The following words, terms and phrases, when used in this article, shall have the meanings ascribed to them in this section, except where the context clearly indicates a different meaning:
Auto wrecker
means any automobile, truck or other motor vehicle used for the purpose of towing, carrying, pushing or otherwise transporting any wrecked or disabled motor vehicle from one place to another for any purpose including, but not limited to, the purpose of wrecking, storing or repairing the vehicle. The term “auto wrecker” shall not be construed to include a service car or other vehicle not equipped with mechanical devices for transporting wrecked vehicles and not used for such purpose, such as service cars equipped with compressed air containers and tools for performing minor repairs not involving towing or transporting of wrecked or disabled vehicles or vehicles used by citizens on rare occasions to push or pull other disabled vehicles. This exception shall not authorize evasion of this article and if any vehicle, although not equipped with devices primarily used for towing wrecked or disabled vehicles, is actually used for such purposes through the means of ropes, chains or otherwise, the same shall be considered an auto wrecker within the terms of this article.
Consent tow
means any towing of a motor vehicle upon the authorization of the owner or a person in possession of the motor vehicle that is not a police-authorized tow or a nonconsent tow.
Heavy-duty wrecker
means an auto wrecker with a manufacturer’s rated carrying capacity of not less than 6,000 pounds. Except where a distinction is made, the term “auto wrecker” shall include a “heavy-duty wrecker.”
Nonconsent tow
means any towing of a motor vehicle other than upon authorization of the vehicle owner or person in possession of the motor vehicle that is not a police-authorized tow.
Police-authorized tow
means a nonconsent tow and means the towing of a motor vehicle when authorized by any police officer of the city rather than the owner or person in possession of the motor vehicle under circumstances of recovery of a stolen vehicle, removal of an abandoned, wrecked, illegally parked or disabled motor vehicle or a custodial arrest where the owner or person in possession of the vehicle is incapable of making arrangements for removal of the vehicle, or any other circumstances in which a police officer authorizes the towing of a motor vehicle in connection with the officer’s official duties and the owner or person in possession is not present or is not capable of making a determination with respect to the removal of a vehicle.
Preservation
means additional effort by the vehicle storage facility to preserve the contents of a vehicle after an inventory and removal of items, inventoried to safekeeping, or the use of and placing of plastic, canvas tarpaulins or like materials over broken windows or doors to protect the interior of a vehicle.
Reasonable storage effort
means the amount of effort necessary for the storage of a vehicle, such as closing and locking doors and hatchbacks, rolling up windows, and putting up convertible tops. Reasonable storage effort shall not be considered preservation.
Transfer and service permit
means a permit issued annually by the city which authorizes the holder thereof to answer only calls from the owner or person in possession of a motor vehicle for auto transfer and service.
Unlimited wrecker permit
means a permit to be issued annually by the city which authorizes the holder thereof to answer calls from the police for police-authorized tows pursuant to a police- authorized tow agreement, [and] nonconsent tows, as well as calls for consent tows such as auto transfer or wrecker service calls within the city.
Vehicle storage facility
means a motor vehicle storage facility situated within the city that is operating under a current and valid license granted pursuant to the Vehicle Storage Facility Act, V.T.C.A., Occupations Code chapter 2303.
Wrecker
means an auto wrecker.
Wrecker chip
means the medallion or similar token issued by the city at the time of execution of a police-authorized tow agreement.
Wrecker driver
means a person who operates an auto wrecker on the streets of the city, whether on his own account or in the employ of another.
(1991 Code, sec. 8-1; Ordinance 97-507, sec. 2, adopted 11/20/96; 2007 Code, sec. 44-213)
(a) 
Generally; wrecker requirements.
An owner or person in possession of a motor vehicle may at any time request that their vehicle be towed to any location, for any purpose, and may use any auto wrecker they desire to tow their motor vehicle as long as the auto wrecker meets the following requirements:
(1) 
The auto wrecker displays a valid tow tag and a valid cab card issued by the state, and meets all requirements set forth by the state regulating the operation of motor carriers, motor vehicles and auto wreckers within the state; and
(2) 
If the owner of the auto wrecker has a place of business located within the city, the auto wrecker shall display a valid transfer and service permit.
