All tow truck operators in Texas must be licensed. The Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDRL) is the state agency tasked with licensing and regulating tow truck drivers.
There are three different types of two operator licenses:
- Incident Management Tow Operator License: The Incident Management License allows a driver to perform incident management towing, private property towing and consent towing.
- Private Property Tow Operator License: The Private Property License allows private property towing and consent to tow.
- Consent Tow Operator License: The Consent Towing License only authorizes consent towing.
Tow truck operators need to choose only one of the three designations.
Moreover, Incident Management and Private Property Tow Operators must be certified by one of the following organizations: National Drivers Certification Program of the Towing and Recovery Associates of America, AAA-Texas, Texas Towing and Storage Association, Southwest Tow Operators Association, TOWS (Training of Wrecker Services), or the proctored program from WreckMaster, Inc.
The TDLR does not provide certification classes or certifications, and therefore certification from one of the above listed third-party organizations is necessary before the TDLR will issue a license for Incident Management Tow Operator or Private Property Tow Operator. However, it is not necessary for Consent Tow Operators to have additional certification other than a current license from TDLR.
Complaints Against Texas Tow Truck Operators
All licensed professionals in Texas may be subject to a complaint filed with the licensing board. If you are a licensed two truck operator, a complaint can be filed against you with the TDLR, which can put your license in jeopardy.
When the TDLR receives a complaint against a tow truck operator, it will first confirm it has jurisdictional authority over the alleged violation. In such cases, the TDLR will then notify you that a formal investigation has been opened. Investigations into licensed two truck operators are referred to the Towing and Storage Advisory Board (TSAB).
If after its investigation TSAB finds the complaint invalid, the case will be dismissed. If TSAB find the complaint to be valid, it may proceed to an informal hearing, where the Advisory Board and the licensee have an opportunity to come to an agreement on how to resolve the complaint and any disciplinary action to be imposed. If the complaint is not resolved by formal hearing, the case will proceed to a formal hearing before the State Office of Administrative Hearings (SOAH).
Defending Your Tow Truck Operator License
If the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation has notified you of a complaint lodged against your tow truck operator license, your career and livelihood are in jeopardy. You need an experienced vocational license defense attorney to advocate for you and defend your license.
BERTOLINO LLP represents licensed two truck operators across the state of Texas. We understand the TDLR complaint process and we know how to build a strong case to protect your license and livelihood. Our results speak for themselves. If you are facing disciplinary action from the TDLR, contact us today or call (512) 476-5757 to schedule a case evaluation.
Call or text (512) 476-5757 or complete a Case Evaluation form
