The Fairfax County Code, Chapter 110, regulates the keeping of inoperative motor vehicles and trailers. The ordinance states:

It shall be unlawful for any person, firm or corporation to keep any inoperative motor vehicle, trailer, or semitrailer on any property zoned for residential, commercial, or agricultural purposes unless such vehicle is kept within a fully enclosed building or structure or is kept completely screened or shielded from view.

This Chapter defines "Inoperative Motor Vehicle" as:

Any motor vehicle, trailer, or semitrailer which:

1. Is not capable of starting and moving under its own power; OR
2. Does not display valid license plates; OR
3. Does not display an inspection decal that is valid or displays an inspection decal that has been expired for more than sixty days.

The ordinance permits the Impoundment Officer of the Fairfax County Police Department to order the towing of inoperative vehicles from private property if the owner(s) does not remove them within ten days after receiving a violation notice from the Impoundment Officer. Property owners are subject to prosecution for violation of this ordinance.

To report an inoperative vehicle, call the Fairfax County Police Traffic Division Impound Section, at 280-0587. A voice mail message will provide you with all the information necessary to file a complaint. Complainants' names are never divulged, the release of names are protected even from a Freedom of Information Act request.

The Impoundment Officer will follow up complaints with inspections in the field and enforcement action as appropriate. The officer will conduct an on-site inspection to determine if a violation exists. If so, a warning letter is posted at the location with another warning mailed to the property owner explaining the County ordinance and asking for compliance. After an appropriate time for compliance, approximately 30 days, the officer will return to the violation location. If the violation still exists, a reminder warning is posted at the location. After a third inspection, if the violation still exists, a notice of violation will be served which compels the property owner and/or responsible party to reach compliance within ten calendar days. Compliance is achieved by either:

1. Demonstrating that the vehicle is operative and properly licensed and inspected; OR
2. Placing the vehicle in a fully enclosed structure or completely shielding it from view by fencing; OR
3. Removing the vehicle from the property.

Failure to comply will result in the violator being charged with a Class 2 misdemeanor (up to six months in jail and up to $1000 fine), and the vehicle being towed at the violator's expense.

Usually a violation comes into compliance soon after the first notice of violation. Nevertheless, the ordinance does provide for an administrative appeal by the violator AFTER the notice of violation is served. Enforcement is stayed pending a ruling by the hearing official in these cases.

Hundreds of unsightly and violating vehicles are impounded by the Impoundment Section each year. Fairfax County has an effective program for removing inoperative vehicles from our neighborhoods.