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.
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.
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.
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