Car towed in Dallas?
Here’s how to get it back.
Call directly
Dallas Police Auto Pound
Call with license plate, VIN, or year/make/model.
Before you go
Documents: Original driver's license or ID required (copies NOT accepted). Vehicle registration. Proof of insurance mandatory for all releases.
Payment: Contact lot directly for accepted methods. Fax: (214) 670-5179.
TimeLimit: Arrive early — retrieval hours are 9AM-5PM daily.
Fees: Vehicles impounded for: no insurance, accidents, arrests, parking violations, abandoned/stolen vehicles, evidence. Proof of insurance required even if impound wasn't for insurance reasons.
Why cars get towed in Dallas
Private property towing (apartment lots)
Apartment complexes contract tow trucks to patrol lots. A wrong license plate number during online registration can cost you $300+.
Blocking fire lanes
Fire lane violations on both public and private property lead to immediate towing without warning.
Wrecked or disabled vehicles
Vehicles disabled after accidents on public roads are towed by city-contracted companies through the Transportation Regulation division.
Expired registration or inspection
Vehicles with expired tags parked on public streets can be reported and towed after being tagged.
Parked in a private lot?
No copies of driver's license or ID accepted at the Auto Pound — must be the original document.
Know your rights
Texas Occupations Code 2308 governs private property towing. Signs required at each entrance/exit (18x24 inches, 1-inch block letters). Tow hearing available within 14 days through Justice of the Peace courts.
Your towing rights in Dallas
Texas state law protects vehicle owners
🪧Signage Requirements
Signs must be clearly visible, facing the public roadway, placed at each entrance. Must include 'Unauthorized vehicles will be towed at vehicle owner's expense' and the tow company phone number. Lettering must be at least 2 inches tall.
🚗Right to Retrieve
Owner can retrieve the vehicle if they arrive before it leaves the property. Drop fee (max 50% of tow fee) applies if vehicle is already hooked up.
🏢Private Property Rules
Property owner must post compliant signs before towing. Vehicle must be on the property for the tow to be valid. Tow companies must have a Vehicle Storage Facility (VSF) license from TDLR.
📝How to File a Complaint
File complaints with the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR) at (800) 803-9202 or online at tdlr.texas.gov.
Source: TX Occupations Code Ch. 2308, TX Transportation Code §545.305
Avoid getting towed in Dallas
Parking Apps
💰 Meter Rates
Rates vary by zone — enter zone number from posted signs
🆓 Free Parking
Check posted signs for free parking hours.
💡 Pro Tip
The meter display will still show 'expired' after ParkMobile payment — that's normal. Enforcement officers see your payment automatically on their devices.
Pay for parking → avoid towing. It's that simple.
Parked somewhere else?