How to Request a Tow Hearing in Texas (And Why Precinct Matters)
The #1 mistake that gets Texas tow hearings dismissed: filing in the wrong Justice of the Peace court. Here's exactly how to find the right precinct and meet the 14-day deadline after your vehicle is impounded.
Last verified: January 2026 | Based on Texas Occupations Code Chapter 2308
The "Wrong Court" Trap That Kills Most Cases
Most people assume they should file their tow hearing request at the JP court nearest to their home, or near the impound lot. This is wrong and will get your case dismissed.
The Rule You Must Follow
You must file in the Justice of the Peace (JP) court for the precinct where your vehicle was TOWED FROM(the location of the arrest or where your car was parked) — NOT where it's currently stored.
"My car is stored at ABC Towing in Precinct 5, so I'll file there."
Result: Case dismissed. Deadline missed. Rights lost.
"I was arrested at 123 Main St, which is in Precinct 2. I'll file there."
Result: Proper venue. Case can proceed.
Real Example
You're arrested in Dallas County (Precinct 3) but the tow company takes your car to their lot in Tarrant County. You must file in Dallas County Precinct 3 — even though your car is in Tarrant County. Filing in Tarrant will result in dismissal.
The 14-Day Deadline (It's Not What You Think)
Under Texas Occupations Code § 2308.456, you have 14 days to request a hearing — but weekends and holidays don't count.
How to Calculate Your Deadline
- Find your tow date on the receipt
- Count forward 14 days
- Skip Saturdays and Sundays
- Skip state/federal holidays
- That's your actual deadline
Example Calculation
Towed: Friday, January 10th
14 business days later: Friday, January 31st
(Not January 24th, because weekends don't count)
Don't Cut It Close
Even though you technically have more calendar days, file as early as possible. If you wait until day 14 and the court is closed or there's a filing error, you're out of luck.
Finding Your JP Precinct (Major Texas Metros)
Each major metro has multiple JP precincts. Use the tow origin address (where you were arrested) to find the correct court.
Houston / Harris County
Harris County uses 'Super Precincts' for tow hearings. Most cases are heard in Precincts 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, or 8 depending on location. Filing fee is approximately $54.
Watch out: Harris County has specific local rules. Use their online precinct finder before filing.
Dallas / Dallas County
Dallas County has multiple JP precincts. Use their address lookup tool to find the correct precinct. Each precinct has different office hours.
Watch out: Dallas precincts have varying schedules. Confirm hours before driving to the courthouse.
San Antonio / Bexar County
Bexar County Justice of the Peace courts handle tow hearings in the precinct where the tow occurred.
Watch out: Call ahead to confirm which precinct covers your specific address.
Fort Worth / Tarrant County
Tarrant County has 8 JP precincts. File in the precinct where your vehicle was towed from, not where it's stored.
Watch out: Tarrant/Dallas border cases are common. Verify the exact address was in Tarrant County.
Austin / Travis County
Travis County Justice Courts handle tow hearings. Use their precinct locator for the tow origin address.
Watch out: Austin city limits span multiple precincts. Don't assume based on neighborhood name.
Step-by-Step: How to File Your Tow Hearing Request
Get Your Paperwork
Gather your tow receipt, impound paperwork, and any photos. The receipt should show the address where the tow occurred.
Find the Correct JP Precinct
Use the tow origin address (NOT the impound lot address) to look up which JP precinct has jurisdiction. Use the county's online precinct finder.
Get the Request Form
Most counties have a 'Request for Tow Hearing' form. You can usually find it online or get it at the JP court. Some counties allow online filing.
Pay the Filing Fee
Filing fees range from $45-$75 depending on county. Bring cash or money order — many courts don't accept credit cards.
File Before the Deadline
Submit your completed form and fee to the JP court clerk. Get a stamped copy as your receipt. The court will schedule a hearing date.
Prepare for Your Hearing
Gather evidence: photos, the envelope showing late notification (postmark date), fee receipts, anything showing TDLR rule violations.
What You Can (and Can't) Challenge at the Hearing
You CAN Challenge
- • Whether the 5-day notice was sent on time
- • Whether storage fees are reasonable
- • Whether the VSF followed TDLR rules
- • Whether the tow was properly authorized
- • Calculation errors in fee totals
- • Whether proper signage was posted (private property tows)
You CANNOT Challenge
- • The underlying DWI arrest
- • The officer's decision to tow
- • Whether you were actually intoxicated
- • The fairness of impound laws
- • Financial hardship (not a legal defense)
Best Arguments at Hearing
If the VSF sent the 5-day notice late, you have strong grounds to get storage fees reduced or waived. Bring the envelope with the postmark date as evidence. Also check if their posted fee schedule matches what they charged you.
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