Harlingen, TX Business Licensing & Operations: Towing Companies (2026)
Key Facts
- Issuing authority
- Chief of police
- Registration expires
- December 31 each year
- Rotation list size
- 8 wrecker companies max
- State law required
- TDLR tow operator license
Summary
Harlingen requires tow truck operators performing non-consent tows to hold a city certificate of registration from the chief of police, on top of state TDLR licensing.
It shall be unlawful for a person to operate a tow truck that performs non-consent tows in the city unless the person has a certificate or registration issued by the chief of police, except as provided in this section.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: rev 4546847; v3 updated 2025-07-16).
Full Breakdown
Under § 46-118, operating a tow truck for non-consent tows in Harlingen without a chief-of-police-issued certificate of registration is unlawful. Applicants must submit company identity, wrecker fleet details, insurance proof, a TxDMV vehicle storage facility license, and pay an annual fee. Drivers must carry a TDLR license, city ID card, and uniform top while working. The chief of police maintains an eight-company rotation list for police-directed non-consent tows, and § 46-120 caps the rates wrecker companies may charge.
Violations & Fines
Towing without a valid registration, operating with a revoked state registration, using unlicensed drivers, or filing false application information can bring suspension or revocation of the city certificate, plus removal from the rotation list.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Harlingen require a separate city permit for tow trucks?
Do consent tows need city registration?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Harlingen
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