Texas towing regulations contain shocking grammatical errors and systematic cross-reference failures that make key provisions impossible to understand. From sentences that compare the cost of a tow to a tow itself, to regulations referencing non-existent fee lists, Chapter 86 of the Texas Administrative Code is riddled with fundamental drafting flaws that create real problems for towing companies, vehicle owners, and courts. Our analysis reveals how these aren't minor technical issues, but serious regulatory dysfunction that undermines the entire framework governing the industry.

On July 18, 2025, the Texas Court of Appeals delivered a crushing blow to municipal authority advocates—but not in the way anyone expected. In State v. City of Houston, the court dismissed Houston, San Antonio, and El Paso's constitutional challenge to the controversial Texas Regulatory Consistency Act (TRCA) entirely for lack of standing, never reaching the weighty constitutional issues that had led a trial court to declare the Act "unconstitutional in its entirety." The appellate court created a catch-22 for the cities: to establish standing, they needed to show concrete injury from the Act's application to a specific local law, but identifying such a law could expose them to the very private enforcement actions they were trying to prevent. More significantly, the court held that the State isn't a proper defendant just because the Legislature enacted the statute, since the TRCA is enforced through private lawsuits rather than state action. The result leaves Texas's most aggressive preemption law—which bars municipalities from regulating in entire fields even when their ordinances don't conflict with state law—completely intact and untested, while its private enforcement mechanism continues to cast a regulatory chill over local government across the state.

Discover how the Texas DMV may incorrectly apply Standard Presumptive Value (SPV) to vehicles purchased at Vehicle Storage Facility lien foreclosure sales, potentially costing buyers thousands of dollars in extra taxes. Learn your rights, understand the correct tax calculations, and find out how to seek relief if you've overpaid.

Missouri’s HB 745 is set to change the towing industry by regulating nonconsensual tows of commercial vehicles, limiting excessive fees, and introducing new complaint and oversight processes. Towing companies will face stricter billing rules, restrictions on liens, and potential penalties for violations. Understanding these changes is crucial for staying compliant and avoiding costly fines. Learn how this bill could impact your towing business and what steps you should take to prepare.

House Bill 403 creates a streamlined process for resolving disputes over towing fees for commercial vehicles involved in accidents. It allows trucking companies to initiate civil action, requiring them to pay undisputed fees and post a bond for disputed amounts. The towing company must release the vehicle within two business days. The bill also addresses motor vehicle tampering, window tinting, and transportation network company background checks.

🚨 New legislation alert: Ohio’s HB 403 seeks to streamline towing dispute resolutions! Trucking companies can now reclaim vehicles in just 2 days by paying undisputed fees and posting a bond. Stay informed and read our latest update! #OhioLaw #HB403

The FTC's new rule targets hidden fees in live-event ticketing and short-term lodging, requiring total price transparency and banning deceptive practices. Businesses must update pricing, disclosures, and marketing to comply. Learn more about the rule's impact here.

Texas is doubling down on its commitment to small business success. On December 4, 2024, Governor Abbott unveiled the Small Business Freedom Council, an initiative aimed at cutting red tape and fostering entrepreneurship. Co-chaired by Glenn Hamer of the Texas Association of Business and Jeff Burdett of NFIB Texas, the council will evaluate state agency recommendations to eliminate unnecessary regulations. With submissions due by January 13, 2025, this swift action reinforces Texas’s status as a beacon for small business growth. Stay tuned as the Lone Star State continues to lead in pro-business innovation.

Senate Bill 305 proposes crucial updates to Texas’s “Move Over or Slow Down” law, adding protections for animal control and parking enforcement vehicles. This amendment highlights the state’s commitment to safeguarding workers who perform essential roadside tasks. Learn how these changes, set to take effect in September 2025, aim to enhance safety and driver responsibility on Texas highways.

Discover the key differences between unjust enrichment and quantum meruit in the landmark case of T. Musgrove Construction Company, Inc. v. Young (2020). This detailed analysis provides legal professionals with insights into recovery cases involving emergency service costs, highlighting practical implications for law firms and clients.

Discover how recent legislation across multiple states, including North Carolina, Virginia, Florida, Colorado, and Tennessee, targets predatory towing practices. This blog explores new laws and regulations that enhance consumer protections, standardize towing industry practices, and increase transparency, providing vital information for towing companies to navigate these changes effectively

Discover the essential details of Tex. Occ. Code § 2303.155, which regulates the fee structure for vehicle storage facilities (VSFs) in Texas. This blog explains the three permissible fees—storage, impoundment, and notification fees—and their implications for vehicle owners. Learn how this law ensures transparency, limits charges, and protects consumers from unexpected costs. A must-read for anyone dealing with vehicle storage in Texas.