The Board of Supervisors has approved changes to the county’s trespass towing ordinance (Fairfax County Code Section 82-5-32) that affects trespass tow operators and the fees customers may be charged when a vehicle is towed.
The amendments were adopted on Dec. 9 and replace the registration certificate with a requirement for trespass tow operators to obtain an operator permit for the Department of Cable and Consumer Services (DCCS); provide for the denial, suspension or revocation of operator permits; and change certain rates and charges. Other minor changes and editorial corrections were also included.
Under the updated ordinance, trespass tow operators must have an operator permit, issued by DCCS. Trespass towing operators may not perform trespass towing in Fairfax County without a valid permit.
The county may deny, suspend or revoke an operator permit if a trespass tow operator fails to comply with Fairfax County Code Section 82-5-32.
Changes to Rates and Charges
- Hookup and initial tow fee for passenger vehicles: $210
- Hookup and initial tow fee for vehicles other than passenger cars with GVWR of 7,500 pounds or less: $210 (previously $150)
- Hookup and initial tow fee for vehicles other than passenger cars with GVWR of 7,501 pounds through 10,000 pounds: $305 (previously $250)
- Hookup and initial tow fee for vehicles other than passenger cars with GVWR greater than 10,000 pounds: $610 (previously $500)
- Drop fee: $80 (previously $50)
- Storage after 24 hours: $61 per 24-hour period (previously $50)
- Administrative fee: $92 (previously $75)
Trespass Towing
The term trespass towing applies to vehicles that are towed from private property at the direction of the property owner or manager, and without the permission of the vehicle owner.
Locating a towed vehicle
Vehicle owners who are looking for their towed vehicle should call the Fairfax County Police non-emergency line at 703-691-2131. All tow operators are required to report trespass towed vehicles to the police.
Complaints
Our DCCS 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, file a formal complaint by filling out the consumer complaint form.
Consumers who have questions about trespass towing may 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.
Customer Questions or Complaints
For questions on the amended trespass towing ordinance or complaints about a trespass tow operator, contact DCCS at consumer@fairfaxcounty.gov or 703-222-8435, TTY 711. Also, follow Consumer Affairs on Facebook or watch Consumer Connection on YouTube.
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