Dallas leaders re-evaluate towing practices in the city
DALLAS - Concerns about tow truck company practices prompted Dallas City Council members to discuss if changes need to be made. It’s an issue FOX 4 has investigated before.
Dallas apartment towing practices

The backstory:
The council members expressed concerns about a towing practice where tow trucks on contract with the apartment complexes seek out violators. Sometimes it’s for simple mistakes that go on to leave the car owners with huge bills.
FOX 4 has interviewed many residents who were towed at apartment complexes where they had tried to follow the rules. Some said they paid but entered the wrong license plate number when registering their car online.
What's new:
During Tuesday’s council meeting, council members asked the assistant director of the Transportation and Public Works department if there is anything they can do to prevent residents from being burdened by huge tow bills.
What they're saying:
"I’m looking for ways to be able to regulate to keep those from happening again," said Council member Zarin Gracey.
"It is set up for these yards to make money. They are a business. I do not begrudge them that. But all you have to do is sit in the lobby and know this is impacting those who can afford it the least," added Council member Gay Donnell Willis.
The assistant director of Transportation and Public Works explained that apartment towing involves private companies that are state-regulated.
Dallas towing ordinance
What's next:
When it comes to towing on private streets, Dallas could update its 30-year-old ordinance. Right now, that ordinance allows the city to tow cars abandoned for 24 hours.
Council member Willis proposed that the city consider extending that to 48 or 72 hours.
In 2024, Dallas issued 13,000 warnings about abandoned vehicles, and about 3,300 of them ended up being towed.
The Source: The information in this story comes from Tuesday's Dallas City Council meeting.