"Towing" signs, like 30.06's, must meet TX legal rules.

[surprise_i'm_armed]

http://www.dentonrc.com/local-news/loca ... comply.ece" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

The above link is to an article in the 11/23/14 Denton Record-Chronicle. It details the shady practices used by some
property owners and towing companies in the City of Denton. I've been sitting on the hardcopy clipping of this since
then, but today's the day I finally get to tell y'all about this.

We are all aware of the responsibilities we CHL's have with regard to obeying 30.06 postings.

But did you know that tow truck operators also have to obey their own rules regarding correct posting of towing rules?

TDLR = Texas Department of Licensing and Regulations. Since 9/1/2013 there have been amended rules which property
owners and tow truck operators have to incorporate into their signs. If the signage is not proper, towing shouldn't be done.

This is a huge problem for someone who has their car towed from a site where the signage is improper.

On the one hand the tow truck company should refund your money once you point out improper signage.
But when it's 3 AM and you have to use your vehicle to get to work at 7 AM, you're going to pay up to get going.

Tow truck operators are not the most genteel bunch....so good luck trying to get a refund for a "bad tow."

Although the City of Denton is cited in this article, the correct postings of course are a problem across Texas.

SIA

[BobCat]

Across more than Texas!

Your post brought a song to my mind - Lincoln Pirates, by Steve Goodman. Haven't heard it for years but it shows that stealing cars with a tow truck is not a "local" phenomenon.

You can find the lyrics at http://lyricsplayground.com/alpha/songs ... ates.shtml but it is better listened to than read... haven't tried this link but if your computer has speakers you might try https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=389Rk1jzPMk

[cb1000rider]

On the one hand the tow truck company should refund your money once you point out improper signage.
But when it's 3 AM and you have to use your vehicle to get to work at 7 AM, you're going to pay up to get going.

Yea, right. Unless the law says that they're out some multiple of the tow fee IF they don't refund, there is no upside to issuing a refund. Burden of action is then on the person who had their vehicle towed and that action will probably need to be small claims - which has it's own costs in terms of fees, serving the tow company, and sunk costs of time.

I had a car that was destroyed in a collision. It was towed downtown. The didn't have room for it in the yard, so they left it out front where it was subsequently burglarized. They accepted no fault, wouldn't provide insurance information, etc. I could have sued them (which would cost me more than what I lost in the car). I contacted TDLR, who found them in violation of about 8 different things via an on-site inspection. Course, they're still in business.

[bigity]

Lubbock has had recent issues with some illegal tows as well. The company was reportedly paying business owners kickbacks for being allowed to tow vehicles illegally from said businesses.

The company has shut down but so far no refunds have been given - the state DA is still saying it could take months or years.



http://www.kcbd.com/story/27963959/kcbd ... gal-towing" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

[Rex B]

In Texas, lawsuit losers generally are liable to pay the legal costs of the winner. Does that apply to small claims also?