Towing In Arlington County

In order to protect members of the public and their property when their vehicles have been towed and stored without their consent, the Arlington County Board has established towing ordinances. Chapter 14.2 of the Arlington County Code deals with tows that occur at the request of the Arlington County Police for vehicles that are unlicensed, uninspected, disabled, abandoned, illegally parked on public property or that have outstanding parking violations. Chapter 14.3 of the Arlington County Code deals with tows from private property, establishing rules and regulations for:

1. signage of private property subject to towing,

2. fair and reasonable charges for towing services,

3. procedures that must be followed by towing and recovery operators in the removal of vehicles from private property and their storage

4. information provided to individuals who have had their vehicles towed, and

5. procedures for filing a complaint if towing companies have acted in violation of the ordinances

Has your car been towed?

Depending on if your vehicle was towed from public property at the request of the Arlington County Police or from private property, different charges and procedures can apply.

• Cars towed at the request of the Arlington County Police
• Cars towed from private property
• Not sure who towed your car?  Contact the Arlington County Police Department’s non-emergency number at (703) 558-2222. The Police Department will tell you if your car has been reported as towed by a private towing company.

Questions? Complaints?

Need more information? 

• To view a copy of the County's towing ordinance, read Frequently-Asked Questions, or to submit comments regarding the County's towing policy, click here. 
• If you believe your vehicle was towed in error, or that County regulations were not followed properly, you may ask the Arlington Police Department to investigate. Complete the Towing Complaint Form (PDF) or call 703-228-4266.