{"formats":[{"name":"JSON","format":"json","url":"\/downloads\/2025\/code-json\/46.2-1231.json"},{"name":"Plain Text","format":"text","url":"\/downloads\/2025\/code-text\/46.2-1231.txt"},{"name":"XML","format":"xml","url":"\/downloads\/2025\/code-xml\/46.2-1231.xml"},{"name":"HTML","format":"html","url":"\/downloads\/2025\/code-html\/46.2-1231.html"}],"law_id":68405,"edition_id":1,"section_id":68405,"structure_id":13249,"section_number":"46.2-1231","catch_line":"Ticketing, removal, or immobilization of trespassing vehicles by owner or operator of parking or other lot or building; charges","history":"Code 1950, \u00a7 46-541; 1952, c. 352; 1954, c. 435; 1958, c. 541, \u00a7 46.1-551; 1978, cc. 202, 335; 1979, c. 132; 1983, c. 34; 1985, c. 375; 1987, cc. 147, 152, 332; 1988, cc. 471, 701; 1989, c. 727; 1990, c. 502; 1991, c. 221; 1993, c. 394; 1994, c. 619; 2003, c. 305; 2006, cc. 874, 891; 2017, c. 825; 2019, c. 510; 2024, c. 308.","full_text":"A\n\nThe owner, operator, or lessee of any parking lot, parking area, or parking space in a parking lot or area or any part of a parking lot or area, or of any other lot or building, including any county, city, or town, or authorized agent of the person having control of such premises may have any vehicle occupying the lot, area, space, or building without the permission of its owner, operator, lessee, or authorized agent of the one having the control of the premises, removed by towing or otherwise to a licensed garage for storage until called for by the owner or his agent if there are posted at all entrances to the parking lot or area signs clearly and conspicuously disclosing that such vehicle, if parked without permission, will be removed, towed, or immobilized. Such signs shall, at a minimum, include the nonemergency telephone number of the local law-enforcement agency or the telephone number of the responsible towing and recovery operator to contact for information related to the location of vehicles towed from that location. The requirements of this section relating to the posting of signs by an owner, operator, or lessee of any parking lot, parking area or space shall not apply to localities in which the local governing body has adopted an ordinance pursuant to § 46.2-1232.B\n\nWhenever a trespassing vehicle is removed or towed as permitted by this section, notice of this action shall forthwith be given by the tow truck operator to the State Police or the local law-enforcement agency of the jurisdiction from which the vehicle was towed. It shall be unlawful to fail to report such tow as required by this section and violation of the reporting requirement of this section shall constitute a traffic infraction punishable by a fine of not more than $100. Such failure to report shall limit the amount which may be charged for the storage and safekeeping of the towed vehicle to an amount no greater than that charged for one day of storage and safekeeping. If the vehicle is removed and stored, the vehicle owner may be charged and the vehicle may be held for a reasonable fee for the removal and storage.C\n\nAll businesses engaged in towing vehicles without the consent of their owners shall prominently display (i) at their main place of business and (ii) at any other location where towed vehicles may be reclaimed a comprehensive list of all their fees for towing, recovery, and storage services, or the basis of such charges. This requirement to display a list of fees may also be satisfied by providing, when the towed vehicle is reclaimed, a written list of such fees, either as part of a receipt or separately, to the person who reclaims the vehicle. Charges in excess of those posted shall not be collectable from any motor vehicle owner whose vehicle is towed, recovered, or stored without his consent. At the time a vehicle owner or agent reclaims a towed vehicle, such towing and recovery operator, if located in Planning District 8, shall provide a written receipt that provides a telephone number or website available for customer complaints. A locality located wholly or partially in Planning District 8 may require additional information to be included on such receipt.D\n\nNotwithstanding the foregoing provisions of this section, if the owner or representative or agent of the owner of