Newsroom
For Immediate Release
Saturday, May 16, 2009
Arlington County Amends Towing Ordinance
Base tow fee increased, fee for large vehicles added, consumer information strengthened
Contact: Brian Stout 703-228-0577
ARLINGTON, Va. – The Arlington County Board today approved a $15 increase in the trespass towing rate, to $115, and amended the towing ordinance to provide more information to consumers whose vehicles are towed.
The increase keeps Arlington’s trespass towing rate within the range of surrounding jurisdictions, which vary from a low of $80 in Alexandria to a high of $165 in Fairfax City. The consumer information requirements will enable those who have been towed to more easily retrieve their vehicles and to better understand their rights under the ordinance. An explanation of how to contact the County if individuals believe the towing ordinance was violated must also be provided.
“The good news is that the towing ordinance is working,” said Board Chairman Barbara Favola. “Since the Board first enacted the ordinance in 2006, we have seen a steady decrease in the number of complaints filed by consumers about abusive towing practices.”
The County received 28 complaints/inquiries about trespass towing between September 2007 and August 2008, a reduction of 40% over the same time period from the previous year. The overwhelming majority of the complaints over the last two years were either resolved favorably or were legal tows. Favola noted that before the ordinance as enacted, the County received a constant stream of complaints about predatory towing and overcharging.
In adopting the amendments, the Board took into consideration the recommendations of the Advisory Board on Trespass Vehicle Towing, comprised of representatives from the towing companies, property owners and residents, as well as the views of other stakeholders who have presented comments and suggestions since the original ordinance was adopted in July 2006. To read the Board report online, go here.
Key Amendments to the Ordinance:
- Base tow fee increased to $ 115
- Add a base tow fee of $250 for large vehicles (those weighing over 7,501 lbs. gross vehicle weight)
- Consumer information provisions streamlined to require a consumer information sheet, provided by the County, to be posted at towing facilities and provided with a written receipt to the vehicle owner or their agent upon retrieval of their vehicle
Background:
In 2006, the Virginia General Assembly enacted legislation that granted localities the authority to regulate more than just fees in ordinances governing trespass towing. The legislation required local governments to appoint a Towing Advisory Board, which would meet at least annually to review the towing ordinance and make recommendations, prior to adopting or amending a towing ordinance.
The Arlington County Board adopted Chapter 14.3, Towing and Storage of Vehicles July 8, 2006, as part of the County Code. The Arlington County Advisory Board on Trespass Vehicle Towing was initially appointed on May 23, 2006.
Arlington, Va., is a world-class residential, business and tourist location that was originally part of the "10 miles square" parcel of land surveyed in 1791 to be the Nation's Capital. It is the geographically smallest self-governing county in the United States, occupying slightly less than 26 square miles. Arlington maintains a rich variety of stable neighborhoods, quality schools and enlightened land use, and received the Environmental Protection Agency's highest award for "Smart Growth" in 2002. Home to some of the most influential organizations in the world - including the Pentagon - Arlington stands out as one of America's preeminent places to live, visit and do business.
