Austin, TX Business Licensing & Operations: Towing Companies (2026)
Key Facts
- State licensing
- TX Occupations Code Ch. 2308
- Local wrecker rules
- Austin Code Ch. 12
- Max light-duty fee
- ~$272 nonconsent tow
- Sign requirement
- Posted at lot entry
- Police rotation
- APD Vehicle Tow Unit
Summary
Texas Occupations Code Chapter 2308 licenses tow operators, vehicle storage facilities, and incident-management towers through TDLR; Austin City Code Chapter 12 layers wrecker permits, rotation rosters, and consent-tow disclosures, with maximum nonconsent fees set by TDLR rules.
Sec. 2308.151. LICENSE OR LOCAL AUTHORIZATION REQUIRED. (a) Unless the person holds an appropriate license under this subchapter, a person may not: (1) perform towing operations; or (2) operate a towing company. (b) Unless prohibited by a local authority under Section 2308.2085, a person may: (1) perform booting operations; and (2) operate a booting company.
Full Breakdown
Every Austin towing company holds a TDLR towing license and vehicle storage facility license under Texas Occupations Code Chapter 2308. Drivers must hold individual incident-management or private-property tow operator licenses. Austin Code Chapter 12 adds local wrecker permitting, an APD-administered rotation roster for police-initiated tows, and consent-tow rules requiring conspicuous parking-lot signage with the towing company name, phone, and rate. Maximum nonconsent fees are set by TDLR: roughly $272 light-duty plus daily storage. The Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation handles fee disputes through hearings, and tow truck markings and lighting must meet state standards. Austin Police Department's Vehicle Tow Unit oversees rotation calls, stolen-vehicle holds, and complaint investigations.
Violations & Fines
Tows exceeding the TDLR maximum, towing without signage, or operating an unlicensed wrecker are class C misdemeanors under Austin Code Chapter 12, plus TDLR fines up to $5,000 per violation, license revocation, and treble-damage civil suits by vehicle owners.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much can my car be towed for in Austin?
Do parking lots need to post tow warnings?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Austin
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