the trespassing vehicle is present and removes the trespassing vehicle from the premises before it is actually towed, the trespassing vehicle shall not be towed, but the owner or representative or agent of the owner of the trespassing vehicle shall be liable for a reasonable fee, not to exceed $25 or such other limit as the governing body of the county, city, or town may set by ordinance, in lieu of towing.E\n\nIn lieu of having a trespassing vehicle removed by towing or otherwise, the owner, operator, lessee or authorized agent of the premises on which the trespassing vehicle is parked may cause the vehicle to be immobilized in a manner that prevents its removal or lawful operation, provided that any device used to immobilize the trespassing vehicle does not damage the vehicle or any part of the vehicle. The charge for the removal of any device used to immobilize a trespassing vehicle shall not exceed $25 or such other limit as the governing body of the county, city, or town may set by ordinance. In lieu of having the vehicle removed by towing or otherwise, or in lieu of causing the vehicle to be immobilized, the owner, operator, lessee or authorized agent of the premises on which the trespassing vehicle is parked may cause to have an authorized local government official or law-enforcement officer issue, on the premises, a notice of the violation of a parking ordinance or regulation created pursuant to § 46.2-1220 or 46.2-1221 to the registered owner of the vehicle.F\n\nThis section shall not apply to police, fire, or public health vehicles or where a vehicle, because of a wreck or other emergency, is parked or left temporarily on the property of another. The governing body of every county, city, and town may by ordinance set limits on fees and charges provided for in this section.G\n\nFor purposes of this subsection:\n\t\t\t“Multifamily dwelling unit” means more than one single-family dwelling unit located in a building, including townhomes. “Multifamily dwelling unit” does not include any lot within a development created pursuant to the Property Owners’ Association Act (§ 55.1-1800 et seq.), any unit within a condominium created pursuant to the Virginia Condominium Act (§ 55.1-1900 et seq.), any apartment within a horizontal property regime created pursuant to the Horizontal Property Act (§ 55.1-2000 et seq.), any unit within a cooperative created pursuant to the Virginia Real Estate Cooperative Act (§ 55.1-2100 et seq.), any time-share unit within a project created pursuant to the Virginia Real Estate Time-Share Act (§ 55.1-2200 et seq.), or any lot within a subdivision created pursuant to the Subdivided Land Sales Act (§ 55.1-2300 et seq.).\n\t\t\t“Resident’s vehicle” means any vehicle that is (i) owned, leased, or used by a resident of a multifamily dwelling unit in which the parking lot is owned and maintained by the landlord; (ii) known to the landlord to be associated with such resident, by means of a permit, registry, or other document designated by the landlord for such identification purposes; and (iii) in compliance with any requirements set forth in such lease or other agreement regarding such vehicle.\n\t\t\t“Towing operator” means any individual or company that has contracted with a landlord for the provision of parking enforcement.\n\t\t\tNotwithstanding the foregoing provisions of this section, for a resident’s vehicle parked in the parking lot of a multifamily dwelling unit, for which the parking lot is owned and maintained by the landlord, the towing operator for such parking lot, prior to the towing of such vehicle for an expired vehicle registration or expired vehicle inspection sticker, shall post written notice on the vehicle, which shall include the date of posting of such notice, that such vehicle will be towed due to an expired registration or expired vehicle inspection sticker after 48 hours from the date of the posting of such notice and that such vehicle will not be removed or towed until such period of time has passed. The towing operator shall, in addition to posting such notice on the vehicle, transmit a copy of such notice to the landlord with which he contracts for parking enforcement of the multifamily dwelling unit’s parking lot. If a towing operator fails to post such notice on the vehicle, or does not wait the required period of time prior to removing or requesting the towing of such vehicle, he shall be required to reimburse the resident whose vehicle was towed the value of the charges imposed for the towing, storage, and safekeeping of the vehicle and he shall also be subject to a civil penalty not to exceed $100.