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Towed from a private lot in Texas: what can they charge?
| Vehicle weight | Maximum private property tow fee | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Up to 10,000 lbs | $272 | (source: Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation) checked November 1, 2026 |
| More than 10,000 but less than 25,000 lbs | $380 | (source: Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation) checked November 1, 2026 |
| More than 25,000 lbs | $489 per unit, $978 total maximum | (source: Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation) checked November 1, 2026 |
These are statewide maximums. A city or county can set lower rates. (source: Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation)
If you catch the tow truck
- Not fully hooked up: you can ask for your car without paying any fee and without proving ownership.
- Fully hooked up but still in the lot: you can keep the car but must pay a drop fee, at most $135 up to 10,000 lbs, $190 from 10,000 to 25,000 lbs, and $244 above 25,000 lbs.
- The driver must accept cash, credit cards and debit cards for the drop fee.
(source: Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation)
Next: storage lot fees and how to request a tow hearing.
On this site: When is my Texas registration due, and what if it is late? · I just moved to Texas. What are the vehicle deadlines? · Buying or selling a car in Texas: title and transfer deadlines · Do I still need a vehicle inspection in Texas? · Texas emissions test: cost, timing and retests · Bexar County emissions testing: required from November 1, 2026 · Towed from a private lot in Texas: what can they charge? · Texas vehicle storage lot fees and getting your car back · How to challenge a tow in Texas (tow hearing) · Texas Lemon Law: tests, deadline and fee · Texas vehicle fees at a glance · Cities · FAQ · Sources
Sources
- Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR): Towing and Vehicle Storage: Consumer Information (checked November 1, 2026)
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