Trespass Towing FAQs

Information on towed or repossessed vehicles can now be found online at search.autoreturn.com. The online portal is updated in real time. If you cannot locate your vehicle or need additional support using the online portal, call the County non-emergency number at 703-558-2222.

Yes. The contract between a property owner and a tow operator may provide for towing 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, whether the business is open or not.

Some businesses cite liability issues (e.g., car gets damaged while parked on its property; items are stolen from a vehicle parked on its property). The other most frequently voiced concern is that vehicles may be left overnight, and customer parking will not be available when the business opens.

No. Towing companies can patrol parking lots pursuant to the conditions set forth in the contract with property owners.

Attempt to work with the towing company to address the damage. You may have to file an insurance claim with your private insurance. You may also consider taking civil court action.

If you park on private property without a permit, your vehicle can be towed as soon as you leave the lot — there is no grace period provided in the County’s ordinance

Signs not less than 12×18 inches must be posted at all entrances to the premises alerting drivers that trespassing vehicles will be towed at the expense of the vehicle owner or custodian. The warning statement “towing at owner’s expense” must be written in letters not less than three inches in height. Other lettering on the sign may be smaller. Other information which the sign must contain includes the hours of the day and days of the week during which towing is in effect; a pictorial symbol (like the one on this brochure) of a tow truck; and, when done by written agreement, the name and telephone number of the tow truck service.

Yes. However, in lieu of a completed tow fee, you will pay the “drop fee” of $20. Arlington County Code 14.3-9E.

No. The company must accept cash, an insurance company’s check, travelers’ checks or money orders, or debit, credit, or charge cards. Arlington County Code § 14.3-10

If your car has been towed from private property and you have been overcharged, or if you have a complaint about damage, employee behavior or signage at the tow location, please contact Arlington County at 571-400-2971.

Removal of trespassing vehicles from private property is performed at the request of and pursuant to a contract between the property owner and a towing and recovery operator.  The procedures for identifying and towing trespassing vehicles are determined in the contract. 

This information can be requested of the towing and recovery operator. Arlington County Code 14.3 requires towing companies to maintain records for up to one year. Photographic evidence and other documents can be requested for review by the vehicle owner.

A barnacle is a plastic cover that uses suction to stick to the windshield of a vehicle. It doesn't immobilize the vehicle but rather makes driving almost impossible for lack of visibility. There should be instructions on the device for removal.