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Tickets and a towed car

A ticket has a deadline, and ignoring it adds fees and can lead to more trouble. Pay it, fix it, or ask for a trial, and ask about traffic school or a payment plan. Towed? Call the number on the tow-away sign, bring ID and proof you own the car, and go fast, because storage fees add up.

Moderate30 minThe fine, or the tow and storage feesChecked October 3, 2026

You'll need

  • The ticket or tow notice
  • Your license, registration and proof of insurance
  • A card or cash for fees
  • Photos of where you parked, if you think the tow was wrong

What to know

  1. Read the ticket. It says what law the officer says you broke, which court has your case, and what to do by when. Source: California Courts1
  2. Watch the mail. In California, the court sends a reminder (courtesy) notice with how much you owe, your due date and whether you can do traffic school. It can take 30 days or more; if it doesn't come, call the court. Source: California Courts1
  3. Pick an option: pay, fix it (for a fix-it ticket, show proof you fixed the problem and pay a small fee), or ask for a trial if you disagree. Source: California Courts1 Paying means you agree you did it. Source: California Courts1
  4. Ask about traffic school. In California, if you're eligible and finish on time, the point is hidden from insurance companies, so it usually won't raise your rates. Source: California Courts1
  5. Can't afford it? Ask the court. It may give you more time, lower the amount, set up a payment plan or let you do community service. Source: California Courts1
  6. Car towed from a parking lot? Call the phone number on the no-parking or tow-away sign to find it. Source: Texas TDLR3
  7. Go get it with ID, proof you own or are allowed to use the car, and money for the towing and storage fees. Source: Texas TDLR3 Storage fees keep adding up, so go as soon as you can.
  8. Think the tow was wrong? Photograph the signs and where you parked. In Texas, you can ask for a tow hearing at a Justice of the Peace court within 14 days of the tow. Source: Texas TDLR3
Watch out Courts don't text for money. The California courts say they will never text, call or email you to ask for payment, and fake ticket texts are a scam. Source: California Courts1 Look up the court yourself. In California, ignoring a ticket can add up to $100 in late fees and a "failure to appear" charge. Source: California Courts1 Rules vary by state; the examples here are from California and Texas.

Calling the court

Hi, I got a traffic ticket on [date], citation number [number]. Can you tell me my due date and amount, whether I'm eligible for traffic school, and whether you offer payment plans?

Calling about a tow

Hi, I think my [color, make, model], plate [number], was towed from [location] today. Do you have it? Where is it, what are the hours, what will it cost today, and what ID and payment do you take?

A text to a friend for a ride

My car got towed from [place]. Could you drive me to [lot address] around [time]? I'll buy lunch.

See it done

Video by KXAN Local TV news

Wrongfully towed? How to get your money back

Watch on YouTube: Wrongfully towed? How to get your money back

2015 · Checked October 3, 2026

Heads up: this Austin news story is from 2015, and the dollar amounts are old. The Texas tow rules in our steps come from the state's current consumer page.

Video won't load at school or work? No problem. Everything you need is in the steps; the video's just a bonus. Watch it on YouTube later.

If it doesn't work

  • Caught them hooking up your car? In Texas, if it isn't fully hooked up, you can keep your car without paying. If it's hooked up but hasn't left the lot, you pay a drop fee, capped by state law, and the driver must take cash, credit or debit. Source: Texas TDLR3
  • Need something from the car before you can pay? In Texas, the storage lot must let you get your ownership papers and personal property without a fee. Source: Texas TDLR3
  • Got a scary text about an unpaid ticket or toll? See Fake package and toll texts.

Good to know

The details, if you want them. Tap a line to open it.

Points and insurance

If a ticket adds a point to your DMV record, your car insurance can cost more, and a lot of points can even lead an insurer to cancel your policy. Source: California Courts1 See Auto insurance basics.

Take it with you

Printable cardDownload card (PDF)

Sources

  1. Judicial Branch of California Traffic tickets: your options
  2. Judicial Branch of California Scam warning
  3. Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation Consumer information about towing

Lesson H6.9 · Last checked October 3, 2026 against the sources listed.

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