Key Towing Laws in Virginia
VA Code 46.2-1231
Virginia code governing non-consensual towing including requirements for property owners and tow operators.
Towing Advisory Board
Local towing advisory boards set rates and oversee towing operations in their jurisdictions.
Northern Virginia Regulations
Fairfax, Arlington, and other Northern VA counties have specific towing rate schedules.
Vehicle Damage Liability
Tow operators are liable for damage caused during the towing process.
Notification & Signage Requirements
Police Notification
After towing a trespassing vehicle from private property, the tow operator must notify the State Police or the local police "forthwith" (right away). If it fails to report the tow, it may charge no more than one day of storage (Va. Code 46.2-1231).
Signage Requirements
Signs at all entrances to the lot must clearly and conspicuously state that vehicles parked without permission will be removed, towed, or immobilized, and must show the local police nonemergency number or the towing company's number. These state sign rules do not apply in localities with their own towing ordinance (Va. Code 46.2-1231).
Your Rights in Virginia
- Right to the state limits on private-property tow and storage charges, or local limits where an ordinance sets them
- Right to have law enforcement notified of the tow immediately (call police to locate your vehicle)
- Right to complain to the Attorney General, who can sue and seek restitution for towing-law violations
- Right to personal property access
- Right to itemized receipt
- Right to dispute through local towing board
How to File a Complaint in Virginia
Complaint Agency
If you believe you were unfairly towed or overcharged, file a complaint with:
Office of the Attorney General of Virginia, Consumer Protection Section
Visit WebsiteSteps to File a Complaint:
- Document everything: take photos of signage, your parking location, vehicle condition, and all receipts.
- Note the date, time, tow company name, driver name, and truck number if available.
- To file a formal complaint, contact the Office of the Attorney General of Virginia, Consumer Protection Section.
- Consider filing in small claims court if you believe you are owed money for an illegal or improper tow.
Official Sources & Legal References
The fees and rules on this page are drawn from these primary sources - official statutes, administrative codes, and state regulator schedules. We link them so you can verify every figure yourself.
- 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 Office of the Attorney General of Virginia, Consumer Protection Section.
Last reviewed by Daniel Richardson against Virginia's official state statutes and regulator schedules.
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