\n\t\t\tNo towing operator shall remove such vehicle until the 48 hours have passed from the date of the posting of such notice.","order_by":null,"text":{"0":{"id":247694,"text":"The owner, operator, or lessee of any parking lot, parking area, or parking space in a parking lot or area or any part of a parking lot or area, or of any other lot or building, including any county, city, or town, or authorized agent of the person having control of such premises may have any vehicle occupying the lot, area, space, or building without the permission of its owner, operator, lessee, or authorized agent of the one having the control of the premises, removed by towing or otherwise to a licensed garage for storage until called for by the owner or his agent if there are posted at all entrances to the parking lot or area signs clearly and conspicuously disclosing that such vehicle, if parked without permission, will be removed, towed, or immobilized. Such signs shall, at a minimum, include the nonemergency telephone number of the local law-enforcement agency or the telephone number of the responsible towing and recovery operator to contact for information related to the location of vehicles towed from that location. The requirements of this section relating to the posting of signs by an owner, operator, or lessee of any parking lot, parking area or space shall not apply to localities in which the local governing body has adopted an ordinance pursuant to § 46.2-1232.","type":"section","prefixes":["A"],"prefix":"A","entire_prefix":"A","prefix_anchor":"A","level":1,"next_prefix":"B"},"1":{"id":247695,"text":"Whenever a trespassing vehicle is removed or towed as permitted by this section, notice of this action shall forthwith be given by the tow truck operator to the State Police or the local law-enforcement agency of the jurisdiction from which the vehicle was towed. It shall be unlawful to fail to report such tow as required by this section and violation of the reporting requirement of this section shall constitute a traffic infraction punishable by a fine of not more than $100. Such failure to report shall limit the amount which may be charged for the storage and safekeeping of the towed vehicle to an amount no greater than that charged for one day of storage and safekeeping. If the vehicle is removed and stored, the vehicle owner may be charged and the vehicle may be held for a reasonable fee for the removal and storage.","type":"section","prefixes":["B"],"prefix":"B","entire_prefix":"B","prefix_anchor":"B","level":1,"prior_prefix":"A","next_prefix":"C"},"2":{"id":247696,"text":"All businesses engaged in towing vehicles without the consent of their owners shall prominently display (i) at their main place of business and (ii) at any other location where towed vehicles may be reclaimed a comprehensive list of all their fees for towing, recovery, and storage services, or the basis of such charges. This requirement to display a list of fees may also be satisfied by providing, when the towed vehicle is reclaimed, a written list of such fees, either as part of a receipt or separately, to the person who reclaims the vehicle. Charges in excess of those posted shall not be collectable from any motor vehicle owner whose vehicle is towed, recovered, or stored without his consent. At the time a vehicle owner or agent reclaims a towed vehicle, such towing and recovery operator, if located in Planning District 8, shall provide a written receipt that provides a telephone number or website available for customer complaints. A locality located wholly or partially in Planning District 8 may require additional information to be included on such receipt.","type":"section","prefixes":["C"],"prefix":"C","entire_prefix":"C","prefix_anchor":"C","level":1,"prior_prefix":"B","next_prefix":"D"},"3":{"id":247697,"text":"Notwithstanding the foregoing provisions of this section, if the owner or representative or agent of the