Fort Worth CVS Tows Investigated

A CBS Texas I-Team investigation into parking enforcement at a CVS location in Fort Worth's medical district has raised questions about drop fees, towing authorization, and possible refunds for motorists.

The station documented multiple instances in which vehicles parked at the CVS lot were loaded onto tow trucks after drivers left the property to visit nearby businesses. In several cases, motorists returned before the tow truck departed and were offered the opportunity to pay a drop fee to have their vehicles released on-site.

The report examined Texas regulations governing when a vehicle is considered "fully hooked up and ready for towing," a designation that can determine whether a drop fee may be charged. Representatives from the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation and members of the towing industry offered differing perspectives on how the standard is applied in the field.

The investigation took another turn when CVS corporate officials told the station they were unaware of and had not authorized towing operations at the location. Lone Star Towing CEO Cody Nicholson disputed that claim, stating the company had an agreement with local store management.

Following the investigation, CVS removed parking enforcement signs from the property, stating that Lone Star Towing did not have authority to install the signs or tow vehicles from the site. According to the report, motorists who paid towing or drop fees may be eligible for refunds if it is determined that proper authorization was not in place.

Source: https://www.cbsnews.com/