Houston's illegal towing hotspots

Click the slideshow to see where towing companies with violations are located and learn how to spot an illegal towing sign. Click the slideshow to see where towing companies with violations are located and learn how to spot an illegal towing sign. Photo: John Tedesco, File Photo: John Tedesco, File Image 1 of / 45 Caption Close Houston's illegal towing hotspots 1 / 45 Back to Gallery

Almost 40 violations have been issued against tow truck companies in the Houston area this year, and some of those incidents have cost residents hundreds of dollars.

Data from the Texas Department Licensing and Regulation show various cases of companies towing or booting vehicles without proper licensing, while other violations were issued to wreckers who towed vehicles without authority.

For example, a driver for Redlight Wreckers.com in Bellaire was fined $18,500 after "respondent towed a vehicle without authority on multiple occasions" and "failed to cooperate with the Department during an investigation."

Companies located in the 77401, 77035, 77042, and 77255 ZIP codes received the most violations from the licensing department. Tow trucks in the 77007 and 77083 ZIP codes trailed closely behind those.

While owners of private property are allowed to have unwanted vehicles towed from their premises at the expense of the vehicle's owners, the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation sets very specific requirements of what tow signs must read and the maximum amount owners may have to pay to reclaim their vehicle.

Click the slideshow above to learn how to tell if a towing sign is legitimate.