owner of the trespassing vehicle is present and removes the trespassing vehicle from the premises before it is actually towed, the trespassing vehicle shall not be towed, but the owner or representative or agent of the owner of the trespassing vehicle shall be liable for a reasonable fee, not to exceed $25 or such other limit as the governing body of the county, city, or town may set by ordinance, in lieu of towing.","type":"section","prefixes":["D"],"prefix":"D","entire_prefix":"D","prefix_anchor":"D","level":1,"prior_prefix":"C","next_prefix":"E"},"4":{"id":247698,"text":"In lieu of having a trespassing vehicle removed by towing or otherwise, the owner, operator, lessee or authorized agent of the premises on which the trespassing vehicle is parked may cause the vehicle to be immobilized in a manner that prevents its removal or lawful operation, provided that any device used to immobilize the trespassing vehicle does not damage the vehicle or any part of the vehicle. The charge for the removal of any device used to immobilize a trespassing vehicle shall not exceed $25 or such other limit as the governing body of the county, city, or town may set by ordinance. In lieu of having the vehicle removed by towing or otherwise, or in lieu of causing the vehicle to be immobilized, the owner, operator, lessee or authorized agent of the premises on which the trespassing vehicle is parked may cause to have an authorized local government official or law-enforcement officer issue, on the premises, a notice of the violation of a parking ordinance or regulation created pursuant to § 46.2-1220 or 46.2-1221 to the registered owner of the vehicle.","type":"section","prefixes":["E"],"prefix":"E","entire_prefix":"E","prefix_anchor":"E","level":1,"prior_prefix":"D","next_prefix":"F"},"5":{"id":247699,"text":"This section shall not apply to police, fire, or public health vehicles or where a vehicle, because of a wreck or other emergency, is parked or left temporarily on the property of another. The governing body of every county, city, and town may by ordinance set limits on fees and charges provided for in this section.","type":"section","prefixes":["F"],"prefix":"F","entire_prefix":"F","prefix_anchor":"F","level":1,"prior_prefix":"E","next_prefix":"G"},"6":{"id":247700,"text":"For purposes of this subsection:\n\t\t\t“Multifamily dwelling unit” means more than one single-family dwelling unit located in a building, including townhomes. “Multifamily dwelling unit” does not include any lot within a development created pursuant to the Property Owners’ Association Act (§ 55.1-1800 et seq.), any unit within a condominium created pursuant to the Virginia Condominium Act (§ 55.1-1900 et seq.), any apartment within a horizontal property regime created pursuant to the Horizontal Property Act (§ 55.1-2000 et seq.), any unit within a cooperative created pursuant to the Virginia Real Estate Cooperative Act (§ 55.1-2100 et seq.), any time-share unit within a project created pursuant to the Virginia Real Estate Time-Share Act (§ 55.1-2200 et seq.), or any lot within a subdivision created pursuant to the Subdivided Land Sales Act (§ 55.1-2300 et seq.).\n\t\t\t“Resident’s vehicle” means any vehicle that is (i) owned, leased, or used by a resident of a multifamily dwelling unit in which the parking lot is owned and maintained by the landlord; (ii) known to the landlord to be associated with such resident, by means of a permit, registry, or other document designated by the landlord for such identification purposes; and (iii) in compliance with any requirements set forth in such lease or other agreement regarding such vehicle.\n\t\t\t“Towing operator” means any individual or company that has contracted with a landlord for the provision of parking enforcement.