What to Do If Your Vehicle Was Towed - Arlington Law

Transportation Virginia 3 Minutes Read ยท published February 10, 2026 Flag of Virginia

If your vehicle was towed in Arlington, Virginia, act quickly to locate and recover it and to preserve any appeal rights. Arlington County maintains procedures for release, storage, and hearings; contacting the Arlington County Police and checking the county code are the first practical steps. This guide explains immediate actions, typical timelines, how fines and storage are handled according to county practice, and where to find official forms and contacts so you can resolve the situation efficiently.

Contact the towing or impound office the same day to reduce storage costs.

Penalties & Enforcement

Enforcement of towing and impoundment in Arlington is carried out by the Arlington County Police and authorized towing contractors, under county ordinances and administrative rules. For procedures on locating and releasing a towed vehicle see the county police information page Arlington County Police - Towed Vehicles[1]. For controlling ordinances on parking, obstruction and vehicle removal consult the Arlington County Code Arlington County Code - Code of Ordinances[2].

  • Fines and fees: amounts for towing, storage, and civil penalties are not specified on the cited county police information page and must be confirmed with the impound facility or the cited ordinance.[1]
  • Escalation: whether first, repeat, or continuing offences carry higher fines is not specified on the cited county code overview and may be addressed in specific code sections or administrative regulations.[2]
  • Non-monetary sanctions: orders to remove vehicles, administrative holds, and seizure for evidence or public safety are used by enforcement authorities; specifics and procedures are described by the enforcing department.[2]
  • Enforcer and complaint pathway: the Arlington County Police Department is the primary contact for towed vehicles and complaints about improper towing; use the police towing information and the police contact channels to file disputes.[1]
  • Appeals and review: time limits and appeal routes for wrongful towing or release denial are governed by county procedures; if not shown on the police page, request written appeal instructions when retrieving the vehicle.[1]
  • Defences and discretion: common defences include valid permits, medical emergencies, or authorized loading/unloading; availability of exemptions or variances is not fully specified on the cited pages and may require documentation at the time of appeal.[2]
Gather the vehicle title, photo ID, and tow paperwork before visiting the impound lot.

Applications & Forms

The county police page lists release procedures and contact points but does not publish a single universal "vehicle release" form on that page; specific impound facilities may require their own release forms or receipts. For ordinance text and any published forms see the Arlington County Code and the police towing page for current links and instructions.[2]

How-To

  1. Confirm tow: call Arlington County Police Towing information or the non-emergency police line to confirm your vehicle location and basis for tow.[1]
  2. Bring required documents: have your photo ID, vehicle registration, proof of ownership, and any towing paperwork or permit evidence.
  3. Pay fees: pay towing and storage fees as required by the impound facility; request a receipt and ask about waiver or reduction procedures if applicable.
  4. Appeal if needed: if you believe the tow was wrongful, request written instructions for appeal or administrative review from the enforcing department when you contact them.
Ask for written reasons for the tow to preserve evidence for an appeal or complaint.

FAQ

How do I find where my towed vehicle is?
Call the Arlington County Police towing information or the non-emergency police number and provide your vehicle details; they will direct you to the impound facility listed on the towing record.[1]
What documents do I need to recover my vehicle?
Bring photo ID, vehicle registration or title, proof of insurance if required, and any tow paperwork; the impound lot will list exact requirements.
Can I contest the tow?
Yes; request the department's appeal or review instructions when you contact the police or impound facility, and note any time limits for filing a complaint or hearing request.

How-To

  1. Call Arlington County Police to confirm tow and impound location.
  2. Collect identification, registration, and ownership documents.
  3. Visit the impound lot, pay required fees, and obtain a receipt.
  4. If disputing, follow the written appeal instructions and keep copies of all documents.

Key Takeaways

  • Contact Arlington County Police immediately to locate your vehicle.
  • Bring ID and proof of vehicle ownership to the impound lot.
  • Expect towing and storage fees; ask for written receipts and appeal instructions.

Help and Support / Resources

  1. [1] Arlington County Police - Towed Vehicles
  2. [2] Arlington County Code - Code of Ordinances

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