What to do, how to fight if your car gets booted in a Texas parking lot

You’re leaving a concert, festival, or downtown event in Texas and spot it before you even get to the driver’s side door — that bright yellow boot locked to your tire.

Videos of frustrated drivers discovering their cars immobilized after a night out have gone viral on social media recently. But what happens when the views fade? That part’s less clear.

Is it legal? Should you pay the fee or fight it? Can you just drive off and deal with it later?

Here’s what to know about Texas vehicle booting laws, how to get a boot removed, and what to do if you think it was placed unfairly.

Why was my car booted in Texas?

In Texas, vehicle booting is legal — but only under certain conditions. Boots are most often used to enforce unpaid parking tickets or to deter unauthorized parking on private property.

Under Texas Occupations Code Chapter 2308, boots can be placed by:

• City or county enforcement agencies (usually for unpaid citations)

• Licensed private booting companies working on behalf of property owners

Common reasons include:

• Having three or more unpaid parking citations

• Parking in a private lot without authorization

• Violating posted parking rules during large events or in restricted zones

But there are guardrails. For private booting to be legal, the property must have clearly posted signage warning that booting is enforced. The company placing the boot also must be licensed by the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR).

If either of those things is missing — no signs, or an unlicensed company — the booting may have been unlawful.

How do I know who booted my car?

Start by checking your car for a notice or sticker. It’s usually placed on the driver’s side window or windshield and should include:

• The name of the agency or company that booted you

• A contact number to request removal

• The reason the boot was applied

• The total fee required

• Instructions on how to dispute the charge

If there’s no notice or the information is incomplete, document everything — the boot, your vehicle, surrounding signage (or lack of it), and the condition of the lot. These details will be important if you choose to challenge the charge.

How can I check for unpaid tickets?

If your vehicle was booted by a city agency, it’s likely due to multiple unpaid parking violations. Many Texas cities begin enforcement after three or more outstanding tickets.

You can search your record online:

• Fort Worth: Fort Worth Municipal Court

• Dallas: Dallas Municipal Court

• Houston: Houston Municipal Courts

• Austin: Austin Municipal Court

If you find a mistake, like a ticket already paid or a car that’s no longer registered to you — hold off on paying the boot fee. According to the Wetherington Law Firm, paying up front can waive your right to fight it later.

Can I dispute a boot in Texas?

Yes, but you have to act fast.

Under the Texas Occupations Code, you’re entitled to a hearing if your vehicle was booted or towed without your consent.

The catch: you must request that hearing in writing within 14 business days from the date the boot was placed. Weekends and holidays don’t count toward the deadline.

In Tarrant County, for example, you’ll need to fill out a “Request for Hearing of Towed/Booted Vehicle” form through your local Justice of the Peace Court.There’s also a $54 filing fee and a court date will be assigned once your case is processed.

How much does it cost to remove a boot in Texas?

According to the Wetherington Law Firm, boot removal fees in Texas generally fall between $100 and $250, though costs can vary based on the city and whether a private or public entity placed the boot.

Private booting companies must also follow fee caps set by the Texas Occupations Code. If you were charged more than what’s allowed, or didn’t receive a proper receipt, you may be entitled to a refund.

Is it illegal to remove the boot yourself?

Yes, and it could cost you more than the boot fee.

Under Texas law, unauthorized removal of a boot is considered criminal mischief, even if you believe it was placed in error. Consequences can include:

• Fines of $500 or more

• Civil liability for damages

• Possible arrest

How long before a booted car is towed in Texas?

Most cities and private booting companies give you 24 to 48 hours after a boot is placed before towing your vehicle. If you ignore the notice or delay payment, your car could be taken to a tow yard—and that’s when the fees start stacking up.

Towing can include:

• The initial tow fee

• Daily storage fees

• Additional administrative charges

To avoid that, it’s best to either resolve the issue or begin the dispute process as soon as possible.

A Checklist: What to Do If You’re Booted in Texas

1. Take photos of the boot, signs, and your surroundings.

2. Check for a notice — who booted you and why?

3. Look up unpaid tickets online through your city’s website.

4. Don’t pay right away if you believe it was a mistake.

5. Request a hearing within 14 business days through the Justice Court.

6. File a complaint with TDLR if it was a private company.

7. Don’t tamper with the boot. It’s not worth the risk.

This story was originally published July 15, 2025 at 5:33 PM.

Tiffani Jackson

Fort Worth Star-Telegram

Tiffani is a service journalism reporter for the Fort Worth Star-Telegram. She is part of a team of local journalists who answer reader questions about life in North Texas. Tiffani mainly writes about Texas laws and health news.