Towing rules in Virginia

In Virginia, the Department of Criminal Justice Services registers tow truck drivers. The department says it's responsible for registering tow truck drivers only.^1-3 The state doesn't register tow companies. Check a tow truck driver's registration on its driver registration lookup.

In Virginia, the most a company may charge for the hookup and initial tow of a passenger car from private property is $210. It may add up to $30 per instance, at most two, for tows between 7 p.m. and 8 a.m., on weekends and on holidays. A local ordinance may set different limits.^4-5

In Virginia, a storage lot may not charge for the first 24 hours. The research found no statewide daily figure after that, and localities may set limits.^4-5

In Virginia, signs at all lot entrances must say unauthorized vehicles will be towed and give the police nonemergency number or the tower's number, unless a local ordinance governs signs. The tower must notify State Police or local police of the tow. If the owner removes the vehicle before it's actually towed, the fee is at most $25 or a local limit.⁶

Keep your receipt and photos of your car, and ask the tow company in writing to correct a charge you think is wrong.