How Much Are Impound Fees in Virginia?
Virginia caps part of your impound cost by state law: up to $210 to release plus daily storage of $20-$60/day. Retrieve it fast - fees add up every day.
The statewide statutory dollar anchors are the $210 hookup/initial-tow cap and the 24-hours-free storage window (both in 46.2-1233.1(A)), which apply as a default ceiling everywhere unless a locality sets different (typically lower) limits by ordinance. Per-day storage rate is the ONLY component with no statewide dollar cap - it is delegated to each locality's towing advisory board (46.2-1233 / 46.2-1233.2). Northern VA localities (Planning Districts 8 and 16) must set a hookup fee of at least $135 (46.2-1233) up to the $210 statewide max. The former $20 fuel surcharge has expired and is no longer authorized statewide.
Reviewed by Daniel Richardson against Virginia statutes and regulator schedules.
Virginia Impound Cost by Days Held (2026)
| Time in impound | Estimated total |
|---|---|
| 1 day | $210 |
| 3 days | ~$250-$330 |
| 7 days | ~$330-$570 |
| 14 days | ~$470-$990 |
The tow figure is a Virginia statutory cap; the other component is a typical market estimate. Actual fees vary by lot, vehicle, and local ordinance. Localities may legislate lower caps and set their own daily-storage schedules. Northern VA example (Fairfax County): ~$61/day storage and ~$210 base tow as of Dec 2025 - a local schedule, not the statewide figure. The statewide statute fixes only the $210 tow ceiling, the $30 time-of-day surcharge (max two), and the 24h-free storage window; it does not fix a daily storage dollar amount.
Max tow fee: Statewide cap (Va. Code 46.2-1233.1): passenger car $210 max hookup + initial tow, plus up to two $30 night/weekend/holiday surcharges and a $20 fuel surcharge. Localities may set lower limits; Northern VA has a $135 base-tow floor. Fairfax County = $210 as of Dec 2025.
Storage: First 24 hours free by statute (Va. Code 46.2-1233.1); per-day cap set by local ordinance - no statewide dollar limit. Fairfax County (Northern VA) = $61/day as of Dec 2025.
Notification: Tow operator must notify law enforcement "forthwith" (immediately/without delay) after towing a vehicle without owner consent. Owner notification is handled through the law-enforcement report and DMV process. (Va. Code § 46.2-1231)
Sources & Legal References
- Code of Virginia § 46.2-1233.1 (Limitation on charges for towing and storage)
law.lis.virginia.gov
- Code of Virginia § 46.2-1233 (Localities may regulate towing fees)
law.lis.virginia.gov
- Code of Virginia § 46.2-1231 (Signage & notification for trespass tows)
law.lis.virginia.gov
Regulated by Virginia Department of Criminal Justice Services.
Last reviewed by Daniel Richardson against Virginia's official state statutes and regulator schedules.
How to Get Your Car Out Fast
- Call the local police non-emergency line to confirm which lot holds your car and get a case number.
- Bring a photo ID, proof of ownership (registration or title), and payment.
- Many lots require proof of current insurance to release the car - if yours lapsed, get a policy or SR-22 quote first.
- Ask for an itemized receipt and retrieve personal belongings (allowed during business hours in most states).
Think your Virginia impound bill is too high?
If you were charged above Virginia's legal maximum, you can dispute it. Build a ready-to-send demand letter on your state's fee limits and send it yourself - in minutes.
Get the documents to dispute my bill →Virginia Impound FAQs
How much does it cost to get a car out of impound in Virginia?
In Virginia, expect an initial tow of about $210 to release (the Virginia cap) plus daily storage of about $20-$60 per day, plus any administrative/release fees. The longer the car sits, the more you pay - so retrieve it quickly. Statewide cap (Va. Code 46.2-1233.1): passenger car $210 max hookup + initial tow, plus up to two $30 night/weekend/holiday surcharges and a $20 fuel surcharge. Localities may set lower limits; Northern VA has a $135 base-tow floor. Fairfax County = $210 as of Dec 2025.
How much is the daily impound storage fee in Virginia?
Daily storage in Virginia runs about $20-$60 per day. State rule: First 24 hours free by statute (Va. Code 46.2-1233.1); per-day cap set by local ordinance - no statewide dollar limit. Fairfax County (Northern VA) = $61/day as of Dec 2025.. Fees accrue every calendar day (sometimes counting partial days), which is why retrieving the vehicle fast saves the most money.
What do I need to get my car out of impound in Virginia?
Bring a government photo ID, proof of ownership (registration or title), and payment. Many lots also require proof of current insurance to release the vehicle - if your coverage has lapsed, get a policy or SR-22 quote first so you can release the car.
Can I dispute impound or towing fees in Virginia?
Yes. If you were charged above the legal maximum or the tow broke Virginia rules, request an itemized receipt, demand a refund of any illegal charges, and file a complaint with the Virginia Department of Criminal Justice Services. Keep every receipt and photograph the signage.
What are the towing rates in Virginia?
Virginia towing rates are set locally by each jurisdiction towing advisory board. Northern VA typically allows $135-$175 for standard tows. Check with your local government for current rate schedules.
Can I file a complaint about a tow company in Virginia?
Yes. Contact your local towing advisory board or the Virginia Department of Criminal Justice Services. You can also file a complaint with your local consumer protection office.