Towing fees in Texas depend on the type of tow, vehicle weight, location, and whether you requested the service. For applicable private-property non-consent tows, Texas currently allows maximum charges of $272 for vehicles up to 10,000 pounds, $380 for vehicles from 10,001 to 24,999 pounds, and $489 per unit for vehicles 25,000 pounds or more, up to $978 for heavy-duty units.
Storage can add $20 per day or part of a day for vehicles 25 feet or shorter, or $35 for vehicles longer than 25 feet. However, Texas does not have one universal towing price because fees vary depending on the type of tow.
Texas Towing Fees at a Glance
| Vehicle Weight | Maximum Tow Fee | Maximum Drop Fee |
| Up to 10,000 lbs | $272 | $135 |
| 10,001–24,999 lbs | $380 | $190 |
| 25,000+ lbs | $489 per unit / $978 maximum | $244 |
Local governments may establish lower rates. Storage maximums are $20 per day or part of a day for vehicles 25 feet or shorter and $35 for vehicles longer than 25 feet.
What Are the Different Types of Towing in Texas?
Private-Property Towing
Private-property towing occurs when a vehicle is removed without the owner’s consent from places such as apartment complexes, shopping centers, restaurants, offices, or private parking areas. Applicable Texas maximum fees may limit what can be charged.
Incident-Management Towing
This type of towing generally involves removing a vehicle after an accident or roadway incident. Applicable fees can depend on local government rules and the circumstances of the tow.
Consent Towing
A consent tow happens when you request the service, such as having a broken-down vehicle taken to a repair shop. Texas does not have one universal statewide maximum for ordinary consent towing, so companies may set their own prices.
How Much Is a Private-Property Tow in Texas?
For applicable private-property non-consent towing, the current maximums are:
- Up to 10,000 pounds: $272
- 10,001–24,999 pounds: $380
- 25,000 pounds or more: $489 per unit, up to $978
Your vehicle’s weight category is important because it determines the applicable maximum fee.
What Is the Texas Tow Drop Fee?
A drop fee may apply when the tow truck has fully hooked up your vehicle but has not yet left the property. Current maximums include:
- $135 for vehicles up to 10,000 pounds
- $190 for vehicles over 10,000 but under 25,000 pounds
- $244 for vehicles over 25,000 pounds
If the vehicle has not been fully hooked up, you can generally request its release without paying a drop fee.
How Much Is Vehicle Storage in Texas?
Storage charges can quickly increase an impound bill. Applicable maximum rates are:
- $20 per day or part of a day for vehicles 25 feet or shorter
- $35 per day or part of a day for vehicles longer than 25 feet
For example, five days at $20 per day would add $100 to the bill. Since storage can be charged for part of a day, retrieving your vehicle quickly can help reduce the total cost.
Example: How Much Could a Texas Impound Cost?
Suppose a passenger vehicle under 10,000 pounds is towed from private property:
- Maximum tow: $272
- Five days of storage: $100
- Example total: $372
Other applicable charges may increase the final bill, so this is only an example.
What Other Fees Can Be Added?
Depending on the circumstances, an invoice may include:
- Notification fees
- Impoundment fees
- Government or law-enforcement fees
- Towing charges
- Storage charges
Always request an itemized invoice so you can understand exactly what you are being charged for.
What Is a Consent Tow in Texas?
A consent tow is one you voluntarily request. Common examples include:
- A vehicle that will not start
- Transport to a mechanic
- Accident recovery
- A vehicle with a flat tire
- Moving a vehicle between locations
Because ordinary consent towing has no single statewide price, ask for the total estimated cost before authorizing the tow. Mileage, vehicle size, destination, equipment, winching, location, and time of service can all affect the price.
Can Towing Cost More at Night?
Some towing companies may charge additional fees for nighttime, weekends, holidays, or emergency service. Before approving a consent tow, ask:
“What is the total price, including mileage and any after-hours fees?”
Getting the complete price upfront can help prevent unexpected charges.
Can a Texas Towing Company Charge More Than the Maximum?
For regulated private-property non-consent towing, a company cannot simply charge more than the applicable legal maximum. If you believe you were overcharged, keep your tow ticket, invoice, receipts, photographs, and tow-away signs.
