TX Towing & Storage FAQs

Questions

When do I need to send my notification of storage lien?

When do I send my second letter?

If the vehicle is not claimed by the 10th day of the second notice what needs to be done?

If a vehicle is not claimed when can it be sold?

I towed an abandoned nuisance vehicle, how long do I have to hold the vehicle?

What steps are necessary for an abandoned nuisance vehicle?

When is notification by publication necessary?

Answers

When do I need to send my notification of storage lien?

All registered owners and lien holders must be notified within 5 days, via certified mail. Vehicles not titled in Texas, the registered owners and lien holders must be notified within 14 days. (Notification fees may not exceed $50.00)

When do I send my second letter?

If vehicle is not claimed by a person permitted to claim the vehicle before the 15th day after the 1st notice is mailed or published a second notice to the owners and lien holders must be sent.

If the vehicle is not claimed by the 10th day of the second notice what needs to be done?

A notice of abandonment must be sent to law enforcement.

If a vehicle is not claimed when can it be sold?

The vehicle can be sold on the 45th day after the first notice was sent.

I towed an abandoned nuisance vehicle, how long do I have to hold the vehicle?

A VSF is only required to send or publish one notice and the vehicle may be sold on the 30th day after the notice has been mailed, through a public sale.

What steps are necessary for an abandoned nuisance vehicle?

The storage facility must notify the Texas DOT that notices under Chapter 683, Transportation Code have been provided and shall pay a fee to TxDOT; or Notify the appropriate law enforcement agency to pay a fee to that agency; or A law enforcement agency described by subsection (2)(b) may sign a document issued by TxDOT.

When is notification by publication necessary?

The vehicle is registered in another state, the operator of the storage facility submits a good faith letter or out of state record requests letter, the identity of the owner and lien holder cannot be determined.