Fort Worth, TX Business Licensing & Operations: Towing Companies (2026)
Key Facts
- State law
- TX Occupations Code Ch. 2308
- License issuer
- TDLR
- Nonconsent rotation
- Fort Worth police-approved list
- Owner notification
- Required within state-set window
- Payment
- Credit cards must be accepted
Summary
Tow truck operators and companies serving Fort Worth must hold Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR) credentials under Texas Occupations Code Chapter 2308, comply with Fort Worth City Code rules on nonconsent towing, follow posted-rate schedules, and use city-approved storage facilities.
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. Sec. 2308.152. GENERAL LICENSE APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS. An applicant for a license under this subchapter must submit to the department:(1) a completed application on a form prescribed by the executive director;(2) the required fees; and(3) any other information required by commission rule.
Full Breakdown
Texas Occupations Code Chapter 2308 licenses tow truck operators, companies, and vehicle storage facilities through TDLR, sets nonconsent towing rules for parking-violation tows, and requires standardized signage at private lots. Fort Worth supplements state law with permit requirements for tow companies operating on the city's nonconsent rotation, posted maximum rates, and rules requiring drivers to accept credit cards and provide itemized receipts. The Vehicle Storage Facility law caps daily impound fees and requires owner notification within prescribed windows. Fort Worth Police and Code Compliance investigate predatory towing complaints. Property owners must use TDLR-licensed companies and post compliant signage before authorizing nonconsent tows.
Violations & Fines
Towing without a TDLR license, ignoring posted-rate caps, failing to notify the vehicle owner, operating an unlicensed storage lot, refusing credit card payment, or towing from a lot without compliant signage triggers TDLR penalties and Fort Worth citations.
Frequently Asked Questions
What can I do if I think my car was towed illegally in Fort Worth?
Can a Fort Worth apartment complex tow my visitor's car without warning?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Fort Worth
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