Can I call a towing company to remove a car? The short answer is yes, but only in certain situations. The rules depend on where the vehicle is parked, who owns the property, and local towing laws in Texas. For example, a property owner can often request a towing service to remove unauthorized vehicles parked on private properties. Still, the towing process must comply with the Texas Transportation Code and other legal requirements.
Many drivers and property owners in Carrollton TX, deal with parking issues such as an abandoned vehicle, a car blocking access, or someone parking on your property without permission. Knowing when a vehicle can be towed helps protect your property and prevents legal problems. In this guide, you will learn when it is legal to call a tow company, how the procedures for towing vehicles work in Texas, and what steps to take if you need help.
When Can You Call a Tow Company to Remove a Vehicle?
There are several situations where it may be legal to tow vehicles from a location. Most of these situations involve private property towing.
Common towing scenarios include
- A car on your property that is parked without permission
- Unauthorized vehicles in a business parking lot
- An abandoned car left for a long time
- Vehicles that are parked illegally in designated spaces
- A vehicle is blocking access to your property
- Someone is parking on your property repeatedly despite warnings
In these cases, the property owner or property manager may have the authority to tow a vehicle. A professional tow truck company can safely and legally remove vehicles.
However, if the vehicle is on a public street, the situation is different. In that case, you may need to contact parking enforcement or local law enforcement instead of calling a towing service directly.
Private Property Towing in Texas
Towing on private property is common in Texas, but it must follow strict towing regulations.
Under the Texas Transportation Code, a vehicle parked illegally on private property may be removed if certain conditions are met.
Key rules for private property towing
- Clear signage must be posted
- Signs must warn that vehicles will be towed
- Signs must be visible to drivers entering the parking area
- The property must have designated parking
- The tow must follow proper procedures for towing
This signage informs drivers that vehicles that are parked in violation of parking rules may be removed.
For example, many businesses, retail centers, and apartment complex parking lots use these signs to prevent parking violations.
Without proper signage or authorization, a vehicle being towed improperly could lead to legal issues.
Can You Tow a Vehicle From Your Driveway?
Yes, if a car is parked on your property without permission, you usually have the right to remove it.
For example, if someone leaves a vehicle parked in your driveway or blocks your garage, you may need to take action to regain access to your property.
In this situation:
- Confirm the vehicle is not authorized.
- Document the situation if possible.
- Call a tow company that understands Texas towing regulations.
A trained tow operator will follow the proper towing process and remove the vehicle safely.
Who Can Authorize Towing on Private Property?
Not everyone has the right to request a tow. The towing company’s driver must verify that the person requesting the tow has legal authority.
People who may request a tow include:
- The property owner
- The property manager
- A business owner
- Property management staff
- An HOA or apartment management of the property
These individuals can authorize towing a vehicle from private property when it violates posted rules.
A random person usually cannot tow a vehicle simply because they do not like where it is parked.
What Happens During the Towing Process?
If you find a towing provider and request help, the towing process is usually simple.
Typical steps to tow a vehicle
- Contact a tow truck near your location.
- Provide details such as the license plate, vehicle type, and location.
- The tow truck arrives and inspects the situation.
- The tow operator confirms the legal requirements.
- The vehicle is hooked up, and the towed car is transported safely.
Once the vehicle in Texas is removed, it is usually taken to a vehicle storage lot. The vehicle owner must then pay towing and storage fees before retrieving it.
What Happens to a Towed Car?
After a car towed from private property is removed, it is placed in towing and storage.
The vehicle owner will need to:
- Locate your towed vehicle
- Verify the towing company
- Show proof of ownership
- Pay towing and storage fees
These storage fees increase the longer the vehicle remains in storage.
That is why drivers should act quickly once they learn that their vehicle has been towed.
Situations Where You Cannot Tow a Vehicle
Even if a car is annoying or inconvenient, it cannot always be removed right away.
A vehicle may not be towed if
- It is on a public street
- You do not control the property
- There is no proper signage indicating towing
- The towing request violates local law
- The tow company does not have authorization
Professional, reliable towing services always follow the rules for tow truck operations to avoid legal problems.
Why Professional Towing Matters
Trying to move or push someone else’s vehicle can cause damage and legal trouble. A professional tow truck company knows how to tow vehicles safely.
Benefits of professional towing include:
- Vehicle safely removed
- Proper compliance with towing laws
- Protection for both the vehicle owner and property owner
- Efficient removal of vehicles
- Secure vehicle storage
A trusted towing service also ensures the vehicle is handled properly and transported efficiently.
How Towing Helps Solve Parking Problems
Many property owners face ongoing parking issues. Cars may be parked without permission, block driveways, or stay long after visitors leave.
A professional towing service helps protect your property and enforce parking rules.
Examples include:
- Removing abandoned vehicles
- Clearing vehicles that are parked illegally
- Enforcing designated parking
- Supporting parking enforcement
- Restoring access to your property
These services help businesses, apartment complexes, and homeowners maintain order.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the rules for private property towing in TX?
Texas requires clear signage, proper authorization, and compliance with the Texas Transportation Code before towing a car from private property. Only authorized individuals, such as the property owner or property manager, can request the tow.
How much will it cost to release my car?
Costs vary depending on the towing company, distance, and the length of vehicle storage. Most drivers must pay towing and storage fees before the car is released.
Can a towing company remove a car without warning?
In some cases, yes. If a vehicle is parked illegally in a lot with clear signage indicating towing, it may be removed immediately.
What should I do if my car has been towed?
First, locate your towed vehicle by contacting local towing and storage facilities or law enforcement. Then bring proof of ownership and pay the required fees to retrieve it.
Can someone tow my car from an apartment complex?
Yes. If the apartment complex has posted parking rules and towing signs, the management of the property can authorize the removal of unauthorized vehicles.
Can a car be towed from a public street?
Usually, this is handled by local law enforcement or city parking enforcement, not private towing companies.
Get Fast and Reliable Towing Help in Carrollton TX
If you are dealing with an abandoned vehicle, parking problems, or need emergency towing, working with a trusted local provider makes the process simple and legal. Chavez Towing provides reliable towing services and roadside assistance throughout Carrollton TX.
Our experienced team can help with towing a car, removing unauthorized vehicles, transporting broken-down vehicles, and handling urgent roadside situations. Every tow truck operator follows proper Texas towing regulations to ensure each vehicle is handled safely.
If you need help removing a vehicle or require professional towing service, contact Chavez Towing at (214) 731-7327. Our team is ready to provide fast, professional support when you need it most.
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