Below are some of the rules from the Texas Department of Licensing & Regulation 16 Texas Administrative Code, Chapter 86

The rules explained below are based on questions from tow truck operators that are most frequently asked.

For a complete list of rules from chapter 86 click on the link at the bottom of this page.

Rules for Tow Truck Operators

Do I need a TDLR License to drive a tow truck?

All tow truck operators in Texas must be licensed.                                              

What type of TDLR license do I need?
 
There are three different types of tow operator licenses: the Incident Management Tow Operator License, the Private Property Tow Operator License, and The Consent Tow Operator License. Tow truck operators need to choose only one license type. The Incident Management License allows a driver to perform incident management towing such as accidents for law enforcement. You may also perform private property towing and consent towing. The Private Property License allows a driver to perform tows such as illegally parked cars on parking lots. You may also perform consent towing. The Consent Towing License allows a driver to perform tows such as car dealers and owners that authorize the tow.

* If you operate a tow truck and work at a vehicle storage facility, ask the TDLR about a "Dual" license.

Rules for Renewing Your TDLR License

When and how must TDLR licenses be renewed?

All licenses and permits must be renewed annually. Truck permits are renewed by completing the application, paying the fee and providing proof of insurance. Tow truck operator licenses are renewed annually by completing the application, paying the fee and completing the continuing education requirements. On the first time renewal of an incident management (IM) license, tow truck operators must complete an 8 hour professional development course relating to towing that is approved by the TDLR. This will be an 8-hour course.

Do I have to take continuing education courses to renew my license?

Yes, private property (PP) and consent tow (CT) tow truck operators must complete a total of four (4) hours of continuing education through TDLR approved courses in order to renew their license every year.

Incident Management (IM) operators who are renewing for the first time must complete a professional development course relating to towing that consists of eight (8) hours of training. This course is required for the first year renewal only. After the first year renewals IM drivers will require four hours of continuing education every year in order to renew an IM license.

I have an Incident Management (IM) license. Do I have to take the professional development course and complete four hours of continuing education the first year?

No. If you are an IM operator, and you are renewing for the first time, you are required to have completed a professional development 8-hour course only. Then, for each subsequent renewal, you will complete the four hours of continuing education required for all tow operators.

When do I have to complete the continuing education courses?

You must complete the courses within the term of the license being renewed. For example, if your license expires August 1, 2009, the continuing education courses must be completed between August 1, 2008 and August 1, 2009.

Don't wait till the last minute to complete the continuing education course (CE). You should allow approximately 90 days for completing the CE course and time for the TDLR to process your renewal application.  If you find that the hours for your completed courses have not been reported to the TDLR, please contact the education provider - it is their responsibility to report the hours to the TDLR

I have a Consent Tow (CT) or Private Property (PP) license. Do I need to take an 8 hour professional development course?

No, CT and PP operators are not required to complete an 8 hour professional development course to renew their license. CT and PP operators are only required to complete four hours of continuing education for each renewal period.

Does my TDLR license renewal fee include the cost of continuing education or professional development courses?

No. The fees for the courses are separate, and are established by and paid to the continuing education provider, not to the TDLR.

Will continuing education courses be required in order to renew every year?

Yes, this is an annual requirement

Do I have to take continuing education courses to renew my Dual Tow Truck Operator license?

Yes, Dual Private Property and Dual Consent Tow Operators must complete a total of four (4) hours of continuing education through a TDLR-approved course in order to renew their license.

Dual Incident Management Operators who are renewing for the first time must complete a professional development course relating to towing that consists of eight (8) hours of training.  This course is required for the first renewal only. After the first year renewal, all IM drivers will require four hours of continuing education every year to renew an IM license.

Rules for Tow Trucks

What are the different types of permits for tow trucks?

Tow trucks will be required to have a permit in one of the following areas:

1. Incident Management, which is required for a tow truck used to perform a non-consent tow initiated by a law enforcement officer. Incident Management tow trucks may also do Private Property Tows and Consent Tows.
 
2. Private Property, which is required for a tow truck used to perform a non-consent tow authorized by a parking facility owner. Private Property tow trucks may also do Consent Tows.

3. Consent Tows, which is required for a tow truck used to perform a consent tow authorized by the owner. Consent tow trucks may only do Consent Tows.

What equipment must I have on my tow truck?
                                      
CLICK HERE for link to TDLR Chapter 86.1000

Rules for Tow Truck Operator Safety Clothing & Identification

What type of safety clothing does the TDLR required me to wear?

Do I need to wear my TDLR Identification Badge?

CLICK HERE for link to TDLR Chapter 86.1001