Texas Vehicle Impound Laws & Recovery Guide
Everything you need to know about getting your car out of impound after a DUI arrest in Texas, including the critical 14-day hearing deadline and JP court jurisdiction rules.
Last verified: January 2026
Critical: 14-Day Tow Hearing Deadline
In Texas, you have only 14 days from the date your vehicle was impounded to request a hearing to contest the tow. Missing this deadline means you permanently lose your right to challenge the impound or fees.
⚖️ JP Court Jurisdiction Trap
You must file in the Justice of the Peace (JP) court where your vehicle was TOWED FROM (where you were arrested), NOT where it's currently stored. This is one of the most common mistakes people make.
Example: If you were arrested in Dallas County (precinct 5) but your car is stored in Tarrant County, you file in Dallas County JP Court Precinct 5 - NOT in Tarrant County.
What You Can Challenge
- • Reasonableness of tow fees
- • Whether tow was necessary
- • Storage fee rates
- • Compliance with notice requirements
What You Cannot Challenge
- • The underlying DWI arrest
- • Whether car should have been towed (if properly authorized)
- • Officer's decision to tow
The "No Insurance" Myth - DEBUNKED
Many impound lots will tell you that you need insurance to get your car released. This is FALSE.
Texas TDLR Rules
Under Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR) rules governing Vehicle Storage Facilities (VSFs), tow companies cannot require proof of insurance as a condition of releasing your vehicle.
What you actually need: Valid photo ID (matching registration), vehicle registration or title, and payment for all fees. That's it.
Note: While you don't need insurance to retrieve your car from impound, you DO need it to legally drive on Texas roads. If you're caught driving without insurance, you face additional penalties.
5-Day Notice Requirement
Texas law requires the Vehicle Storage Facility to mail written notice to the registered owner within 5 business days of taking possession of your vehicle.
What the Notice Must Include
- • Description of your vehicle
- • Location where it's stored
- • Facility contact information
- • Amount of accrued charges
- • Your rights regarding the vehicle
- • Information about requesting a hearing
If They Miss the Deadline
If the VSF fails to send notice within 5 business days, they may forfeit their right to collect storage fees.
Document everything: Keep the envelope showing the postmark date. This is your evidence if you need to challenge fees at a tow hearing.
Typical Impound Costs in Texas
| Fee Type | Typical Range |
|---|---|
| Initial Tow (Hook-up) | $150 - $250 |
| Daily Storage Fee | $30 - $60/day |
| Administrative Fee | $100 - $150 |
| Gate Fee (after hours) | $50 - $100 |
3 Days
$300-500
7 Days
$500-850
30 Days
$1,500+
Actual costs vary by county and tow company. Use county-specific calculators below for more accurate estimates.
Documents Needed to Release Your Vehicle
If You're the Registered Owner
- Valid photo ID (driver's license or state ID)
- Vehicle registration or title showing your name
- Payment for all fees (cash, credit, or debit)
- Proof of insurance (NOT required by law, but bring it anyway)
If Someone Else Is Picking It Up
- Written authorization letter from registered owner
- Copy of owner's ID
- Their own valid photo ID
- Vehicle registration or title
- Payment for all fees
Tip: Call the impound lot BEFORE you go to confirm exactly what they need. While they can't legally require insurance, they may have other documentation requirements.
County-Specific Impound Information
Each county in Texas has different impound lots, fees, and procedures. Select your county below for specific information:
Frequently Asked Questions
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