How Much Are Impound Fees in Texas?
Texas caps impound charges by state law: up to $272 to release plus up to $22.85/day storage. Retrieve it fast - fees add up every day.
Reviewed by Daniel Richardson against Texas statutes and regulator schedules.
Texas Impound Cost by Days Held (2026)
| Time in impound | Legal maximum |
|---|---|
| 1 day | $295 |
| 3 days | $341 |
| 7 days | $432 |
| 14 days | $592 |
These are the Texas statutory maximums for a standard passenger car (outdoor storage); indoor storage, heavier vehicles, or local ordinances can run higher. Light-duty (10,000 lbs or less); storage is $39.99/day for vehicles over 25 ft. TDLR also sets a maximum drop fee if you return before the truck leaves (16 TAC 86.455).
Max tow fee: TDLR regulated; $272 for light-duty non-consent tow
Storage: TDLR regulated; $22.85/day (vehicles 25 ft or less), $39.99/day (over 25 ft)
Notification: Police notification required within 2 hours. Written notice to vehicle owner within 5 days.
Sources & Legal References
- TDLR Towing Consumer Information
tdlr.texas.gov
- TDLR VSF Fees
tdlr.texas.gov
Regulated by Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR).
Last reviewed by Daniel Richardson against Texas's official state statutes and regulator schedules.
How to Get Your Car Out Fast
- Call the local police non-emergency line to confirm which lot holds your car and get a case number.
- Bring a photo ID, proof of ownership (registration or title), and payment.
- Many lots require proof of current insurance to release the car - if yours lapsed, get a policy or SR-22 quote first.
- Ask for an itemized receipt and retrieve personal belongings (allowed during business hours in most states).
Think your Texas impound bill is too high?
If you were charged above Texas's legal maximum, you can dispute it. Build a ready-to-send demand letter on your state's fee limits and send it yourself - in minutes.
Get the documents to dispute my bill →Texas Impound FAQs
How much does it cost to get a car out of impound in Texas?
In Texas, expect an initial tow of about $272 to release (the Texas cap) plus daily storage of $22.85 per day (the Texas statutory cap for outdoor storage), plus any administrative/release fees. The longer the car sits, the more you pay - so retrieve it quickly. TDLR regulated; $272 for light-duty non-consent tow.
How much is the daily impound storage fee in Texas?
Daily storage in Texas runs $22.85 per day (the Texas statutory cap for outdoor storage). State rule: TDLR regulated; $22.85/day (vehicles 25 ft or less), $39.99/day (over 25 ft). Fees accrue every calendar day (sometimes counting partial days), which is why retrieving the vehicle fast saves the most money.
What do I need to get my car out of impound in Texas?
Bring a government photo ID, proof of ownership (registration or title), and payment. Many lots also require proof of current insurance to release the vehicle - if your coverage has lapsed, get a policy or SR-22 quote first so you can release the car.
Can I dispute impound or towing fees in Texas?
Yes. If you were charged above the legal maximum or the tow broke Texas rules, request an itemized receipt, demand a refund of any illegal charges, and file a complaint with the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR). Keep every receipt and photograph the signage.
What is the maximum towing fee in Texas?
Texas TDLR sets the maximum non-consensual tow fee at $272 for light-duty vehicles (10,000 lbs or less) under 16 TAC 86.455. Medium-duty is $380, and heavy-duty is $489 per unit. Storage fees are regulated at approximately $20-$25 per day. These rates are updated periodically.
What happens if I catch the tow truck in the act in Texas?
Under Texas law, if you return to your vehicle before the tow truck has left the property, the operator must release your vehicle. They can charge only a limited drop fee set by TDLR (16 TAC 86.455). If they refuse, call the police and file a TDLR complaint.