Houston, TX Business Licensing & Operations: Towing Companies (2026)
Key Facts
- State law
- TX Occupations Code Ch. 2308
- City code
- Houston Ch. 8
- Light-duty cap
- About $269 nonconsent tow
- Hearing window
- 14 days to contest
- Signage required
- Every private-lot entrance
Summary
Houston towing companies must hold a Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation license under Texas Occupations Code Chapter 2308 and a Houston permit under Code Chapter 8. Nonconsent tow rates are capped, vehicles must be posted, and storage fees are limited.
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. Added by Acts 2007, 80th Leg., R.S., Ch. 1046 (H.B. 2094), Sec. 1.12, eff. September 1, 2007.Amended by: Acts 2009, 81st Leg., R.S., Ch. 845 (S.B. 2153), Sec. 8, eff. September 1, 2009.Acts 2017, 85th Leg., R.S., Ch. 919 (S.B. 1501), Sec. 10, eff. September 1, 2018.Acts 2017, 85th Leg., R.S., Ch. 967 (S.B. 2065), Sec. 14.005, eff. September 1, 2018.Reenacted and amended by Acts 2019, 86th Leg., R.S., Ch. 467 (H.B. 4170), Sec. 12.002, eff.
Full Breakdown
Texas Occupations Code Chapter 2308 governs both consent and nonconsent towing in Houston. Tow operators and tow trucks need TDLR licenses, drug-tested drivers, insurance, and posted rate sheets. Houston Code Chapter 8 layers a city permit through the Administration and Regulatory Affairs Department for wreckers operating within city limits. Nonconsent tows from private property require visible signage at every entrance with the towing company name, phone, and rate. Houston caps maximum nonconsent tow charges by ordinance, currently around $269 for a light-duty private-property tow plus daily storage limits set by the city. Drivers may request a hearing within 14 days under Section 2308.452 to dispute the legitimacy of the tow, with prevailing owners recovering fees.
Violations & Fines
Towing without a TDLR license, exceeding posted nonconsent rate caps, missing required signage, or refusing access during business hours triggers TDLR fines up to $5,000 per violation, Houston permit revocation, and consumer refund orders.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much can a Houston tow company charge for a nonconsent tow?
How do I contest a Houston tow?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Houston
Texas rules heatmap·Compare Houston to another location·View the Texas business licensing & operations overview
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