(a) For purposes of this section:
  (1) light-duty means the tows of motor vehicles with a gross weight rating of 10,000 pounds or less;
  (2) medium-duty means the tows of motor vehicles with a gross weight rating of more than 10,000 pounds, but less than 25,000 pounds;
  (3) heavy-duty means the tows of motor vehicles with a gross weight rating that exceeds 25,000 pounds; and
  (4) drop charge means the maximum that may be charged for the release of the vehicle before its removal from the property or parked location.
(b) The maximum amount that may be charged for private property tows is as follows:
  (1) light-duty tows--$272;
  (2) medium-duty tows--$380; and
  (3) heavy-duty tows--$489 per unit or a maximum of $978.
(c) If the owner, authorized operator, or authorized agent of the owner of a motor vehicle that is parked without the authorization of the property owner attempts to retrieve the motor vehicle before its removal from the property or parked location, the maximum amount that may be charged for a drop charge (if the motor vehicle is hooked up) is:
  (1) light duty tows--$135;
  (2) medium duty tows--$190; and
  (3) heavy duty tows--$244.
(d) If an owner, authorized operator, or authorized agent of the owner of a motor vehicle is present before the removal from the property or parked location the towing operator shall advise the owner, authorized operator, or authorized agent of the owner of a motor vehicle that he or she may offer payment of the towing drop charge.
(e) For purposes of this section, a tow company must accept cash, credit cards and debit cards as payment for the drop charge.

Source Note: The provisions of this §86.455 adopted to be effective September 1, 2010, 35 TexReg 7788; amended to be effective January 16, 2012, 37 TexReg 116; amended to be effective March 1, 2015, 40 TexReg 701; amended to be effective November 1, 2021, 46 TexReg 7400