Travis County Vehicle Impound Guide
Impound Cost Calculator — Travis County, Texas
Calculate how much it will cost to retrieve your vehicle from ****.
*Estimated fees shown. Actual fees in Travis County may vary. Contact the impound lot directly for exact costs.
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The First 48 Hours Are Critical
After a arrest in Travis County, your vehicle is likely towed to an impound lot. Storage fees accumulate daily, making time your biggest enemy.
What Happens Immediately After Arrest
- 1
Vehicle is towed (usually within 30 minutes of arrest)
- 2
Tow company notifies impound lot (charges start immediately)
- 3
Storage fees begin accruing at $22.85/day in Travis County
- 4
Administrative fees added (varies by lot)
Documents You Need to Retrieve Your Vehicle
- Valid photo ID (driver's license or state ID)
- Vehicle registration or title
- Proof of insurance
- Payment for all fees (see calculator above)
- Release authorization (if not the registered owner)
Can Someone Else Pick Up My Car?
Yes, but they'll need:
- • Written authorization from the registered owner
- • Copy of owner's ID
- • Their own valid ID
- • Proof of insurance in their name or the owner's name
Impound Lot Details
Call Before You Go
Verify your vehicle is at this lot and confirm the exact amount owed before making the trip. Hours and fees may change without notice.
The Impound “Poverty Trap”
Many people can't afford to get their car out immediately, but waiting only makes it worse.
Here's the vicious cycle:
Can't afford the first 3 days of storage + admin fees
Wait a week to save money → fees double
Can't get to work without car → lose income
Wait 2 weeks → fees triple or quadruple
After 30 days → Car may be auctioned by the lot
What You Can Do
- • Borrow money from family/friends (pay them back later, cheaper than daily fees)
- • Use a credit card (even with interest, cheaper than impound fees)
- • Sell non-essential items quickly
- • Ask your employer for an advance
- • Check if your auto insurance covers towing/storage (some policies do)
If your vehicle has been towed in Travis County, you have 14 days to request a Tow Hearing to contest the validity of the tow. This is a crucial deadline under the Texas Occupations Code, Chapter 2308, Sections 2308.454 through 2308.456.
Travis County Impound Lots
There isn't one central impound lot in Travis County. Where your car is towed depends on whether the Austin Police Department (APD) or the Travis County Sheriff’s Office (TCSO) ordered the tow.
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If Towed by APD: The City of Austin uses AutoReturn (formerly Autura). Search for your vehicle at search.autoreturn.com using your VIN or license plate. You can also call 3-1-1 (or 512-974-2000).
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If Towed by TCSO: Contact the TCSO Wrecker Enforcement & Impound Unit at 512-854-7430. Their administrative office is at 7811 Burleson Manor Rd, Manor, TX 78653, but your car is likely at a private lot.
Some common private impound lots in the area include:
- ****: 8200 S Congress Ave, Austin, TX 78745. Phone: (512) 441-7094. Open 24/7.
- Private Impound Lot (West Crest Lane): 8310 West Crest Lane, Austin, TX 78724. Phone: (512) 462-2244. Open 24/7.
Fees for Vehicle Impound in Travis County
Expect these fees to be non-negotiable and accumulate daily.
- Tow Fee ("The Hook"):
- City of Austin (APD Tow): $272.00
- Travis County (Sheriff Tow): $275.00
- Daily Storage Fee: $22.85 per day.
- Impound Fee: $22.85 (One-time fee).
- Notification Fee: $50.00 (One-time fee, applies after 24 hours at the VSF).
What You Need to Get Your Car Back
You will need the following documents to retrieve your vehicle from the impound lot:
- Valid government-issued photo identification.
- Vehicle Title.
- Current Texas registration receipt.
- TDLR-approved Affidavit of Right of Possession (if someone else is picking up the vehicle for you).
- Proof of financial responsibility (insurance).
Vehicle Storage Facilities (VSFs) MUST accept Cash, Debit Cards, and Credit Cards.
Requesting a Tow Hearing in Travis County
If you believe the tow was unwarranted, you can request a hearing at the Justice of the Peace (JP) Court. The hearing will be held in the precinct where the VSF is located. Precinct 5 is the most common for tows in downtown Austin.
Precinct 5 (Central Austin / Downtown)
- Judge: Tanisa Jeffers / Rick "Rico" Olivo
- Civil Division Address: 1000 Guadalupe Street, Suite 117, Austin, TX 78701
- Phone: 512-854-9049
- Filing Fee: Between $54 and $85.
Can Someone Else Pick Up My Car?
Yes, if the owner cannot be present, they may designate an authorized representative using a specific TDLR-approved affidavit form. This form must be notarized and specifically name the person picking up the car.
To contact the TCSO Wrecker Enforcement & Impound Unit, call 512-854-7430.
Sources
Texas Transportation Code
Travis County Towing Regulations
Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation
Nearby Texas Counties
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