Release Date

The State of Texas allows municipalities to regulate vehicle immobilization services or booting.  Austin City Ordinance 13-7 addresses Vehicle Immobilization Services.   The city ordinance provides for a twostep licensing process.  City Ordinance 13-7 can be found on line at: https://library.municode.com/tx/austin/codes/code_of_ordinances?nodeId=TIT13TRSE_CH13-7VEIMSE

Austin Booting Administrative Rules can be found:

Official Administrative Rules.pdf (austintexas.gov)

 

Step One:

A business that provides vehicle immobilization services in the City of Austin must be licensed by the city.  Application for Vehicle Immobilization Service license by a business can be obtained from and submitted to Austin Transportation Department – Parking Enterprise.  For more information please contact Austin Transportation Department – Parking Enterprise by phone using 311 or visit https://www.austintexas.gov/service/vehicle-immobilization-booting

Step Two:

 An individual that is employed by a licensed Vehicle Immobilization Service to install, affix, place, adjust, or remove a boot or from a vehicle in a parking lot must have a Vehicle Immobilization Operator’s Permit issued by the Austin Police Department.  The following outlines how to obtain the operator permit process.

  1. Complete the Operator Permit application.   Link to download application https://www.austintexas.gov/sites/default/files/files/Police/Booting_Application2018.docx
  2. Attach a photocopy of the applicant’s valid Texas State Driver’s License.
  3. Attach the Operator Permit application $15 fee.  Cash, Check or Money Order is accepted.
  4. Schedule an appointment with the APD Wrecker Administrative Specialist to turn in the completed application, photocopy of Texas State Driver’s License, and non-refundable application fee.  The application must be turned in by the applicant so identity can be verified. The Wrecker Administrative Specialist can be reached at 512-974-8269.  Applications are accepted Monday – Friday at 4201 Ed Bluestein Blvd, APD Highway Enforcement Command.
  5. Once the paperwork has been received and identity confirmed in person, the application will be processed and a criminal history check performed by APD.  Every effort will be made to have applications process within five business days.  However, events such as holidays, and unit staffing may impact this time line.  If five business days passes without notification on status please contact the Wrecker Administrative Specialist at 512-974-8269.
  6. Approved applicants will be required to submit a digital photograph of themselves for the photo operator permit.  Information for digital photo submission will be provided when notified of approval.
  7. Once the digital photo is received, the operator permit will be created.  The applicant will be notified when it is ready for pick-up.  Every effort will be made to have permits completed and ready for pickup within five business days of receipt of digital photo.

 

 

General Information:

  • An operator’s permit is only issued to employees of licensed Vehicle Immobilization Services. 
  • Operator’s permits must be renewed annually.  It is the responsibility of the applicant to renew their permits.
  • Dishonesty in the application process will automatically result in a denial of permit.  The applicant will have to wait 6 months before being eligible to apply again. An example of dishonesty is failure to disclose a criminal conviction on the application, and a conviction is identified in the APD criminal history check.
  • Applicants that are denied for any reason are allowed to request a Denial Hearing.  The Denial Hearing is the applicant’s opportunity to present evidence or information on why the operator license should be issued.   The Highway Enforcement Commander will act as the Hearing Officer. Any information that the applicant would like to present should be accurate. Some examples of information that can be presented:
    • Testimony from the applicant on why the license should be approved
    • Letters of recommendation with contact information
    • Testimony from others regarding the character of the applicant
    • Court documents
  • To schedule a denial hearing please contact the Wrecker Administrative Specialist at 512-974-8269.

A Vehicle Immobilization Operator Permit is not the same as a Tow Truck Operator License.  If an individual is performing booting operations and towing operations, they will need to apply and obtain both in order to lawfully perform these functions in the City of Austin.