Harris County, TX Business Licensing & Operations: Towing Companies (2026)
Key Facts
- Licensing agency
- Texas TDLR
- Statute
- TX Occupations Ch. 2308
- Sheriff rotation
- HCSO non-consent list
- Rate caps
- TDLR posted maximums
- Penalty
- Up to $5,000 civil
Summary
Texas Occupations Code Chapter 2308 requires every Harris County towing company, vehicle storage facility, and tow truck operator to hold a Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation permit. Harris County Sheriff also runs a non-consent tow rotation list with vetted local operators dispatched to Sheriff calls.
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. 2308.153. INCIDENT MANAGEMENT TOWING OPERATOR'S LICENSE. (a) An incident management towing operator's license is required to operate a tow truck permitted under Section 2308.103. (b) An applicant for an incident management towing operator's license must: (1) hold a valid driver's license issued by a state in the United States; and (2) be certified by a program approved by the department.
Full Breakdown
Texas Occupations Code Chapter 2308 and 16 Texas Administrative Code Chapter 86 license towing companies, tow operators, and vehicle storage facilities through TDLR. Harris County operators must hold a TDLR towing license, individual operator permits, vehicle storage facility license, posted rate sheets, and proper signage. Non-consent tow rates, including private property and incident management tows, follow TDLR maximum rate rules. Harris County Sheriff's Office maintains a rotation list of qualified non-consent tow operators dispatched to crashes and abandoned vehicles in unincorporated areas, with separate insurance and equipment requirements above TDLR minimums. The Texas Department of Insurance regulates tow truck liability insurance, and TDLR investigates rate gouging and unauthorized tows.
Violations & Fines
Operating without TDLR licensure or charging above the maximum non-consent rates is a Class C misdemeanor under Section 2308.602 with civil penalties up to $5,000 per violation, license revocation, and removal from the Sheriff's rotation list.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I file a complaint about an overcharging Harris County tow company?
How does the Harris County Sheriff non-consent tow rotation work?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Harris County
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