Where Your Car Takes a Trip Down the Colonial Hook
Virginia: home of historic streets, coastal roads, and tow trucks that never sleep. From Richmond to Virginia Beach to Arlington, a small parking mistake can quickly turn your vehicle into a money-draining adventure. Between city ordinances, private property rules, and creative fee structures, it’s easy to feel like your car has been drafted into colonial bureaucracy.
Who Can Tow?
Towing companies in Virginia must be licensed and insured. Authorized tows generally occur in three ways:
- Law enforcement – police can remove vehicles illegally parked, abandoned, or hazardous.
- Municipal authority – cities may authorize towing during street cleaning, snow emergencies, or special events.
- Private property – property owners or managers can request towing if vehicles violate posted rules.
Private property towing is common in apartments, shopping centers, and busy urban areas. Signs are required, but “proper” often means a tiny placard or partially obscured notice, giving tow companies all the cover they need.
When Can They Tow?
Vehicles may be towed for:
- Blocking driveways, fire lanes, or handicapped spaces
- Expired registration or plates
- Abandoned or inoperable vehicles
- Violating private property parking rules
- Unpaid parking citations
Cities like Richmond, Norfolk, and Arlington experience spikes during events, festivals, or busy downtown hours. Even a quick stop can end with your vehicle in an impound yard.
Notification Requirements
Virginia law requires tow companies to notify local law enforcement soon after towing. Police log the vehicle so owners can locate it. Many drivers only learn their car is gone after calling multiple impound lots or receiving a mailed notice.
Fees and Storage
Base towing fees usually range $125–$200, with storage around $20–$35 per day. Additional charges— after-hours retrieval, mileage, administrative fees, or “special handling”—often appear without warning. Urban areas see higher fees due to demand and limited lot space.
Vehicle Recovery
To reclaim your vehicle, Virginia tow yards generally require:
- Government-issued photo ID
- Proof of ownership
- Proof of insurance
- Payment of all fees
Cash is standard; some lots accept cards. Limited hours and minor paperwork errors can add extra storage days. Even small mistakes, like leased vehicles under corporate names, can complicate recovery.
Legal Recourse
Vehicle owners may dispute illegal or excessive tows in municipal or small claims court. Documentation you will need: photos, tow notices, receipts is critical. Despite this, most drivers pay first and argue later, because tow companies rely on impatience.
How to Outwit the Impound Madness
Virginia’s towing system is legal, structured, and highly efficient at testing patience. From municipal ordinances to private property regulations, fees escalate quickly. OUTPOUND.com helps you locate your vehicle, confirm fees, and plan recovery before storage costs mount. Because in Virginia, being towed isn’t just frustrating—it’s a colonial trial.
