Hidden Dangers of Unlicensed Tow Trucks

A Texas Driver’s Complete Protection Guide

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• License Plate Check
• Criminal Dangers
• How to Verify
• Red Flags
• Get Help

Your car breaks down on I-35 at 11 PM, and a tow truck appears. Before you hand over your keys, ask: Is this operator licensed?

In Texas, unlicensed tow truck operations pose serious risks to drivers, from financial exploitation to vehicle damage and criminal activity. Understanding how to identify legitimate operators could save you thousands of dollars and protect you from becoming a victim.

Your First Defense: License Plate Check

In Texas, licensed tow trucks must display special license plates that clearly say “TOW TRUCK” on them. This is the law.

🚛 TOW TRUCK 🚛
TEXAS • LICENSED OPERATOR

What to look for:

• Clear “TOW TRUCK” text on license plate
• Official, undamaged plates
• Proper mounting and visibility

Red flags:

• Regular passenger vehicle plates
• Missing, damaged, or obscured plates
• Handwritten “tow truck” signs
• Altered or suspicious plates

Criminal Background Dangers

CRITICAL SAFETY WARNING: Unlicensed operators often cannot get licenses due to criminal backgrounds including violent crimes, theft, fraud, or sexual offenses. You may be putting yourself in direct physical danger.

TDLR licensing includes mandatory background checks. Unlicensed operators bypass this crucial safety screening.

Criminal Background Risks:

• Violence: Assault, domestic violence, or other violent crimes
• Theft: Vehicle theft, robbery, or property crimes
• Fraud: Financial crimes and consumer exploitation
• Drug Offenses: Substance abuse affecting judgment
• Sexual Crimes: Especially dangerous for vulnerable motorists

High-Risk Scenarios:

• Women Traveling Alone: Vulnerable to assault and harassment
• Late Night (10 PM – 6 AM): When criminal activity increases
• Isolated Locations: Rural roads, empty lots, deserted highways
• Elderly Drivers: Targeted for scams and intimidation

Safety Steps if Threatened:

• Stay in vehicle with doors locked
• Call 911 immediately if threatened
• Document everything – photos, license plates
• Trust your instincts – if it feels wrong, it is
• Refuse service and call licensed company

Verification Steps

1

Check License Plates

Look for “TOW TRUCK” plates – required for all licensed operators

2

Ask for TDLR Number

Request Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation license number

3

Verify Business Name

Receipt must match the business name on truck

4

Use TDLR Database

Verify license at tdlr.texas.gov/LicenseSearch

Major Red Flags

Dangerous Operator Behavior:

• Refusing licensing info – May indicate criminal background
• Aggressive behavior – Potential for violence
• Cash-only demands – Avoiding paper trails
• Pressuring you into truck – Serious safety red flag
• Personal questions about schedule, family, home
• Separating you from phone/vehicle

What to Do

🚨 PRIORITY: Personal Safety First

If threatened, call 911 immediately. Your safety is more important than your vehicle.

If Service Hasn’t Started:

• Stay in vehicle with doors locked
• Keep phone ready to call 911
• Decline service through cracked window
• Call verified licensed company
• Trust instincts – if wrong, it probably is

If Service Started:

• Stay visible and inform others of location
• Get written documentation
• Verify receipt matches truck name
• Don’t get in truck or go to secondary locations
• Call 911 if threatened even during service

Resources

Essential Contacts:

• TDLR: (512) 463-6599
• License Check: tdlr.texas.gov/LicenseSearch
• Complaints: 1-800-803-9202
• File TDLR Complaint: tdlr.texas.gov/complaints

Emergencies:

• Call 911 if threatened or unsafe
• Contact local police for assistance
• Use insurance roadside assistance

Remember: Licensed Texas tow trucks have “TOW TRUCK” license plates. This simple check can save you from criminal victimization.

Stay informed, choose licensed operators, and protect yourself and others by reporting unlicensed operations.