Yes, you may be able to have an unauthorized vehicle towed from private property in Texas, but you cannot automatically tow any vehicle simply because you own the property. Texas law has specific requirements for private-property non-consent towing, including authorization, signage in many parking facilities, and properly licensed towing companies.
If someone parks without permission in your driveway, business lot, apartment property, or restricted parking area, you may have legal options. However, the circumstances determine whether a tow is lawful.
When Can You Tow a Vehicle From Private Property in Texas?
Texas permits certain non-consent private-property tows when the legal requirements are met. Common examples include vehicles parked without authorization at:
- Private parking lots
- Apartment complexes
- Business properties
- Restaurant parking areas
- Paid parking facilities
- Restricted private parking areas
The Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR) regulates private-property towing and requires towing companies to follow applicable rules.
Can I Have a Car Towed From My Driveway?
Potentially, yes, but the situation matters. A private residential driveway can involve different considerations from a commercial parking facility.
Before requesting a tow, confirm:
- The vehicle is actually on your private property.
- You have authority to request its removal.
- The circumstances qualify for a lawful non-consent tow.
- Any required signage or notice requirements are satisfied.
- The towing company is properly licensed and permitted.
If the situation involves a tenant, easement, ownership dispute, or other property-rights issue, consider getting legal advice before towing.
Can I Tow an Unauthorized Car From a Business Parking Lot?
Yes, but parking facilities subject to Texas towing regulations generally need compliant tow-away signage.
Required signs must be clearly visible to drivers entering the facility and include information such as:
- The international towing symbol
- The words “Towing Enforced”
- A warning that unauthorized vehicles will be towed at the owner’s or operator’s expense
- Parking restrictions
- Days and hours when towing is enforced
- A 24-hour telephone number for locating a towed vehicle
TDLR identifies towing from a parking facility without required signage as a violation.
Can I Tow a Vehicle Without a Tow-Away Sign?
Not necessarily. If your property is a regulated parking facility, required signage can be an important part of legally enforcing unauthorized parking.
Property owners should not assume that ownership alone gives them unlimited authority to tow. The property’s type, circumstances of the parking violation, signage, and applicable Texas requirements all matter.
Who Can Call the Tow Truck?
The property owner or an authorized representative generally authorizes a private-property tow. This could include a property manager, apartment manager, parking management company, or another authorized agent.
The towing company should have the appropriate permits for non-consent private-property towing.
Can I Tow a Vehicle Without the Owner’s Permission?
Yes, when the tow is legally authorized. A non-consent tow is specifically designed for situations where the vehicle owner has not given permission.
However, Texas regulates these tows. Improper authorization, missing signage, or other violations can result in enforcement action, so property owners should follow the applicable procedures.
Can I Move the Vehicle Myself?
Use caution when attempting to move someone else’s vehicle without permission. Physically moving or towing it yourself could result in damage or liability.
A professional towing company can verify authorization, use appropriate equipment, document the tow, and transport the vehicle properly. Texas also requires towing operations to be performed safely and competently.
What Happens After a Private-Property Tow?
A vehicle removed through a non-consent tow is generally taken to a licensed vehicle storage facility (VSF) or another legally permitted location.
The storage facility must provide required notification to the appropriate law-enforcement agency. Vehicle owners may also have rights to retrieve their vehicles and challenge certain non-consent tows.
How Much Does a Private-Property Tow Cost in Texas?
Texas establishes maximum charges for applicable private-property non-consent tows. Current statewide maximum tow charges include:
| Vehicle Weight | Maximum Tow Charge |
| Up to 10,000 lbs. | $272 |
| Over 10,000 to under 25,000 lbs. | $380 |
| 25,000 lbs. or more | $489 per unit, up to $978 |
Local governments may establish lower rates. Storage charges can also apply, with applicable maximums depending on vehicle length.
What If the Owner Returns During the Tow?
Texas provides specific rules when a vehicle owner returns before the vehicle leaves.
If the vehicle is not fully hooked up: The owner may request release without paying a fee.
If the vehicle is fully hooked up and ready for towing: The owner may generally recover the vehicle by paying the applicable drop fee.
Current statewide maximum drop fees 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
What If Someone Repeatedly Parks on My Property?
For recurring unauthorized parking, create a consistent process:
- Clearly identify private parking areas.
- Install compliant tow-away signs where required.
- Define who is authorized to park.
- Work with a properly licensed towing company.
- Photograph the vehicle, license plate, location, and signage.
- Keep records of each violation and tow authorization.
Good documentation can become valuable if the tow is later challenged.
What If the Vehicle Belongs to a Tenant?
A tenant’s vehicle requires additional caution. Check the lease, assigned parking rules, guest policies, and applicable law before requesting removal.
If the issue involves a landlord-tenant or possession dispute rather than straightforward unauthorized parking, towing may not be the appropriate solution.
What If a Vehicle Is Abandoned on My Property?
Do not automatically assume an apparently abandoned vehicle belongs to you. Texas has specific procedures for abandoned vehicles.
This can become particularly important if the vehicle has no plates, appears inoperable, has been left for a long period, belongs to a former tenant, or may have been stolen. A qualified towing company can help determine the appropriate procedure.
What If a Vehicle Is Blocking My Driveway?
If an unauthorized vehicle blocks your driveway, document the situation and contact a properly licensed towing company. Take photographs of the vehicle, license plate, obstruction, property, and any applicable signage.
If there is a dispute about property boundaries or access rights, legal advice may be appropriate before arranging removal.
What Should I Do Before Calling a Tow Truck?
Use this quick checklist:
- Confirm the vehicle is unauthorized.
- Photograph the vehicle and license plate.
- Document where it is parked.
- Check required tow-away signage.
- Confirm you have authority to request the tow.
- Use a properly licensed towing company.
- Explain why the vehicle is unauthorized.
- Keep records of the tow authorization.
Can the Vehicle Owner Challenge the Tow?
Yes, certain non-consent tows can be challenged through the Texas tow-hearing process. A hearing can address issues such as whether probable cause existed for the tow or whether the charges exceeded legal limits.
Property owners should therefore make sure the tow is properly authorized and documented.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I tow someone’s car off my private property in Texas?
Yes, potentially. Texas allows certain private-property non-consent tows when applicable requirements are satisfied.
Can I tow a car from my driveway without permission?
Possibly. Property ownership alone does not automatically authorize every tow, so the circumstances and applicable requirements should be reviewed first.
Do I need a tow-away sign on private property in Texas?
For regulated parking facilities, Texas has specific signage requirements when unauthorized vehicles are subject to towing. Failure to comply can result in a towing violation.
Can I remove a vehicle myself?
You should be cautious about moving someone else’s vehicle without permission. Hiring a properly licensed towing company is generally a safer way to handle a lawful non-consent tow.
How much does an unauthorized vehicle tow cost in Texas?
Applicable statewide maximum private-property tow charges currently range from $272 to $978, depending on vehicle weight. Storage and other permitted charges may also apply.
What if the owner says the tow was illegal?
The owner may have the right to challenge an applicable non-consent tow through a Texas tow hearing. Proper authorization and documentation are therefore important.
Conclusion
You may be able to tow an unauthorized vehicle from private property in Texas, but you must follow the applicable towing requirements. Depending on the situation, this can include proper signage, authorization, documentation, and using an appropriately licensed towing company.
If you’re dealing with an unauthorized vehicle, blocked driveway, abandoned vehicle, or private-property parking issue, Towing Recovery Rebuilding Assistance Services can provide professional towing assistance.
For towing, towing near me, towing service, tow trucks, towing service near me, tow trucks near me, or towing in Naperville, call 630-200-2731.