(b) 
Vehicle in moving lane of traffic.
The owner or person in possession of a wrecked or disabled vehicle in a moving lane of traffic shall have 20 minutes to have the vehicle removed from the roadway at the owner’s request. If the owner is unable to have the vehicle removed within that time or within a shorter period of time, if in the judgment of the police officer on the scene such shorter period of time is necessary to protect the safety and welfare of the public, the officer may have the vehicle removed pursuant to a police-authorized tow.
(c) 
Towing incidental to repossession of vehicle.
The towing of a vehicle authorized by, and at the direction of, a registered lienholder incidental to a lawful repossession shall be considered a consent tow and the provisions of subsection (a) of this section shall apply. The lienholder or his agent shall make an oral report to the police department within one hour of the time the vehicle was towed which shall include the following information:
(1) 
The license plate of the towed vehicle;
(2) 
Vehicle identification number of the towed vehicle;
(3) 
The year, make, model and color of the towed vehicle;
(4) 
The name, address and telephone number of the person authorizing the tow or the lienholder requesting the vehicle to be repossessed; and
(5) 
The location from which the vehicle was towed, the date and time of the tow, and the name, street address and telephone number where the vehicle was taken for storage.
(1991 Code, sec. 8-2; Ordinance 97-507, sec. 2, adopted 11/20/96; 2007 Code, sec. 44-214)
(a) 
Wrecker requirements.
An auto wrecker performing nonconsent tows within the city must have a valid unlimited wrecker permit issued by the city and the driver of the auto wrecker must have a valid city wrecker operator’s license.
(b) 
Signs at parking facilities.
No person may authorize the tow of any vehicle from a parking lot or facility pursuant to signs posted on the property prohibiting persons from parking in the parking lot or facility unless the signs are posted at and visible from the entrances of the parking lot or facility and such signs inform the vehicle owners of the vehicle storage facility to which unauthorized vehicles are towed and the telephone number of that vehicle storage facility, or the telephone number of an agent of the parking lot or facility where the vehicle owner can obtain information at any hour as to where the vehicle has been towed.
(c) 
Report to police department.
Whenever a person other than the registered owner or person in possession of a motor vehicle authorizes the tow of a vehicle, that person or his agent shall make an oral report to the police department within one hour of the time the vehicle was towed which shall include the following information:
(1) 
The license plate of the towed vehicle;
(2) 
The vehicle identification number of the towed vehicle;
(3) 
The year, make, model and color of the towed vehicle;
(4) 
The name, address and telephone number of the person authorizing the tow; and
(5) 
The location from which the vehicle was towed, the date and time of the tow, and the name, street address and telephone number where the vehicle was taken for storage.
(1991 Code, sec. 8-3; Ordinance 97-507, sec. 2, adopted 11/20/96; 2007 Code, sec. 44-215)
(a) 
No auto wrecker may perform police-authorized tows except upon authorization of a contract executed under this section.
(b) 
On recommendation of the chief of police, the mayor may execute agreements on behalf of the city with persons who hold unlimited wrecker permits to perform police-authorized tows. The right to enter into such agreements shall be extended on a uniform basis to all eligible persons who operate permitted wreckers; provided, however, that if the chief of police determines that the applicant for an agreement is an owner of, has more than ten percent [interest] in, or has control of a company that has entered into a police-authorized tow agreement with the city that is then in effect, the chief shall not recommend that the city enter into an agreement with the applicant. The agreements shall be upon such terms and conditions as the chief of police determines to be equitable and in the best interest of providing efficient service for police-authorized tows. Without limiting the chief of police’s discretion to develop other covenants, the agreements may provide that vehicles towed must be delivered to a vehicle storage facility within the city, that wrecker chips shall be used in the selection process for auto wreckers responding to a police request, and that the owner and/or wrecker driver perform or provide services such as 24-hour operations and phone answering services. The agreements shall be for such term, not to exceed one year duration, as the chief of police may recommend; provided that all such agreements will provide a right of any party thereto to terminate upon 30 days’ written notice, without cause, and for suspension or termination for cause upon five days’ written notice in the event of the failure of the operator or his agent or employee to timely or fully comply with any provision of the agreement.