\n\t\t\tNotwithstanding the foregoing provisions of this section, for a resident’s vehicle parked in the parking lot of a multifamily dwelling unit, for which the parking lot is owned and maintained by the landlord, the towing operator for such parking lot, prior to the towing of such vehicle for an expired vehicle registration or expired vehicle inspection sticker, shall post written notice on the vehicle, which shall include the date of posting of such notice, that such vehicle will be towed due to an expired registration or expired vehicle inspection sticker after 48 hours from the date of the posting of such notice and that such vehicle will not be removed or towed until such period of time has passed. The towing operator shall, in addition to posting such notice on the vehicle, transmit a copy of such notice to the landlord with which he contracts for parking enforcement of the multifamily dwelling unit’s parking lot. If a towing operator fails to post such notice on the vehicle, or does not wait the required period of time prior to removing or requesting the towing of such vehicle, he shall be required to reimburse the resident whose vehicle was towed the value of the charges imposed for the towing, storage, and safekeeping of the vehicle and he shall also be subject to a civil penalty not to exceed $100.\n\t\t\tNo towing operator shall remove such vehicle until the 48 hours have passed from the date of the posting of such notice.","type":"section","prefixes":["G"],"prefix":"G","entire_prefix":"G","prefix_anchor":"G","level":1,"prior_prefix":"F"}},"ancestry":[{"id":13249,"edition_id":1,"name":"Trespassing Vehicles, Parking, and Towing","identifier":"3","label":"article","depth":4,"order_by":1,"parent_id":13248,"metadata":{},"date_created":"2026-06-26 03:44:31","date_modified":"2026-06-26 03:44:31","permalink":{"id":229801,"object_type":"structure","relational_id":13249,"identifier":"3","token":"46.2\/III\/12\/3","url":"\/46.2\/III\/12\/3\/","edition_id":1,"permalink":0,"preferred":1}},{"id":13248,"edition_id":1,"name":"Abandoned, Immobilized, Unattended and Trespassing Vehicles; Parking","identifier":"12","label":"chapter","depth":3,"order_by":1,"parent_id":12827,"metadata":{},"date_created":"2026-06-26 03:44:31","date_modified":"2026-06-26 03:44:31","permalink":{"id":229707,"object_type":"structure","relational_id":13248,"identifier":"12","token":"46.2\/III\/12","url":"\/46.2\/III\/12\/","edition_id":1,"permalink":0,"preferred":1}},{"id":12827,"edition_id":1,"name":"Operation","identifier":"III","label":"subtitle","depth":2,"order_by":1,"parent_id":12770,"metadata":{},"date_created":"2026-06-26 03:43:55","date_modified":"2026-06-26 03:43:55","permalink":{"id":228597,"object_type":"structure","relational_id":12827,"identifier":"III","token":"46.2\/III","url":"\/46.2\/III\/","edition_id":1,"permalink":0,"preferred":1}},{"id":12770,"edition_id":1,"name":"Motor Vehicles","identifier":"46.2","label":"title","depth":1,"order_by":1,"parent_id":null,"metadata":{},"date_created":"2026-06-26 03:43:52","date_modified":"2026-06-26 03:43:52","permalink":{"id":225289,"object_type":"structure","relational_id":12770,"identifier":"46.2","token":"46.2","url":"\/46.2\/","edition_id":1,"permalink":0,"preferred":1}}],"structure_contents":[{"id":57036,"structure_id":13249,"section_number":"46.2-1216","catch_line":"Removal or immobilization of motor vehicles, vehicles, and trailers against which there are outstanding parking violations; ordinances","url":"\/46.2-1216\/","token":"46.2\/III\/12\/3\/46.2-1216","metadata":false},{"id":60919,"structure_id":13249,"section_number":"46.2-1217","catch_line":"Local governing body may regulate certain towing","url":"\/46.2-1217\/","token":"46.2\/III\/12\/3\/46.2-1217","metadata":false},{"id":69274,"structure_id":13249,"section_number":"46.2-1217.1","catch_line":"Towing of certain large vehicles; civil penalty","url":"\/46.2-1217.1\/","token":"46.2\/III\/12\/3\/46.2-1217.1","metadata":false},{"id":74346,"structure_id":13249,"section_number":"46.2-1218","catch_line":"Reports by persons in charge of garages, parking places, etc.; unclaimed vehicles","url":"\/46.2-1218\/","token":"46.2\/III\/12\/3\/46.2-1218","metadata":false},{"id":56179,"structure_id":13249,"section_number":"46.2-1219","catch_line":"Regulation of vehicular and pedestrian traffic on certain parking lots","url":"\/46.2-1219\/","token":"46.2\/III\/12\/3\/46.2-1219","metadata":false},{"id":80549,"structure_id":13249,"section_number":"46.2-1219.1","catch_line":"Regulation or prohibition of vehicular traffic on certain privately owned public parking areas and driveways; penalties","url":"\/46.2-1219.1\/","token":"46.2\/III\/12\/3\/46.2-1219.1","metadata":false},{"id":77831,"structure_id":13249,"section_number":"46.2-1219.2","catch_line":"Parking