San Antonio – After posting a TikTok video about being charged $358 for each of two vehicles towed from a downtown parking lot, Kristina Richie sparked a wave of similar complaints from other drivers. Richie said she did not see the pay‑to‑park signs because it was dark and the sign in front of her car had been knocked down.
Details of the tow and charges
Richie explained that a staff member at the tow‑yard showed her a “Dispatch Tow Fee Reference” indicating a base non‑consent tow cost of $272, plus additional fees for impounding, daily storage and an administrative charge. The total came to about $717 for both vehicles. She also reported damage to the bottom of one car and a scuff on the bumper of the other.
Another driver at the same location showed a receipt for $314, describing the amount as “insane” given limited finances. “I can’t afford food, and I can barely afford gas,” the woman said.
Company response and city fee changes
The towing firm, identified on the lot sign as Creswell Towing (also listed as Vehicle Management Solutions), replied to KSAT that it recently adjusted its private‑property towing rates following the City of San Antonio’s approval of fee changes tied to the Fiscal Year 2027 budget, effective Oct. 1, 2026.
City revenue reports confirm that law‑enforcement‑initiated tow fees rose from $210 to $272. However, the report also notes a separate increase for private light‑tows from $179 to $272, a figure that does not match the current municipal code updated Oct. 26.
Official comments
A spokesperson for the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation said the agency has received four complaints about Creswell Towing overcharging and one complaint against the Bexar County towing authority.
District 1 City Council spokespersons indicated they are not aware of any recent ordinance changes that set a maximum price for private‑property towing.
Community impact
Richie described the scene at the tow yard as “people in line visibly upset, crying, because their vehicles got towed and this is their daycare money, this is the grocery money.” The incident highlights concerns among San Antonio residents about the affordability of private‑property towing and the transparency of fee schedules.
Local consumer‑advocacy groups have urged the city to clarify the fee structure and ensure that signage is clearly visible, especially in low‑light conditions. They also recommend that towing companies provide itemized invoices upon request, as required by state law.
What’s next?
The city’s finance department is reviewing the discrepancy between the newly approved fee schedule and the existing municipal code. Residents are encouraged to contact the San Antonio Office of Consumer Affairs with any further complaints or questions about towing practices.
In the meantime, drivers are advised to verify parking regulations and keep copies of any posted fee schedules to avoid unexpected charges.
Original reporting: San Antonio, TX News (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