(c) 
The chief of police shall not recommend that the city enter into an agreement with any unlimited wrecker permit holder if the permit holder or any employee or owner of the permit holder (including partners of a partnership and stockholders of a corporation) has had an agreement hereunder terminated for cause within the preceding five years. The chief of police may require an affidavit and the furnishing of business records to demonstrate compliance with the foregoing provision. The foregoing provision shall apply to agreements that are not renewed or are terminated by the operator under threat of termination for cause in the same manner as to those that have actually been terminated for cause.
(d) 
The applicant for a police-authorized tow agreement under this section shall have the right to appeal the decision of the chief of police to the city council within ten days, which appeal shall be perfected by delivering, in writing, five copies of same to the city council, stating that an appeal from the decision of the chief of police is desired and the facts regarding same. The city council will then, within a period of not more than 15 days after receiving such notice of appeal, grant a hearing thereof, and after hearing of the appeal, shall within a period of five days, sustain or reverse the decision of the chief of police. If no appeal is taken from the findings made by the chief of police within the time provided in this subsection (d), the decision of the chief of police shall be final; otherwise, the decision of the city council shall become final.
(1991 Code, sec. 8-4; Ordinance 97-507, sec. 2, adopted 11/20/96; 2007 Code, sec. 44-216)
(a) 
Whenever an auto wrecker arrives at a place where a motor vehicle is wrecked or disabled, the auto wrecker driver shall park his vehicle as close to the street curb as possible and otherwise dispose of it in such a manner as not to interfere with traffic. No auto wrecker shall be parked within 100 feet of a wrecked or disabled vehicle unless otherwise directed by a police officer at the scene. The driver or any occupant of the auto wrecker shall remain at or near the wrecker and not approach any party involved in the wrecked or disabled vehicle. Only one auto wrecker from the same company or an affiliated company shall be allowed at the scene of a wrecked or disabled vehicle or at the scene of any police call for auto wreckers.
(b) 
The fact that a police officer is not present at the scene of an accident when an auto wrecker arrives shall not constitute an exception to this section nor any other section and it shall be the duty of the owner or driver desiring to tow or haul any wrecked or disabled vehicles from the scene of an accident to cause the police to be notified of the occurrence of the accident and to await the arrival of a police officer.
(1991 Code, sec. 8-5; Ordinance 97-507, sec. 2, adopted 11/20/96; 2007 Code, sec. 44-217)
No auto wrecker driver shall, nor allow any person under his control to, ignite a match, lighter or other flammable object within a distance of 50 feet in any direction from the location of a vehicular accident. The wrecker driver and any person under his control shall not enter into such area with a lighted cigarette, cigar, pipe or other burning material. The provisions of this section shall not apply to the required safety equipment described in section 5.13.010.
(1991 Code, sec. 8-6; Ordinance 97-507, sec. 2, adopted 11/20/96; 2007 Code, sec. 44-218)
(a) 
All wrecker drivers, owners and agents are prohibited from soliciting the business of towing, removing or repairing any wrecked or disabled vehicle at the place where the accident has occurred to such vehicle, by words, cards, circulars or gestures.
(b) 
No auto wrecker driver shall remove any wrecked or disabled vehicle from the place where the accident has occurred or attach his wrecker to the wrecked or disabled vehicle unless otherwise directed by a police officer at the scene.
(1991 Code, sec. 8-7; Ordinance 97-507, sec. 2, adopted 11/20/96; 2007 Code, sec. 44-219)
(a) 
All auto wrecker drivers arriving at the scene of an accident or any police-authorized tow shall obey all lawful orders given them by any police officer at the scene and shall not interfere with such police officer in the performance of his duties.