of vehicles in commuter parking lots owned by the Virginia Department of Transportation","url":"\/46.2-1219.2\/","token":"46.2\/III\/12\/3\/46.2-1219.2","metadata":false},{"id":54248,"structure_id":13249,"section_number":"46.2-1219.3","catch_line":"Parking of vehicles in parking spaces reserved for charging electric vehicles; civil penalties","url":"\/46.2-1219.3\/","token":"46.2\/III\/12\/3\/46.2-1219.3","metadata":false},{"id":59917,"structure_id":13249,"section_number":"46.2-1220","catch_line":"Parking, stopping, and standing regulations in counties, cities, or towns; parking meters; presumption as to violation of ordinances; penalty","url":"\/46.2-1220\/","token":"46.2\/III\/12\/3\/46.2-1220","metadata":false},{"id":74268,"structure_id":13249,"section_number":"46.2-1221","catch_line":"Authority of county to regulate parking on county-owned or leased property or on county highways; parking meters; presumption as to violation of ordinances","url":"\/46.2-1221\/","token":"46.2\/III\/12\/3\/46.2-1221","metadata":false},{"id":55577,"structure_id":13249,"section_number":"46.2-1222","catch_line":"Regulation of parking on secondary highways by certain counties","url":"\/46.2-1222\/","token":"46.2\/III\/12\/3\/46.2-1222","metadata":false},{"id":77619,"structure_id":13249,"section_number":"46.2-1222.1","catch_line":"Regulation or prohibition of parking of certain vehicles in certain counties and towns","url":"\/46.2-1222.1\/","token":"46.2\/III\/12\/3\/46.2-1222.1","metadata":false},{"id":68697,"structure_id":13249,"section_number":"46.2-1222.2","catch_line":"Local ordinances prohibiting parking of certain vehicles","url":"\/46.2-1222.2\/","token":"46.2\/III\/12\/3\/46.2-1222.2","metadata":false},{"id":59842,"structure_id":13249,"section_number":"46.2-1223","catch_line":"Authority of Commissioner to regulate parking on certain parts of primary state highway system","url":"\/46.2-1223\/","token":"46.2\/III\/12\/3\/46.2-1223","metadata":false},{"id":61279,"structure_id":13249,"section_number":"46.2-1224","catch_line":"County ordinances prohibiting certain parking in streets and highways","url":"\/46.2-1224\/","token":"46.2\/III\/12\/3\/46.2-1224","metadata":false},{"id":78821,"structure_id":13249,"section_number":"46.2-1224.1","catch_line":"Local ordinances regulating certain parking; penalty","url":"\/46.2-1224.1\/","token":"46.2\/III\/12\/3\/46.2-1224.1","metadata":false},{"id":74507,"structure_id":13249,"section_number":"46.2-1225","catch_line":"Enforcement provisions in city or county parking ordinances","url":"\/46.2-1225\/","token":"46.2\/III\/12\/3\/46.2-1225","metadata":false},{"id":82170,"structure_id":13249,"section_number":"46.2-1226","catch_line":"Enforcement of regulations governing parking in Capitol Square","url":"\/46.2-1226\/","token":"46.2\/III\/12\/3\/46.2-1226","metadata":false},{"id":55537,"structure_id":13249,"section_number":"46.2-1227","catch_line":"Enforcement of state regulations governing parking on primary and secondary highways","url":"\/46.2-1227\/","token":"46.2\/III\/12\/3\/46.2-1227","metadata":false},{"id":76331,"structure_id":13249,"section_number":"46.2-1228","catch_line":"Enforcement of parking regulations of boards of visitors of educational institutions","url":"\/46.2-1228\/","token":"46.2\/III\/12\/3\/46.2-1228","metadata":false},{"id":57912,"structure_id":13249,"section_number":"46.2-1229","catch_line":"Enforcement of parking regulations of State Board of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services","url":"\/46.2-1229\/","token":"46.2\/III\/12\/3\/46.2-1229","metadata":false},{"id":69298,"structure_id":13249,"section_number":"46.2-1230","catch_line":"Authority of counties, cities, and towns to issue parking permits","url":"\/46.2-1230\/","token":"46.2\/III\/12\/3\/46.2-1230","metadata":false},{"id":68405,"structure_id":13249,"section_number":"46.2-1231","catch_line":"Ticketing, removal, or immobilization of trespassing vehicles by owner or operator of parking or other lot or building; charges","url":"\/46.2-1231\/","token":"46.2\/III\/12\/3\/46.2-1231","metadata":false},{"id":86926,"structure_id":13249,"section_number":"46.2-1231.1","catch_line":"Immunity from liability for certain