If you’re a Houston, TX resident who’s had their car towed from a private lot, you may be wondering what your rights are. Private property towing can be a frustrating experience, but with the correct information, you can make sure you’re treated fairly by the tow truck driver and the lot owner. We’ll discuss the laws surrounding private property towing in Houston, TX, and what you can do if your car is towed illegally. Learn more here.
If you’re like most Houstonians, you probably don’t know much about private property towing. Unless you’ve had the unfortunate experience of being towed from a parking lot or garage that’s not affiliated with the City of Houston, you may not even know it exists. Private property towing is a process by which a tow truck operator removes an unauthorized vehicle from private property at the request of the property owner or manager. Learn more about Private Property Towing in Houston, TX: How to Handle a Vehicle Towing Situation.
The City of Houston regulates private property towing through its comprehensive Towing and Recovery Rules, which include requirements for signage, permits, insurance, and driver training. Property owners or managers who wish to have vehicles towed from their premises must first obtain a permit from the city. Tow truck operators must also carry liability insurance to tow vehicles from private property.