These records can be useful when disputing questionable charges.
What If My Vehicle Was Towed Illegally?
Texas provides a process for challenging certain non-consent tows. If you believe a tow was unauthorized, lacked probable cause, or involved excessive fees, you may be able to request a tow hearing in Justice Court in the county where the tow occurred.
A hearing may address whether probable cause existed and whether the towing charges exceeded permitted amounts.
How Do I Find My Towed Vehicle?
If your vehicle disappears from a parking area, check nearby tow-away signs for information about where it was taken.
Once you locate the storage facility, ask:
- Where is my vehicle?
- What is the current balance?
- What is the daily storage rate?
- What documents are required?
- What payment methods are accepted?
- Is there a police or governmental hold?
- When can I retrieve the vehicle?
- What Do I Need to Get My Car Out of Impound?
Requirements vary by facility, but you may need identification, proof of ownership, registration, insurance, title, owner authorization, and payment for applicable charges.
Call the storage facility before visiting to confirm exactly what documents and payment are required.
Can I Get Personal Belongings From My Vehicle?
A vehicle storage facility generally cannot charge a fee simply for releasing personal belongings, personal property, or cargo. You should still follow the facility’s procedures and provide documentation showing your right to access the vehicle.
What Happens If I Don’t Pick Up My Vehicle?
Storage charges can continue accumulating while your vehicle remains at the facility. Eventually, an abandoned vehicle may enter the applicable lien-sale or auction process.
If you cannot afford the bill, contact the storage facility rather than ignoring it. Acting quickly may help prevent additional storage charges and complications.
How Can You Reduce Your Texas Towing Bill?
If your vehicle has already been towed:
- Retrieve it quickly to limit storage costs.
- Request an itemized bill showing every charge.
- Verify the applicable fee schedule.
- Confirm the vehicle’s weight category.
- Check the daily storage rate.
- Question incorrect charges when appropriate.
- Ask what payment is required for release.
Texas Towing Fees vs. Regular Towing Service
| Situation | Fee Structure |
| Private-property non-consent tow | Applicable Texas maximums |
| Incident-management tow | Local rules may apply |
| You request a tow | No single statewide consent-tow rate |
| Vehicle storage | Applicable regulated rates |
| Drop before vehicle leaves | Applicable maximum drop fee |
| Heavy-duty recovery | Depends on service and applicable rules |
This distinction explains why a voluntary tow can cost significantly more or less than an impound.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a tow cost in Texas?
There is no single statewide price for every tow. Applicable private-property non-consent maximums are $272, $380, or $489 per unit, depending on vehicle weight, with a $978 heavy-duty maximum.
How much is impound storage per day in Texas?
The applicable maximum is $20 per day or part of a day for vehicles 25 feet or shorter and $35 for vehicles longer than 25 feet.
How much is a tow drop fee in Texas?
Maximum drop charges are $135, $190, or $244, depending on the vehicle’s weight category.
Can a tow company charge more than the Texas maximum?
For regulated private-property non-consent towing, the company cannot charge more than the applicable legal maximum.
Does Texas regulate all towing prices?
No. Certain non-consent towing fees are regulated, while ordinary consent towing does not have one universal statewide price.
Can I challenge a tow in Texas?
Yes. Certain non-consent tows can be challenged through a tow hearing in Justice Court in the county where the tow occurred.
Conclusion
So, what are the towing fees in Texas? It depends on why the vehicle was towed and whether you requested the service. For applicable private-property non-consent towing, current maximums are $272 for vehicles up to 10,000 pounds, $380 for vehicles from 10,001 to 24,999 pounds, and $489 per unit for vehicles 25,000 pounds or more, up to $978.
Storage may add $20 or $35 per day or part of a day, depending on vehicle length. Consent towing can have different pricing based on mileage, vehicle type, equipment, destination, location, and service time.
If your vehicle has been towed, request an itemized bill and verify the applicable charges before paying. For reliable towing, towing near me, towing service, tow trucks, towing service near me, or emergency towing, contact Towing Recovery Rebuilding Assistance Services at 630-200-2731 for professional towing and vehicle recovery assistance.
