Vehicle Storage Lien in Texas
Your rights as a vehicle owner when your car is towed or stored in Texas — lien timelines, notice requirements, storage rates, redemption rights, and how to dispute improper charges.
In Texas, your redemption window is 30 days from storage. After that, the facility may sell your vehicle to recover charges. Contact the storage facility immediately, request an itemized invoice, and verify all charges comply with Texas law.
Texas distinguishes between vehicles towed without the owner's consent (police tows) and voluntarily stored vehicles. Police-towed vehicles have additional consumer protections under Texas Occupations Code Chapter 2308. If your vehicle was towed without consent, you have stronger rights.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does a storage facility have to keep my car before a lien sale in Texas?
30 days. Texas allows a storage facility to file an abandoned vehicle lien after 30 days of storage. The facility must report the abandoned vehicle to the Texas DMV after 10 days.
Does the storage facility have to notify me before selling my car in Texas?
Yes. Texas requires the storage facility to notify the registered owner and any lienholders by certified mail within 10 days of storing the vehicle. Failure to properly notify may void the lien.
How much does vehicle storage cost per day in Texas?
$20–$75/day. Texas does not set statewide storage rate caps, but municipal ordinances often regulate maximum tow and storage fees. Houston and Dallas have local rate schedules. Always request an itemized bill.
What rights do I have as a vehicle owner in a storage lien in Texas?
Moderate — 30-day redemption window. Texas vehicle owners may redeem the vehicle before the auction by paying all storage, towing, and notification fees. Once the auction occurs, the owner loses the vehicle. There is no formal hearing right in Texas's abandoned vehicle process.
How does the auction process work for storage liens in Texas?
Texas DMV abandonment process. Texas conducts abandoned vehicle auctions through the Texas DMV. The facility files for abandoned vehicle status, the DMV publishes notice, and an auction is held. Proceeds first cover storage/tow fees.
What should I do if my car was towed and I can't afford to pay in Texas?
Contact the storage facility immediately and ask for an itemized invoice. Verify all charges are legal under Texas law. If you cannot afford the total, ask about a payment plan. Texas distinguishes between vehicles towed without the owner's consent (police tows) and voluntarily stored vehicles. Police-towed vehicles have additional consumer protections under Texas Occupations Code Chapter 2308. If your vehicle was towed without consent, you have stronger rights. Contact the Texas DMV or a legal aid organization if you believe the charges are improper.