How to Recover an Impounded Vehicle in Texas
Storage fees in Texas accumulate daily. The faster you act, the less you pay. Here is exactly what Texas requires and how to get your vehicle back today.
Move fast. Storage fees of $20–$35/day for first 30 days, then unregulated accrue every day until you recover the vehicle.
Quick Reference
Who Can Impound Your Vehicle
Texas DPS, local police, and TDLR-licensed tow operators
Texas Transportation Code Ch. 643/645 governs towing. TDLR (Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation) licenses tow operators and sets rate caps.
Documents Required to Recover
- Driver license
- Vehicle title or registration
- Proof of liability insurance (Texas requires it)
- Payment for fees (cash, card, or money order)
- Letter of authorization if not the owner
Fees and Caps
Tow: $272 for non-consent light tows (set by TDLR statewide)
Storage: $20–$35/day for first 30 days, then unregulated
Texas caps non-consent tow rates by statute. Storage rates after 30 days are negotiable — push back hard.
Your Right to Contest
Yes — file in JP court within 14 days
Texas grants the right to file for a tow hearing in Justice of the Peace court. Filing fee ~$30. If you win, the tow company pays your fees plus damages.
If You Don't Recover the Vehicle
Auction timeline: 45 days after notice for vehicles >$500; faster for under
Texas Transportation Code Ch. 683 governs abandoned vehicle sales. Tow yard files VTR-265 to start the sale process.
Texas Standout Rule
Frequently Asked Questions
Who can impound a vehicle in Texas?
Texas DPS, local police, and TDLR-licensed tow operators. Texas Transportation Code Ch. 643/645 governs towing. TDLR (Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation) licenses tow operators and sets rate caps.
How fast must I be notified of an impound in Texas?
24 hours to law enforcement, then certified mail to owner. Tow company must report to local police within 24 hours. Police access TxDMV records to find owner; owner notified by certified mail within 5 business days.
How much does it cost to recover an impounded vehicle in Texas?
$272 for non-consent light tows (set by TDLR statewide) for the tow plus $20–$35/day for first 30 days, then unregulated for storage. Texas caps non-consent tow rates by statute. Storage rates after 30 days are negotiable — push back hard.
What documents do I need to recover an impounded vehicle in Texas?
Driver license, Vehicle title or registration, Proof of liability insurance (Texas requires it), plus payment for fees. Bring all originals — copies typically not accepted.
Can I contest an impound in Texas?
Yes — file in JP court within 14 days. Texas grants the right to file for a tow hearing in Justice of the Peace court. Filing fee ~$30. If you win, the tow company pays your fees plus damages.
Selling After Recovery?
If you're selling the vehicle after recovery, a Texas bill of sale documents the condition and transfer cleanly.
Generate Bill of SaleSource: Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation — Towing. Tow rates and notice rules change frequently — verify with your local agency before paying.