How Towing Disproportionately Affects Working-Class Drivers

As Dallas has a reputation for having one of the most aggressive towing markets in the country, poor and working class communities in the city are inordinately affected by fees. Much like bail for residents serving jail time, stacking impound costs leaves more privileged Dallasites comparably less affected than those unable to pay. As almost half of the metroplex’s labor force are forced to commute to jobs over thirty minutes away for reliable work, impound lots hold more than vehicles hostage when drivers lack the funds to ensure their release.& As the working class of Texas is subjected to greater economic hardship through methods such as sales tax, lower wages, and rising property taxes due to gentrification, tows have always affected poorer drivers more drastically. ‘Poverty tows,’ or tows performed purely for unpaid parking tickets without a warrant, have been ruled as unconstitutional in California in the last year.& Less privileged residents are subject to substantial hardship compared to folks in the middle and upper class. This applies to both poverty tows and private property tows, especially when the latter is performed illegally.& Dallas is the 5th most hostile towing market in the country, one spot behind fellow Texan city...