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How to challenge a tow in Texas (tow hearing)
If you believe your car was wrongly towed, stored or booted, or you were charged more than allowed, you may request a tow hearing. (source: Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation)
The hearing is in any justice court in the county from which the car was towed, or for a booted car, the county where the parking facility is (Occupations Code 2308.453). (source: Texas Legislature)
Deliver a written request to the court before the 14th day after the car was removed and placed in the storage lot (or booted), not counting Saturdays, Sundays and legal holidays (Occupations Code 2308.456(a)). The 14 day period does not begin until the towing company or storage lot gives you the information needed to complete the request: where the car was removed from, the date, who authorized the tow, and the names, addresses and phone numbers of the storage lot and the towing company (2308.456(c-1)). If you were not given the required written notice of your hearing rights (2308.454), the 14 day deadline does not apply and you may request a hearing at any time (2308.456(c)). (source: Texas Legislature)
- The court may charge a $20 filing fee.
- The hearing must be held before 21 calendar days after the court receives the request.
- The towing or storage company must give you a notice of your hearing rights that names the justice court.
(source: Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation)
You can also file a complaint with TDLR about a towing company or storage lot. (source: Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation)
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Sources
- Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR): Towing and Vehicle Storage: Consumer Information (checked November 1, 2026)
- Texas Legislature (Texas Constitution and Statutes): Occupations Code Chapter 2308: Vehicle Towing and Booting (checked November 1, 2026)
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