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Houston Code of Ordinances ch. 26, art. X, div. 1
in effect

Houston Code of Ordinances § 26-641 Definitions.

Sec. 26-641. - Definitions. (a) Terms defined. As used in this article, the following terms shall have the meanings ascribed in this section unless the context of their usage clearly indicates another meaning: Boot (noun) means a vehicle immobilization device. Boot (verb) means to install a vehicle immobilization device. Booting means the act of installing a vehicle immobilization device. Parking facility has the meaning ascribed in section 26-601 of this Code. Parking facility general manager has the meaning ascribed in section 26-601 of this Code. Parking facility operating company has the meaning ascribed in section 26-601 of this Code. Permittee means a person who holds a vehicle immobilization service permit. Police official has the meaning ascribed in section 26-601 of this Code. Unauthorized vehicle has the meaning ascribed in section 26-601 of this Code. Vehicle immobilization means installing a boot. Vehicle immobilization device means a lockable road wheel clamp or similar vehicle immobilization device that is designed to immobilize a parked vehicle and prevent its operation until the device is unlocked or removed. Vehicle immobilization operator means any individual who installs, affixes or places or removes a vehicle immobilization device on or from a motor vehicle. Vehicle immobilization service means a person who at the request of a parking facility operating company or parking facility general manager engages in the act of booting vehicles that are in a parking facility without permission, without paying a parking fee, or in violation of any parking restriction posted in accordance with the signage requirements of section 26-616 of this Code. Vehicle immobilization service permit means a current and valid permit issued to a vehicle immobilization service pursuant to section 26-652 of this Code. (b) Interchangeable terms. The terms "boot" (verb) and "immobilize," in reference to a vehicle, are used interchangeably in this article. The terms "booting" and "vehicle immobilization" are used interchangeably in this article. The terms "boot" (noun), "boot device" and "vehicle immobilization device" are used interchangeably in this article. (Ord. No. 08-847, § 2, 9-24-08; Ord. No. 09-1235, §§ 2, 13, 12-2-09)

Houston Code of Ordinances § 26-642 Scope.

Sec. 26-642. - Scope. (a) This article applies only to parking facilities that cause or allow the booting or towing of unauthorized vehicles. (b) This article does not apply to the booting of vehicles: (1) In relation to delinquent municipal parking citations pursuant to article V of this chapter; or (2) As provided in Section 2308.004 of the Texas Occupations Code: a. In the exercise of a statutory or contractual lien right with regard to a vehicle; or b. By a commercial office building owner or manager in the building's parking facility. (Ord. No. 08-847, § 2, 9-24-08; Ord. No. 09-1235, §§ 2, 14, 12-2-09)

Houston Code of Ordinances § 26-643 Compliance with other laws.

Sec. 26-643. - Compliance with other laws. Compliance with the requirements of this article does not excuse compliance with any other provisions of state law or this Code relating to parking regulations or parking facilities. (Ord. No. 08-847, § 2, 9-24-08)

Houston Code of Ordinances § 26-644 Prohibited activities.

Sec. 26-644. - Prohibited activities. (a) It is unlawful for any person to immobilize a vehicle without a vehicle immobilization service permit issued by the city. (b) It shall be unlawful for any vehicle immobilization operator to boot a vehicle: (1) In a parking facility that is not in compliance with the signage requirements of section 26-616 of this Code; (2) Without complying with the operating requirements of section 26-662 of this Code; (3) In a parking facility used wholly or partly for paid motor vehicle parking that is accessible to the public and does not provide a receipt for payment of parking fees as required by section 26-617 of this Code; (4) In a parking facility that has not been issued a registration compliance certificate as required by section 26-606 of this Code; (5) In a parking facility for any reason (e.g., parked in a parking space marked "Reserved" when a receipt for the space has been issued and properly displayed, or parked on or across the parking space lines, on or across areas marked with hash marks, in driving lanes or in other unauthorized areas on the parking facility) other than non-payment; (6) On the dashboard of which is displayed, face up and clearly visible through the front windshield of the vehicle, a valid receipt issued by a parking attendant, a barrier gate, or a pay station; or (7) In a parking facility in which payment of parking fees was made by a digital parking payment. (c) It is unlawful for a permittee to operate or cause to be operated a vehicle immobilization service in violation of any term of a permit. (Ord. No. 08-847, § 2, 9-24-08; Ord. No. 09-1235, §§ 2, 15, 12-2-09; Ord. No. 2011-1175, § 34, 12-14-2011)

Houston Code of Ordinances § 26-645 Beneficial interests and rebates prohibited.

Sec. 26-645. - Beneficial interests and rebates prohibited. (a) A parking facility operating company or general manager may not have a direct or indirect monetary or ownership interest in a vehicle immobilization service that for compensation immobilizes unauthorized vehicles in a parking facility in which the parking facility operating company or general manager has an interest. (b) A parking facility operating company or general manager of a parking facility in which vehicles are immobilized may not accept any rebate, compensation or other valuable consideration, directly or indirectly, from a vehicle immobilization operator in connection with the immobilization of vehicles. (Ord. No. 08-847, § 2, 9-24-08; Ord. No. 09-1235, § 2, 12-2-09)
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_CH26PA_ARTXIMBOVE_DIV1GEFetched: 10/26/2026

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