Getting your car towed — especially without your knowledge — is one of the most frustrating experiences a driver can have. But in Texas, you have real legal protections. The Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR) regulates towing companies statewide, and Texas Occupations Code Chapter 2308 gives you specific rights that towing companies are legally required to honor.
Most drivers don't know these rights exist. This guide changes that.
The Two Types of Tows in Texas
Before we get into your rights, it helps to understand the two types of tows under Texas law:
- Consent tow: You called the towing company and authorized the tow. You have the most control here — you can negotiate price, choose the destination, and set the terms.
- Non-consent tow: The towing company was called by a property owner, law enforcement, or another third party — not you. This is where your legal protections are most important.
Your Rights for Non-Consent Tows
Right to Know Where Your Car Is
The towing company is required to notify local law enforcement within one hour of towing your vehicle. Law enforcement maintains a database of towed vehicles. If you can't find your car, call the Dallas Police Department's non-emergency line or check the City of Dallas towed vehicle lookup tool online.
Right to Access Your Vehicle
Under Texas law, you have the right to access your vehicle at the Vehicle Storage Facility (VSF) to retrieve personal property and ownership documents — at no charge. The VSF cannot charge you a fee simply to access the vehicle for these purposes.
Right to Retrieve Your Vehicle 24 Hours a Day
If the VSF accepts vehicles 24 hours a day, you have the right to retrieve your vehicle within one hour of your request, at any time of day or night.
Right to a Receipt and Itemized Bill
The towing company must provide you with a receipt that itemizes all charges. Under TDLR regulations, fees for non-consent tows are capped at amounts set by the state and the City of Dallas. You cannot be charged more than the regulated maximum.
What to Do If You Think You Were Wrongfully Towed
Step 1: Request a Tow Hearing
Under Texas Occupations Code § 2308.456, you have the right to request a tow hearing at any Justice of the Peace Court in the county where your vehicle was towed. You must request the hearing within 14 days of the tow. If you win, the towing company may be required to refund your tow and storage fees — plus pay your court costs.
Step 2: File a Complaint with TDLR
If you believe a towing company violated Texas law or TDLR regulations, you can file a complaint at tdlr.texas.gov/complaints or by calling TDLR at (800) 803-9202.
Step 3: Contact the City of Dallas
The City of Dallas has its own towing regulations that supplement state law. If you believe a Dallas towing company violated city ordinances, you can contact the City of Dallas Code Compliance Department.
Regulated Fee Limits in Texas
TDLR sets maximum fees for non-consent tows. Current fee schedules are available at tdlr.texas.gov/towing.
Important: These fee caps apply to non-consent tows. For consent tows (where you called the towing company), pricing is negotiated between you and the towing company. This is why it's important to get a price quote upfront before authorizing a consent tow.
How Texas Tows Inc. Operates
At Texas Tows Inc., we believe in transparency and fair dealing — always. For every consent tow, we provide a clear, upfront price before dispatching a driver. We are licensed by TDLR, carry full insurance, and comply with all applicable Texas towing laws.
If you ever have a question about a charge or a concern about our service, call us directly at (817) 512-1024. We'll make it right.
The Bottom Line
Texas law gives you real protections as a consumer when it comes to towing. Know your rights, document everything, and don't hesitate to use the legal remedies available to you if you believe you were wrongfully towed or overcharged.
And when you need a tow you can trust — call Texas Tows Inc. at (817) 512-1024. Available 24/7, 365 days a year.