(b) 
A wrecker driver shall not remove any wrecked or disabled vehicle from the scene of an accident or any request for a police-authorized tow or load or attach an auto wrecker to a wrecked or disabled vehicle until the police officer in charge of the scene has completed the investigation and authorized the wrecker driver to remove the vehicle.
(c) 
All auto wreckers may be denied to match for a tow if the wrecker is observed violating any laws of the state or city while en route to any wrecker call for service. This shall be at the discretion of the investigating police officer in charge of the scene.
(d) 
Any police officer investigating any scene shall have the authority to confiscate any wrecker chip if said chip has been bent, damaged or otherwise tampered with in a manner that would alter the original condition of the chip. Any officer may confiscate a city wrecker operator’s license if the wrecker driver interferes with the officer while at the scene.
(e) 
If any wrecker operator’s license or wrecker chip is confiscated it shall be accompanied by a written memo indicating the reason for the confiscation and given to the on-duty supervisor. The supervisor shall then forward the confiscated item along with a memo to the chief of police or his designee. The chief of police shall investigate or cause an investigation to be conducted as to any further disciplinary action such as revoking or suspending the operator’s license or terminating the police-authorized tow agreement, if any, or both.
(1991 Code, sec. 8-8; Ordinance 97-507, sec. 2, adopted 11/20/96; 2007 Code, sec. 44-220)
(a) 
Upon arrival at the scene of a wrecked or disabled vehicle the police officer shall determine if a police-authorized tow is necessary. If a police-authorized tow is necessary, the police officer shall advise dispatch of the number of wreckers needed and then a ten-minute call will be placed for wreckers holding valid wrecker chips. After the allotted time, the appropriate number of wreckers will be chosen by the drawing of wrecker chips from those auto wreckers responding to the call.
(b) 
If the owner or driver of a motor vehicle that is wrecked or disabled has a wrecker preference, that request will be honored and any wrecker or towing company may tow the vehicle as long as it has a valid state tow tag and cab card. If the wrecked or disabled vehicle has any part or portion thereof upon the roadway, the auto wrecker responding to the owner’s or driver’s request shall have 20 minutes to arrive at the scene and remove the vehicle, or such shorter period of time if in the discretion of the police officer on the scene such shorter period of time is necessary to protect the safety and welfare of the public; otherwise, the vehicle may be towed pursuant to a police-authorized tow by an auto wrecker holding a valid wrecker chip.
(c) 
If the owner or driver of any vehicle has a request for an auto wrecker holding a valid wrecker chip and more than one auto wrecker is needed, the auto wrecker towing at the owner’s or driver’s request may match for another vehicle, if the auto wrecker is equipped to tow two vehicles, and if the auto wrecker’s chip is drawn pursuant to subsection (a) of this section.
(1991 Code, sec. 8-9; Ordinance 97-507, sec. 2, adopted 11/20/96; 2007 Code, sec. 44-221)
The following equipment is required on every auto wrecker performing towing services within the city:
(1) 
A fire extinguisher, being defined as that piece of equipment commonly carried to extinguish fires caused as a result of an auto accident or collision. Such fire extinguisher shall be the standard BC type, either one ten-pound or two five-pound fire extinguishers with a gauge, properly filled and readily accessible for use. Fire extinguisher(s) must be inspected by the fire marshal and tagged with a certification annually.
(2) 
Three flares, each of which shall be capable of being seen and distinguished at a distance of not less than 600 feet under normal atmospheric conditions at nighttime.
(3) 
One broom of a type designed for pushing with an 18-inch head and a handle of not less than 36 inches.
(4) 
No less than five gallons of dry sand or other absorbent which is at least as effective as sand in absorbing liquid.
(5) 
One five-gallon container to carry glass and debris cleaned from streets when picking up a wrecked vehicle.
(6) 
One flat-edged shovel of at least nine inches, with a handle of not less than 36 inches.
(7) 
One wrecking bar of not less than 36 inches in length with a wedge head.
(8) 
At least one operational light bar with amber lenses or lights visible within 500 feet of a 360-degree radius.
