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City to Begin Towing and Impoundment of Non-permitted Pedicabs Beginning October 1

September 25, 2024 -- Beginning October 1, 2024, Houston Police officers will begin ordering the towing and impoundment of illegal pedicabs that do not have a City of Houston vehicle permit and license. The move comes after concerns from NRG, Minute Maid Park, and other major event venues of illegal pedicabs operating recklessly on public streets endangering the public health and safety of both pedicab riders and pedestrians while taking business away from those operating legally.

Pedicabs are pedal-powered tricycles hitched to a seated compartment commonly used to transport passengers from remote parking spots to event venues. Pedicabs are prevalent when large events are in town, like Houston Astros' playoff games, but not all pedicab operators follow the pedicab safety rules established by the City of Houston.

Many of the pedicabs operating at major sporting events are brought in from other cities or states to earn a quick profit during the event at whatever cost to the public. They cause traffic snarls and accidents and are reported to ignore public safety and queuing rules established by the event venues. When given citations, they frequently do not pay, making for unfair competition against those who have been paying for city-issued permits to ensure their pedicabs are legal and insured.

The situation has become so dangerous in recent years that the venues petitioned the City of Houston to take action, resulting in stronger enforcement activity that will commence on October 1.

“We support the City of Houston for announcing towing enforcement measures for illegally operating pedicabs, “ said NRG Park Sr. Assistant General Manager Leah Mastaglio. “We are committed to keeping NRG Park safe and accessible.”

Before getting in for a quick and convenient ride, passengers should look for a bright yellow permit sticker which should be visible on the vehicle's seat post.

• Before you accept a ride, check for a yellow sticker on the seat post.
• If you don’t see the certification decal, ask the operator for proof of permit.
• Decline service if the vehicle is not permitted.

Last week, the City of Houston mailed notices to known pedicab companies alerting them to the City’s legal authority to tow non-permitted pedicabs and the intent to begin strict towing enforcement on October 1.

“The City of Houston requires all pedicabs operating in Houston to be permitted to ensure that the vehicle meets safety standards and carries insurance for its passengers,” said City of Houston Regulatory Permitting Deputy Director Kathryn Bruning. “We want everyone to enjoy the many events Houston has to offer without worrying that a short ride from their parking spot might end up costing thousands of dollars in medical bills if they are in an accident involving a non-permitted and uninsured pedicab that flees the state when the event is over.”

Pedicab vehicles that have been towed will be taken to a local towing company storage facility. To retrieve a towed vehicle, the owner of the pedicab will be required to show a valid ID and proof of ownership along with paying a $220 tow fee that can increase in price if not picked up after 10 days.

Pedicab operators looking to legally obtain a permit and apply for a pedicab driver’s license for operation of a pedicab within the Houston city limits should email araregulatorypermitting@houstontx.gov or call Regulatory Permitting at 832-394-8801. Visit houstontx.gov/ara/vfh/pedicabs.html for more information.