Towed Car HelpHome / Property managers / Virginia
Towing rules for property managers in Virginia
Before you have a car towed from your property in Virginia, check these rules. They are a summary of state law; your city or county may add more.
Printable checklist
- Placement: At all entrances to the lot
- A sign at each entrance
- A warning that unauthorized vehicles will be towed
- Release the car if the owner returns before it leaves the property
What the sign law says
Applies to: Private lots (not in localities with their own ordinance under 46.2-1232)
A private lot may tow a car without the owner's permission only if signs are posted at all entrances to the lot. Signs must clearly say that vehicles parked without permission will be removed, towed or immobilized.
Va. Code 46.2-1231(A) (opens in a new tab)
The sign shows either the local police non-emergency number or the tow company phone, so towing-company-phone is not marked. No size stated.
Tow-away signs
- A private lot may tow a car without the owner's permission only if signs are posted at all entrances to the lot. This sign rule does not apply in a city or county that has passed its own towing ordinance, so check local rules. Va. Code 46.2-1231(A) (opens in a new tab)
- Signs must clearly say that vehicles parked without permission will be removed, towed or immobilized. They must also show either the local police non-emergency number or the phone number of the tow company, so you can find your car. Va. Code 46.2-1231(A) (opens in a new tab)
- Counties, cities and towns may pass their own towing ordinances, which can add to or replace the state sign rule. Before adopting one, the locality must appoint an advisory board of police, tow operators and the public. Va. Code 46.2-1232(A); 46.2-1233.2 (opens in a new tab)
If you get back before the tow leaves
- If you or someone for you moves the car off the lot before it is actually towed, it may not be towed. You can be charged a reasonable fee of up to $25, or whatever lower or different limit your local government sets. Va. Code 46.2-1231(D) (opens in a new tab)
- A lot may use a boot-type device instead of towing, as long as it does not damage the car. The charge to remove the device cannot exceed $25 unless the local government sets a different limit. Va. Code 46.2-1231(E) (opens in a new tab)