What to Do If Your Car Was Towed in Texas
Many reasons exist why your car was towed in Texas. Whether you parked illegally, at a driver’s license violation, left your car too long after it broke down, or obstructed traffic in some way, you need to know how to recover your vehicle as quickly as possible. Returning to the parking space and finding your car gone is a scary and stressful experience. Also, it can be quite expensive and time-consuming if you do not know what to do first and who to call.
Who Should You Call if Your Car Was Towed?
The moment you discover your car missing, look around for signs that indicate it was parked in a tow away zone. These may have the name of the towing company or impound lot and phone number on them. If not, your first phone call should go to the local nonemergency police line. They will be able to tell you where your car was taken or how to contact the impound lot directly. Do not call 911 as a towed car is not an emergency on its own.
Photo by Mike B: Pexels
It also helps to call a friend or family member who can come pick you up and take you to the impound lot. At least you will not be stranded on the street or in a parking lot.
Can You Recover Your Vehicle Legally?
The answer to this question depends on why it was towed in the first place. If you merely parked somewhere you were not allowed to or blocked traffic or a driveway, all you need to do is go to the vehicle storage facility, pay your fee, and drive away. However, if the car was towed because of illegal activity, unpaid parking or traffic tickets, or lack of a license, you may not be able to recover it as easily. These topics are a matter for police involvement and the court system.
How to Prove Ownership to Recover Your Vehicle
In Texas, you need to prove that you own the vehicle or are allowed to use it legally in order to retrieve it from the vehicle storage facility. In order to do this, you need photo identification like a driver’s license that matches the DMV registration for the vehicle, your insurance card, the vehicle’s title, lease, or rental agreement, or a notarized form from the car owner that you are an approved user.
Picking Your Car Up from the Tow or Impound Lot
With the proper paperwork in hand and enough money to pay the fees, picking up your car is as simple as getting someone to drive you to the location, filling out a form, making the payment, and driving away. In Texas, the maximum towing charge is $275 for standard cars, and daily storage charge must not exceed $20 per day. Additional fees may apply.
Do everything possible to avoid getting your car towed and impounded in Texas. Do not park in No Parking zones, keep your license in good standing, pay all your tickets, and never obstruct traffic or emergency lanes. However, if your car was towed, it is important to know your rights and the best method to get it back. These tips will help you keep costs down and get back on the road as quickly as possible.
GETTING YOUR FORM NOTARIZED
After filling out the State of Texas VSF011 form, have it notarized by GreenSeal Notary. Click on the green “Connect With A Notary Now” button in the upper right corner of your screen to get your document notarized now.