In Fairfax County, trespass towing is regulated by Section 82-5-32 of Fairfax County Code. The term “trespass towing” applies to vehicles that are towed from a property at the direction of the property owner or manager, and without the permission of the vehicle owner.
Trespass tow operators are required to obtain an operator permit from with the Department of Cable and Consumer Services before engaging in trespass tow operations in Fairfax County.
These tow operators are permitted to conduct trespass towing in Fairfax County and to store those vehicles at a storage site inside of Fairfax County only.
- A-1 Towing & Recovery
- All Out Fleet Service
- Battlefield Towing & Storage, Inc.
- Boulevard Towing & Storage, LLC
- Dominion Towing, Inc.
- Henry’s Wrecker Service, LLC
- JDR Towing, Inc.
- Professional Towing Service, TP, LLC d/b/a Pete's Towing & Storage, LLC
- Redman Fleet Services, Inc.
These tow operators are permitted to conduct trespass towing in Fairfax County and to store those vehicles at a storage site either inside or outside of Fairfax County.
- Advanced Towing Company, LLC
- Al's Towing & Storage, Inc.
- Blair's Towing & Recovery, Inc.
- Empire Towing
- VPS Towing and Recovery
For Consumers
Locating a towed vehicle
Vehicle owners who are looking for their towed vehicle should call Fairfax County Police non-emergency line at 703-691-2131. All tow operators are required to report trespass towed vehicles to Fairfax County Police.
Complaints
Regulation and Licensing Branch investigates complaints from vehicle owners who believe their car was towed in error or that county towing regulations were not followed. To have your tow investigated, please file a formal complaint by filling out the consumer complaint form.
Consumers who have questions about towing may or call 703-324-5966 to speak with a Regulation and Licensing Branch investigator. Often a consumer’s issue can be resolved by telephone, eliminating the need for a formal complaint.
Fees
Hookup and initial Towing fee shall not exceed:
For passenger cars: $210
GVWR of 7,500 pounds or less: $210
GVWR of 7,501 pounds through 10,000 pounds: $305
GVWR greater than 10,000 pounds: $610
Night/Weekend Fees
If towed between 7:00PM and 8:00AM: $30
If towed on any Saturday, Sunday, or holiday: $30
Maximum allowable night /weekend fee add-on: $60 per tow
Storage Fees
First 24-hours of storage: No charge
Each subsequent 24-hour period, or portion thereof: $61.00 per day
For vehicles over 22 feet in length: $5.00/foot per day
Administrative Fee
After vehicle has been in possession of the tow operator for three full business days, and notification made to lien holder, owner, agent, or other interested party: $92.00
Drop Fee, if dropped prior to removal from private property: $80.00
These rates apply only to vehicles that are trespass towed from private property. These rates do not apply to vehicles towed at the direction of the vehicle owner or law enforcement officer.
Towing Ordinance
Virginia Code §46.2-1232 authorizes localities to enact local trespass towing ordinances. Fairfax County’s local trespass towing ordinance is found in Section 82-5-32 of Fairfax County Code. This ordinance includes regulations that include signage of property, authorization for towing from private or county property, maximum rates that can be charged to vehicle owners, restrictions on storage locations, and acceptable forms of payment.
FOR TOW OPERATORS
Tow operators who perform trespass towing in Fairfax County must obtain an Operator Permit prior to the initiation of any such operations, and by January 31 of each subsequent year with the Department of Cable and Consumer Services. New businesses who wish to engage in trespass towing in the county are encouraged to contact the Regulation and Licensing Office for more information.
Storing Vehicles Inside the County
The initial application and annual renewal fee for each operator storing towed vehicles inside Fairfax County shall be $50.00. The initial inspection fee for each storage site inside of the County shall be $150.00.
Storing Vehicles Outside the County
The initial application and annual renewal fee for each operator storing towed vehicles outside Fairfax County shall be $150.00. The initial inspection fee for each storage site outside of the County shall be $450.00.
All operators engaged in towing vehicles without the consent of the vehicle owner in the County and storing those vehicles outside of the County must obtain an approved locality permit prior to the initiation of any such operations and by January 31 of each subsequent year.
How to Apply
Fairfax County trespass tow permit application form.
The following supplemental documents must be provided to the Regulation and Licensing Office to obtain an operator permit, and locality permit, as applicable:
- Copy of the operator's Fairfax County Business, Professional and Occupational License (BPOL).
- Copy of the Non-Residential Use Permit (Zoning) for each storage site where towed cars are stored.
- Proof of insurance as required by Va. Code § 46.2-2143, including provisions for notice by the insurance carrier to the Director prior to termination of such coverage; and
- A list of current drivers, along with copies of valid Tow Truck Driver Registrations issued by the Department of Criminal Justice Services (DCJS) for each driver who will be operating a tow truck in Virginia on behalf of the operator.
The Department must be notified of any changes to information previously provided by the operator within 30 calendar days of the change, to include adding or removing authorized drivers.