Few things are as frustrating as returning to your parking spot only to find your car gone. In cities like Dallas and Houston, finding a place to park can be difficult, and towing rules can be confusing. Whether your vehicle was removed from public or private property makes a big difference, and understanding Texas towing laws can help you handle the situation properly.
Understanding Public vs. Private Property Towing
The key to knowing when police in Texas can tow a car is understanding the difference between public and private property.
Police Authority on Public Property
In Texas cities like Dallas and Houston, police can tow vehicles from public roads and property under certain conditions:
- Abandoned vehicles – If a car is left unattended for an extended time with no sign of an owner, such as expired registration or flat tires, police can tow it.
- Public safety hazards – If a car blocks traffic, obstructs emergency access, or is parked in a fire lane, police can remove it.
- Unattended vehicles in restricted areas – Cars left on bridges, tunnels, or viaducts can be towed for safety reasons.
Different cities may have additional parking restrictions, so always check posted signs.
Private Property Towing Rules
Unlike public property, private property towing is controlled by the property owner rather than police. Here’s how it works:
- Tow-away zones – Businesses, apartment complexes, and office buildings often have clearly marked areas where unauthorized cars can be towed.
- Trespassing vehicles – If a car is parked on private property without permission, the owner can have it towed. This includes visitor-only parking without a permit.
- HOA rules – Homeowners’ associations in Dallas and Houston may have strict parking regulations. Breaking these rules can result in towing.
What to Do If Your Car Is Towed in Texas
If you discover your car is missing, follow these steps:
- Contact local police – File a report to confirm whether the police towed your car and where it was taken.
- Look for towing signs – If the police were not involved, check the area for signs listing towing companies.
- Call the towing company – Once you know which company has your car, contact them to confirm the location and fees.
Dallas Resources
- Dallas Police Non-Emergency: (214) 670-7400
- Licensed Towing Companies: Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR)
Houston Resources
- Houston Police Non-Emergency: (713) 884-3131
- Houston Towing and Storage Association: View List of Towing Companies
Texas Towing and Storage Fees
Towing and storage fees can be high, and Texas does not set statewide limits on costs. However, towing companies must inform car owners about fees before towing.
- Early pickup discounts – Some companies reduce fees if the car is retrieved within 24 hours.
- Fee negotiations – You can try to dispute the charges, though success is not guaranteed.
- File a complaint – If you believe you were unfairly charged, report it to TDLR.
Your Rights as a Vehicle Owner
Texas law provides protections when dealing with towing companies:
- Right to information – You must receive a tow ticket detailing why and when the tow occurred, plus the vehicle’s storage location.
- Disputing an illegal tow – If you believe your vehicle was unlawfully towed, you can take legal action against the towing company or property owner.
Protect Yourself from Unlawful Towing
To avoid having your vehicle towed unfairly:
- Always check parking signs before leaving your car.
- If your car is towed, contact police first to confirm the reason.
- If towed from private property, get information from the towing company and review the tow ticket.
- If you suspect an illegal tow, take action quickly to dispute it.
By knowing your rights and Texas towing laws, you can better protect yourself from excessive fees and wrongful tows.
For more information on towing laws and your rights, check this out and stay informed about vehicle protection in Texas!
Disclaimer: Our team has meticulously fact-checked this article to ensure accuracy and eliminate any misinformation. We are committed to providing honest, reliable, and trustworthy content for our readers.
Additional Resources:
Texas Towing & Storage Association- www.ttsa.org
Texas Department of Licensing & Regulation- www.tdlr.texas.gov
Can the Police Tow your car? Website