towing","url":"\/46.2-1231.1\/","token":"46.2\/III\/12\/3\/46.2-1231.1","metadata":false},{"id":81284,"structure_id":13249,"section_number":"46.2-1231.2","catch_line":"Attorney fees and costs; towing and recovery operators","url":"\/46.2-1231.2\/","token":"46.2\/III\/12\/3\/46.2-1231.2","metadata":false},{"id":69434,"structure_id":13249,"section_number":"46.2-1232","catch_line":"Localities may regulate removal or immobilization of trespassing vehicles","url":"\/46.2-1232\/","token":"46.2\/III\/12\/3\/46.2-1232","metadata":false},{"id":77977,"structure_id":13249,"section_number":"46.2-1233","catch_line":"Localities may regulate towing fees","url":"\/46.2-1233\/","token":"46.2\/III\/12\/3\/46.2-1233","metadata":false},{"id":57172,"structure_id":13249,"section_number":"46.2-1233.1","catch_line":"Limitation on charges for towing and storage of certain vehicles","url":"\/46.2-1233.1\/","token":"46.2\/III\/12\/3\/46.2-1233.1","metadata":false},{"id":64627,"structure_id":13249,"section_number":"46.2-1233.2","catch_line":"Advisory board","url":"\/46.2-1233.2\/","token":"46.2\/III\/12\/3\/46.2-1233.2","metadata":false},{"id":57835,"structure_id":13249,"section_number":"46.2-1233.3","catch_line":"Improper towing; penalty","url":"\/46.2-1233.3\/","token":"46.2\/III\/12\/3\/46.2-1233.3","metadata":false},{"id":65934,"structure_id":13249,"section_number":"46.2-1234","catch_line":"Liability of persons furnishing free parking accommodations as to motor vehicles and property left therein","url":"\/46.2-1234\/","token":"46.2\/III\/12\/3\/46.2-1234","metadata":false},{"id":58978,"structure_id":13249,"section_number":"46.2-1235","catch_line":"Authority of Chesterfield County law-enforcement officers to issue parking tickets","url":"\/46.2-1235\/","token":"46.2\/III\/12\/3\/46.2-1235","metadata":false},{"id":81990,"structure_id":13249,"section_number":"46.2-1236","catch_line":"Repealed","url":"\/46.2-1236\/","token":"46.2\/III\/12\/3\/46.2-1236","metadata":false},{"id":66887,"structure_id":13249,"section_number":"46.2-1237","catch_line":"Repealed","url":"\/46.2-1237\/","token":"46.2\/III\/12\/3\/46.2-1237","metadata":false},{"id":66758,"structure_id":13249,"section_number":"46.2-1238","catch_line":"Repealed","url":"\/46.2-1238\/","token":"46.2\/III\/12\/3\/46.2-1238","metadata":false},{"id":66211,"structure_id":13249,"section_number":"46.2-1239","catch_line":"Parking in certain locations; penalty","url":"\/46.2-1239\/","token":"46.2\/III\/12\/3\/46.2-1239","metadata":false}],"previous_section":{"id":69298,"structure_id":13249,"section_number":"46.2-1230","catch_line":"Authority of counties, cities, and towns to issue parking permits","url":"\/46.2-1230\/","token":"46.2\/III\/12\/3\/46.2-1230","metadata":false},"next_section":{"id":86926,"structure_id":13249,"section_number":"46.2-1231.1","catch_line":"Immunity from liability for certain towing","url":"\/46.2-1231.1\/","token":"46.2\/III\/12\/3\/46.2-1231.1","metadata":false},"metadata":false,"official_url":"https:\/\/law.lis.virginia.gov\/vacode\/46.2-1231\/","history_text":"

The record of this law\u2019s original creation isn\u2019t available online. It has been modified 19 times. Those modifications are cataloged by \u201cThe Acts of Assembly,\u201d a state publication, by year and chapter. Those modifications that can be read on the General Assembly\u2019s website will be linked accordingly. Those modifications are as follows: in 1952, chapter 352; in 1954, chapter 435; in 1958, chapter 541; in 1978, chapters 202 and 335; in 1979, chapter 132; in 1983, chapter 34; in 1985, chapter 375; in 1987, chapters 147, 152, and 332; in 1988, chapters 471 and 701; in 1989, chapter 727; in 1990, chapter 502; in 1991, chapter 221; in 1993, chapter 394; in 1994, chapter 619<\/a>; in 2003, chapter 305<\/a>; in 2006, chapters 874<\/a> and 891<\/a>; in 2017, chapter 825<\/a>; in 2019, chapter 510<\/a>; in 2024, chapter 308<\/a>.