(9) 
If the vehicle being towed does not have functional taillights, temporary lighting must be provided.
(10) 
If the auto wrecker is a heavy-duty wrecker, the heavy-duty wrecker must be equipped with a winch capable of lifting a minimum of 50,000 pounds. If one winch line is used it shall be at least three-fourths inches in diameter; if two winch lines are used each shall be at least five-eighths [inches] in diameter. Additionally, a heavy-duty wrecker shall be equipped with air brakes and air lines, and must have a tow bar which is sufficient to prevent the swinging of any equipment being transported by such heavy-duty wrecker.
(11) 
If the auto wrecker is a TDLR approved hydraulically extendable boom tandem axle wrecker, the wrecker shall have a minimum boom manufacturer rating of 35 tons. Each wrecker shall have a minimum of two 35,000 manufacturer rated winches and each winch shall have a minimum of 200 feet of 3/4 inch diameter wire rope. Every rope end must be swaged.
(1991 Code, sec. 8-10; Ordinance 97-507, sec. 2, adopted 11/20/96; Ordinance 19-855, sec. 1, adopted 10/8/19; 2007 Code, sec. 44-222)
(a) 
It shall be the duty of the wrecker driver of each auto wrecker that picks up a wrecked or disabled vehicle for the purpose of towing to clear the street of any and all debris, parts or glass. In the event two or more auto wreckers pick up vehicles for towing, it shall be the duty of each driver to clear the street of debris, parts or glass.
(b) 
Any other person who removes a wrecked or disabled vehicle from a street shall remove any glass or other injurious substance dropped upon the street from such vehicle.
(1991 Code, sec. 8-11; Ordinance 97-507, sec. 2, adopted 11/20/96; 2007 Code, sec. 44-223)
(a) 
Standard service.
The standard auto wrecker service charge for towing a vehicle as a nonconsent tow or as a police-authorized tow to a vehicle storage facility within the city or to the place of business of the auto wrecker shall not exceed $220.00. This charge shall apply whether the tow is performed during the day, at night, on a Saturday or Sunday, or on a holiday. If the police department requires the vehicle to be moved from the location to which it was originally towed to another location within the city, an additional fee not to exceed $50.00 may be charged for transferring the vehicle.
(b) 
Heavy-duty wrecker service.
The service charge for a heavy-duty wrecker performing police authorized or nonconsent tows where the services of a heavy-duty wrecker are required shall not exceed $335.50 per hour, with a two-hour minimum. The time shall begin at dispatch time and end when the vehicle is delivered to the vehicle storage facility or designated location. An additional fee not to exceed $150.00 per hour may be charged for the up righting of rollover and wrecked vehicles.
(c) 
Invoice.
All charges shall be listed on the wrecker invoice and the permit holder shall maintain a separate file for invoice copies pertaining to nonconsent and police-authorized towing services at the permit holder’s place of business for two years from the invoice date. Any officer of the police department may inspect such invoice during regular business hours. Every invoice required to be kept under this section shall contain the towed vehicle’s description by make, model, year, license number and name of the wrecker driver in addition to charges made. Every invoice on nonconsent tows shall include the information specified in this subsection along with the name, address and phone number of the person authorizing the tow, accompanied with the reason the vehicle was towed, and the name, street address and telephone number where the vehicle was taken for storage. Every invoice on police-authorized tows shall include the name and badge number of the police officer that authorized the tow.
(d) 
Recovery and scene clean-up.
There are no regulated fees regarding recovery or scene clean-up. The heavy-duty tow operator must provide the customer with a detailed bill listing the equipment, labor and time utilized to clean the scene. Additional fees based on hazardous materials may apply.
(e) 
Process for determining rates.
