Houston Towing Laws: Your Rights & Non-Consent Tow Rates
Whether your car was towed from a private parking lot without your permission, or you are just curious about towing regulations in Houston, understanding Texas towing laws is important. These laws protect vehicle owners from predatory towing practices and set maximum rates for non-consent tows.
What Is a Non-Consent Tow?
A non-consent tow is when your vehicle is towed without your permission. This most commonly happens when you park in a private parking lot that has towing restrictions, your vehicle is parked in a fire lane or handicapped space without a permit, you are parked in a tow-away zone, or your vehicle is blocking a driveway or access road.
Non-consent towing is regulated by the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR) and local ordinances. Towing companies that perform non-consent tows must follow strict rules about signage, notification, and pricing.
2026 Non-Consent Tow Rate Limits
Texas law sets maximum rates that towing companies can charge for non-consent tows. As of 2026, the maximum rates in the Houston area are:
Light-duty vehicles (under 10,000 lbs): - Tow fee: $232.00 for the first 20 miles - Additional mileage: $4.64 per mile beyond 20 miles - Drop fee (if you return before the vehicle is removed): 50% of the tow fee
Storage fees: - $22.85 per day maximum for vehicles under 25 feet - $45.70 per day maximum for vehicles 25 feet or longer - Storage fees begin 6 hours after the vehicle arrives at the storage facility
Notification fee: $50.00 maximum for sending the required notification letter.
These rates are maximums — towing companies cannot charge more than these amounts for non-consent tows.
Your Rights When Your Car Is Towed
If your vehicle is towed without your consent, Texas law gives you several important rights.
You have the right to retrieve personal items from your vehicle during business hours without charge. You have the right to be present when your vehicle is dropped at the storage facility. You have the right to pay by credit card, debit card, cash, or cashier's check. You have the right to receive an itemized receipt showing all charges. You have the right to dispute charges you believe are excessive or unlawful.
Required Signage for Private Property Towing
For a non-consent tow from private property to be legal, the property must have proper signage. The signs must be at least 18 by 24 inches with contrasting letters at least 2 inches tall. They must state that unauthorized vehicles will be towed at the owner's expense. They must include the name and phone number of the towing company. They must be permanently installed and clearly visible.
If the property did not have proper signage, you may have grounds to contest the tow.
What To Do If You Think You Were Illegally Towed
If you believe your vehicle was towed illegally or you were overcharged, take the following steps. Document everything, including photos of the location where you were parked, any signage present, and your receipt. File a complaint with the TDLR through their website or by phone. Contact the property owner or management company. Consider small claims court for amounts under $20,000.
Consent Towing Is Different
It is important to note that the regulations above apply to non-consent tows only. When you call a towing company yourself (consent towing), pricing is set by the market, not by regulation. However, reputable companies like Prime Towing LLC always provide upfront pricing and transparent quotes before starting any service.
Need Help?
If you need towing in Houston and want honest pricing with no surprises, call Prime Towing LLC at (281) 949-8584. We provide transparent quotes, professional service, and we never overcharge. Available 24/7.