Within Houston city limits, a light-duty non-consent tow runs $232 for the first 20 miles. Past 20 miles, the city adds $4.64 a mile under Municipal Code §8-123. That is the city’s published cap, not a Quick Tow rate. Call (281) 916-1288 and the operator confirms your price before the truck rolls.

When the city rate applies

The City of Houston sets its own non-consent tow rate for vehicles removed inside city limits under Municipal Code §8-123. The light-duty cap is $232 for the first 20 miles, then $4.64 a mile. The rate adjusts every January 1 by a weighted CPI formula.

This rate covers tows ordered by HPD, the City of Houston, or another agency inside the city. It does not apply on tollways (TxDOT sets those rules), and it does not apply to private-property tows outside city limits, where TDLR statewide caps take over.

When TDLR statewide caps apply

TDLR sets the maximum non-consent tow fees across Texas for tows outside the city’s published rate. The caps, effective January 1, 2024, are:

  • $272 for vehicles 10,000 lb or less
  • $380 for vehicles 10,001 to 24,999 lb
  • $489 per unit (up to $978) for vehicles 25,000 lb or more

Private-property tows in unincorporated Harris County, Pasadena, Sugar Land, and across most of the metro sit under these caps. Add the $50 notification fee, charged once.

Heavy-duty and oversized vehicles

Heavy-duty wrecker work inside the city is billed hourly under §8-123(d), with a two-hour minimum. Statewide, the heavy-duty non-consent caps are $380 (10,001 to 24,999 lb) and $489 per unit up to $978 (25,000 lb or more).

The Port of Houston and the Baytown, Pasadena, and Deer Park refinery corridor drive a lot of heavy-duty and 18-wheeler demand. Pricing on those jobs is quoted by the operator based on the unit, the route, and the recovery needs.

Tow and Go (free freeway assist)

If you are on I-10, I-45, I-69, Loop 610, or Beltway 8 (excluding tollways and the Katy Freeway HOT lanes) and your vehicle is attended, Tow and Go moves you to a safe spot off the freeway at no cost. A flat-tire change with a working spare is also covered. A destination tow after Tow and Go moves onto a city non-consent tow.

Drop fees and hook-up-only release

TDLR also sets drop fees for when the truck is hooked but the vehicle is not removed: $135 (10,000 lb or less), $190 (10,001 to 24,999 lb), $244 (25,000 lb or more). Inside the City of Houston, if the owner arrives before the tow begins, the hook-up-only release is half the regular fee.

What changes the final number

Distance, vehicle class, time of day, after-hours recovery, winching, and storage at a Vehicle Storage Facility (VSF) all change the bill. VSF storage at a licensed facility runs $22.85 per day for vehicles up to 25 ft and $39.99 per day for longer vehicles, plus an impoundment fee of up to $20 and a notification fee of up to $50. Storage begins six hours after the vehicle arrives at the VSF, and a part-day counts as a full day.

What to do before the truck rolls

Call (281) 916-1288. The operator on the call quotes the price for your specific job (vehicle class, location, destination) before the truck rolls. Quick Tow does not set a hookup fee. The number you hear on the call is the number you pay.

For a free estimate before dispatch, use our tow cost calculator. For a city overview, see our Houston towing service page.

Frequently asked questions

How much does a tow cost inside Houston city limits? $232 for the first 20 miles, then $4.64 a mile, per Municipal Code §8-123 (effective January 1, 2026). That is the city cap, not a Quick Tow rate. The hook-up-only release (hooked, not towed) is half the regular fee if you arrive before the tow begins.

How much is a private-property tow in Houston? For tows outside the city rate, TDLR caps apply statewide: $272 (10,000 lb or less), $380 (10,001 to 24,999 lb), $489 per unit up to $978 (25,000 lb or more), effective January 1, 2024. Add a $50 notification fee when applicable.

Is Tow and Go really free? Yes, on most Houston freeways (I-10, I-45, I-69, Loop 610, Beltway 8) for an attended vehicle. Tow and Go excludes tollways and the Katy Freeway HOT lanes. A destination tow after Tow and Go moves onto a city non-consent tow.

How much is storage at a Houston impound? VSF storage runs $22.85 per day for vehicles up to 25 ft and $39.99 per day for longer vehicles, plus an impoundment fee of up to $20. Storage begins six hours after arrival. There is no fee to access personal property inside a stored vehicle.

Who sets Houston’s tow rates? The City of Houston sets its in-city non-consent rate (Mun. Code §8-123). TDLR sets statewide non-consent caps and VSF storage fees. Consent tows are quoted by the operator.

Can a Houston tower charge more than the cap? No, on a non-consent tow the published cap is the legal ceiling. If a non-consent tower overcharges, file a TDLR complaint and raise it at the tow hearing. Quick Tow quotes the operator’s price before dispatch.