Houston defines an abandoned vehicle under City Code Chapter 8 and Texas Transportation Code §683 as one left on a public right-of-way more than 48 hours (inoperable) or 7 days (operable). HPD tags the vehicle, waits the required period, then tows. Vehicles in driveways or yards that are inoperable, wrecked, or junked are handled as a nuisance under Houston Code Chapter 10.
Houston follows Texas Transportation Code Chapter 683 (Abandoned Motor Vehicles) and City of Houston Code of Ordinances Chapter 8. A vehicle is considered abandoned when left on public right-of-way more than 48 hours if inoperable, or more than 7 days if operable but apparently abandoned. HPD Auto Dealers Detail / Vehicle Abandonment Unit responds to complaints filed through 311 or HPD non-emergency at (713) 884-3131. Officers attach a 48-hour or 7-day tag with a tow warning. After the period elapses without compliance, the vehicle is towed to a city-contracted storage facility. Junked or inoperable vehicles stored on private property visible from the street are regulated as a public nuisance under Texas Transportation Code Chapter 683 Subchapter E and Houston Code of Ordinances Chapter 10 (Health & Sanitation). Houston Public Works and Engineering Neighborhood Protection Corps gives a 10-day notice before abatement, and the property owner has the right to a hearing.
Tow fees in Houston are regulated by the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation: light-duty tow approximately $200-$275, daily storage $20 outdoor / $35 indoor per state rules. Notification fee $50-$65. Recovery within the first week typically $350-$700. Failure to claim within 20 days of certified-mail notice allows the storage facility to apply for title and auction the vehicle.
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Side-by-side rule comparisons with other cities in Harris County.
See how other cities in Harris County handle abandoned vehicles.
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