The rates referred to in subsections (a) and (b), above, shall be established in accordance with the following process:
(1) 
The city shall adjust the rates on a bi-annual basis effective January 1 of each year beginning in 2026, based upon a weighted blend of the following indices with one-half attributed to the percentage increase or decrease in the consumer price index, all urban consumers, all items, United States average; and one-sixth each attributed to the percentage increase or decrease in:
(A) 
Consumer Price Index, All Urban Customers (CPI-U), U.S. City average, Motor Vehicle Maintenance and Repair;
(B) 
Consumer Price Index, All Urban Customers (CPI-U), U.S. City Average, Vehicle Insurance; and
(C) 
Consumer Price Index, All Urban Customers (CPI-U), Houston-The Woodlands-Sugar Land Average, Gasoline;
all as published by the U.S. Department of Labor. The adjustment shall be based upon the most current data available on November 15, shall be rounded to the nearest increment of $0.50 cents and shall be effective on the following January 1. Notice of the adjusted rates shall be sent via certified mail to all wrecker companies permitted to perform services within the city as of the date the new rate is adopted by ordinance.
(2) 
A towing company may request that the city conduct a towing fee study in years in which the rates are not adjusted as set forth in subsection (1) above, by filing a written request with the city manager by certified mail, return receipt requested, or by hand delivery. The following shall apply to towing fee studies performed at the request of a towing company:
(A) 
A fee of $1,000.00 is paid to the city at the time the request for a study is made;
(B) 
Within 90 days after the filing of an initial request, additional towing companies may join the request by filing written requests in accordance with this subsection (2) above;
(C) 
The city shall conduct a towing fee study if the initial request and the additional requestors, if any, accounted for not less than 50 percent of the nonconsent tows performed in the city during the preceding twelve month period, as determined by the city manager;
(D) 
If it is determined that the requestor(s) do not meet the threshold as established in subsection (C) above, a fee study shall not be conducted and the city shall refund the fee, less an administrative fee of $250.00;
(E) 
The towing fee study shall determine the fair market value of a nonconsent tow originating in the city, considering the financial information provided to the city by the requestor(s). Such information shall include but is not limited to verified financial data and vehicle-operating data regarding the operating costs and return on investment for use as a basis in conducting the review;
(F) 
Each towing company requesting the towing fee study shall cooperate with the city to conduct the study. Each towing company shall provide to the city information determined by the city manager to be reasonably necessary to determine the fair market value of towing services regulated under this chapter;
(G) 
The city shall complete a towing fee study not later than the 120th day after receiving all information required under subsection (E) and (F) of this subsection;
(H) 
The city manager shall present to the city council the results of the towing fee study. The city manager shall give each towing company that owns or leases tow trucks permitted with the city written notice of the time, date, and location of the city council meeting at which the study is to be considered. The notice must be sent by United States regular mail to the towing company's address listed in the latest permit application on file with the police chief.
(I) 
Based on the results of the towing fee study, the city council may change the nonconsent towing fees. The maximum fees must represent the fair market value of the services of a towing company performing nonconsent tows originating in the city.
(J) 
The city is not required to conduct more than one towing fee study within a two (2) year time period, measured from the date the city council most recently considered a towing fee study.
(1991 Code, sec. 8-12; Ordinance 97-507, sec. 2, adopted 11/20/96; Ordinance 09-663, sec. I, adopted 12/11/09; Ordinance 19-855, sec. 2, adopted 10/8/19; 2007 Code, sec. 44-224; Ordinance 24-972 adopted 8/8/2024)
(a) 
It shall be unlawful for any person to use the streets of the city for the operation of an auto wrecker unless the ad valorem taxes on all properties used and useful in the furnishing of auto wrecker services shall have been first paid.
(b) 
The owner or operator of any property used and useful in the furnishing of auto wreckers shall, on or before January 15 of each year, furnish the city manager or designee satisfactory evidence that all ad valorem and other taxes due the city have been paid when due. The city manager or designee shall have 15 days after receipt of such evidence to determine whether such evidence is true and correct. If such investigation discloses that such taxes were not paid, the city manager or designee shall cause any or all permits issued by the city and held by such owner or operator to be suspended, canceled or revoked.
(1991 Code, sec. 8-13; Ordinance 97-507, sec. 2, adopted 11/20/96; 2007 Code, sec. 44-225; Ordinance adopting 2022 Code)