for a light-duty vehicle (16 Tex. Admin. Code § 86.455(c)).

Source: McAllen City Code §§ 114-151, 114-152; 16 Tex. Admin. Code § 86.455(c) · Checked on October 6, 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 6, 2026

How do I find out where my car was towed in the Rio Grande Valley?

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 the Rio Grande Valley?

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