Presently, APD works closely with over 40 local wrecker companies to service the citizens of Austin at collision scenes or when a car breaks down on the road.  Additionally, each morning and evening Monday-Friday (except major holidays), APD schedules tow trucks to sit on the major roadways of IH-35, MoPac Expressway, and Hwy 183 as part of our Rush Hour Zone program.  These trucks are quickly dispatched to remove disabled vehicles from the roadway in order to keep traffic flowing.

To ensure that the companies that participate in our programs meet safety standards, each truck is inspected yearly and issued a license.  Each tow truck driver must pass a background check to receive a City wrecker license.  Additionally, the tow companies are subject to monthly and quarterly compliance checks.

The Wrecker Enforcement Detectives investigate all crimes of towing ordinance violation.  They issue citations, testify in court, and build cases where crimes have been committed.  The hot spots of vehicles being towed from private property are downtown and near the UT campus.  If you feel that your car was towed illegally, please call 3-1-1 and file a police report for “wrecker ordinance violation.”

APD works with the citizens, the towing industry and City Council to provide the greatest service possible to the public.

See Wrecker Enforcement FAQ's for more information.