Micromobility device impoundment and removal.
Houston Code of Ordinances § 45-343
in effectSec. 45-343. - Micromobility device impoundment and removal.
(a) The city may impound all micromobility devices that are operated or parked in violation of state law, city ordinances, the motorized device curfew established in this chapter, or any other applicable provisions of this Code.
(b) Every micromobility device that is impounded may be redeemed and released only upon payment of a fee as set forth in the city's fee schedule. Every micromobility device that is impounded may be redeemed and released only upon payment of removal, storage, and redemption fees established in the city's fee schedule. Such fees may be adjusted periodically by the finance department and approved by city council in accordance with applicable administrative procedures.
(c) If an impounded micromobility device remains in the possession of the city for 30 calendar days following notice of impoundment, it shall become and remain the property of the city.
(d) The police department may remove any micromobility devices from a public street, sidewalk, or public place when probable cause exists to believe that the micromobility device is being operated or used in violation of this chapter, including curfew violations. The administration and regulatory affairs department shall assist the police department with coordinating the removal of micromobility devices operated or used in violation of this chapter.
(e) Any person whose micromobility device has been removed without the consent of the owner or operator may request a hearing to determine whether probable cause existed for the removal. Hearings under this section shall be before a municipal court judge.
(f) A person who wishes to request a hearing hereunder shall deliver a written request for the hearing to the clerk of the municipal courts not later than the 14th day after the date the micromobility device was placed in a secured facility. A person who fails to deliver the request within the specified time period waives the right to the hearing.
(g) The written request must contain the following information:
(1) The name, address, and telephone number of the owner and operator of the micromobility devices;
(2) The date and location from which the micromobility devices was removed;
(3) The name of the police officer who authorized the removal of the micromobility device; and
(4) The name, address, and telephone number of the secured facility to which the micromobility device was removed.
(h) Upon receipt of a complete and timely filed hearing request, the clerk of the municipal courts shall schedule a hearing to occur as soon as practicable; provided, however, all hearings conducted pursuant to this section shall be held within 21 days after the date the hearing request was received.
(i) The court shall notify the owner or operator of the micromobility device and the police officer who authorized the removal of the micromobility device of the date, time, and place of the hearing. The sole issue to be determined in a hearing under this section is whether probable cause existed for the removal of the vehicle.
(j) The court shall make written findings of facts and conclusions of law regarding the issues in the hearing. If the court determines that probable cause existed for the removal of the micromobility devices, the owner or operator shall pay the costs of removing and storing the device prior to the release of the micromobility device.
(k) If the court determines that probable cause did not exist for the removal of the micromobility devices, the vehicle shall be ordered released without the payment of any costs for removing and storing the micromobility devices. If the owner or operator paid removal and storage costs before the hearing and the court determines that probable cause did not exist for the removal and storing of the micromobility devices, the city shall fully reimburse the owner or operator.
(l) The provisions of this section shall be cumulative of all other enforcement powers granted by this chapter and available to the city.
(Ord. No. 2025-971, § 10, 11-19-2025)
Source: City of Houston, Code of Ordinances and City Charter (Municode Library, library.municode.com)URL: https://library.municode.com/tx/houston/codes/code_of_ordinances?nodeId=COOR_CH45TR_ARTXIVMIDEOGHVE_S45-343MIDEIMREFetched: 10/26/2026