The Fairfax County Board of Supervisors has approved changes to the county’s trespass towing ordinance, updating requirements for tow operators and increasing several fees related to vehicle towing. The amendments, adopted on December 9, modify Fairfax County Code Section 82-5-32.
Under the new rules, trespass tow operators are now required to obtain an operator permit from the Department of Cable and Consumer Services (DCCS). Previously, a registration certificate was sufficient. The county may deny, suspend or revoke permits if operators fail to comply with regulations.
Fee increases were also implemented as part of the updated ordinance. The hookup and initial tow fee for passenger vehicles is set at $210. For vehicles other than passenger cars with a gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) of 7,500 pounds or less, the fee is now $210, up from $150. Vehicles with a GVWR between 7,501 and 10,000 pounds will be charged $305 instead of $250. For those over 10,000 pounds GVWR, the fee rises to $610 from $500.
Other changes include an increase in the drop fee from $50 to $80; storage fees after 24 hours go up from $50 per day to $61 per day; and administrative fees rise from $75 to $92.
Trespass towing refers to vehicles removed from private property at the request of property owners or managers without permission from the vehicle owner. Tow operators must report all such incidents to police.
Vehicle owners searching for their cars should contact the Fairfax County Police non-emergency line at 703-691-2131. Complaints about potential errors or violations by tow operators can be investigated by filing a formal complaint through DCCS’s Regulation and Licensing Branch.
For more information on these updates or for assistance with complaints regarding trespass towing in Fairfax County, residents can contact DCCS at consumer@fairfaxcounty.gov or call 703-222-8435.