Towing – From Private Property

Sec. 8-182. Vehicles not to be towed from private property without consent of vehicle owner or property owner; right of property owners to designate auto wrecker permittees as agent for removal of vehicle.

No person shall tow, carry or transport any motor vehicle from private property unless the towing has been authorized by the vehicle owner or by the person who has the right of possession to the property from which the vehicle is being removed, or his agent.

The person having possession of the property from which one or more motor vehicles are to be towed may designate one or more auto wrecker permittees to be his agent for removal of vehicles, but such designations must be in writing and signed by the person having the right of possession of the property. Copies of such a designation shall be retained by the person in possession of the property and by each wrecker driver towing such vehicles from the property.

(Ord. No. 97-129, § 1, 1-29-97)

Sec. 8-183. Wrecker ticket for towing vehicle from private property without consent of vehicle owner.

No person shall tow, carry or transport any motor vehicle from private property without consent of the vehicle owner unless a wrecker ticket has been completed for such vehicle.

The wrecker ticket shall contain the following information:

(1) A complete description of the vehicle to be towed, including the license plate number and the vehicle identification number;

(2) Any visible damage to the inside or outside of the vehicle;

(3) Any personal property contained within the vehicle which is visible from outside that vehicle;

(4) Any visible missing parts or paraphernalia;

(5) The location from which the vehicle is being towed;

(6) The date and time the vehicle is towed;

(7) The location to which the vehicle is to be towed;

(8) The towing fee;

(9) The permit number of the wrecker being used for the tow;

(10) The signature of the person who has the right of possession of the property from which the motor vehicle is being removed, his agent, or the name of the person who authorized the tow when the vehicle was towed pursuant to authorization given in accordance with section 8-182;

(11) The signature and wrecker license number of the wrecker driver.

(Ord. No. 97-129, § 1, 1-29-97)

Sec. 8-184. Vehicles not to be towed from parking facilities unless sign posted giving information re: storage lot, etc.

Signage prohibiting parking of unauthorized vehicles and designating restricted areas shall be posted as a requirement for towing as provided in subchapter C of chapter 684 of the Texas Transportation Code.

(Ord. No. 97-129, § 1, 1-29-97)

Commentary

Before towing a car, carefully review the state towing statute, which can be found in the TAA Redbook. For properties in Houston, this ordinance should be followed by the wrecker service. Certain information is required on the wrecker ticket.