<\/p>","references":[{"id":57039,"section_number":"15.2-968","catch_line":"Regulation of parking of vehicles within boundaries of state-supported institutions","order_by":null,"url":"\/15.2-968\/"},{"id":76721,"section_number":"2.2-517","catch_line":"Division of Consumer Counsel created; duties","order_by":null,"url":"\/2.2-517\/"},{"id":63042,"section_number":"46.2-1150","catch_line":"Towing certain unlicensed or uninspected vehicles","order_by":null,"url":"\/46.2-1150\/"},{"id":84528,"section_number":"46.2-117","catch_line":"Revocation and suspension of registration of tow truck driver; notice and hearing; assessment of costs","order_by":null,"url":"\/46.2-117\/"},{"id":82474,"section_number":"46.2-118","catch_line":"Prohibited acts by tow truck drivers and towing and recovery operators","order_by":null,"url":"\/46.2-118\/"},{"id":84696,"section_number":"46.2-119","catch_line":"Complaints against tow truck drivers or towing and recovery operators; enforcement by the Office of the Attorney General","order_by":null,"url":"\/46.2-119\/"},{"id":77977,"section_number":"46.2-1233","catch_line":"Localities may regulate towing fees","order_by":null,"url":"\/46.2-1233\/"},{"id":57835,"section_number":"46.2-1233.3","catch_line":"Improper towing; penalty","order_by":null,"url":"\/46.2-1233.3\/"},{"id":86675,"section_number":"46.2-1304.1","catch_line":"Localities may regulate construction and parking of commercial motor vehicles used to transport municipal solid waste; penalty","order_by":null,"url":"\/46.2-1304.1\/"},{"id":82977,"section_number":"59.1-200","catch_line":"Prohibited practices","order_by":null,"url":"\/59.1-200\/"}],"refers_to":[{"id":59917,"section_number":"46.2-1220","catch_line":"Parking, stopping, and standing regulations in counties, cities, or towns; parking meters; presumption as to violation of ordinances; penalty","order_by":null,"url":"\/46.2-1220\/"},{"id":74268,"section_number":"46.2-1221","catch_line":"Authority of county to regulate parking on county-owned or leased property or on county highways; parking meters; presumption as to violation of ordinances","order_by":null,"url":"\/46.2-1221\/"},{"id":65321,"section_number":"55.1-1800","catch_line":"Definitions","order_by":null,"url":"\/55.1-1800\/"},{"id":55215,"section_number":"55.1-1900","catch_line":"Definitions","order_by":null,"url":"\/55.1-1900\/"},{"id":82636,"section_number":"55.1-2000","catch_line":"Definitions","order_by":null,"url":"\/55.1-2000\/"},{"id":58909,"section_number":"55.1-2100","catch_line":"Definitions","order_by":null,"url":"\/55.1-2100\/"},{"id":56667,"section_number":"55.1-2200","catch_line":"Definitions","order_by":null,"url":"\/55.1-2200\/"},{"id":71715,"section_number":"55.1-2300","catch_line":"Definitions","order_by":null,"url":"\/55.1-2300\/"}],"permalink":{"id":229891,"object_type":"law","relational_id":68405,"identifier":"46.2-1231","token":"46.2\/III\/12\/3\/46.2-1231","url":"\/46.2-1231\/","edition_id":1,"permalink":0,"preferred":1},"url":"\/46.2-1231\/","token":"46.2\/III\/12\/3\/46.2-1231","dublin_core":{"Title":"Ticketing, removal, or immobilization of trespassing vehicles by owner or operator of parking or other lot or building; charges","Type":"Text","Format":"text\/html","Identifier":"\u00a7 46.2-1231","Relation":"Code of Virginia"},"html":"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

A.<\/span> The owner<\/span>, operator, or lessee of any parking lot, parking area, or parking space in a parking lot or area or any part of a parking lot or area, or of any other lot or building, including any county, city, or town, or authorized agent<\/span> of the person having control of such premises may have any vehicle<\/span> occupying the lot, area, space, or building without the permission of its owner<\/span>, operator, lessee, or authorized agent<\/span> of the one having the control of the premises, removed by towing or otherwise to a licensed garage for storage until called for by the owner<\/span> or his agent<\/span> if there are posted at all entrances to the parking lot or area signs clearly and conspicuously disclosing that such vehicle<\/span>, if parked without permission, will be removed, towed, or immobilized. Such signs shall, at a minimum, include the nonemergency telephone number of the local law<\/span>-enforcement agency or the telephone number of the responsible towing and recovery operator<\/span> to contact for information related to the location of vehicles<\/span> towed from that location. The requirements of this section relating to the posting of signs by an owner<\/span>, operator, or lessee of any parking lot, parking area or space shall not apply to localities in which the local governing body<\/span> has adopted an ordinance<\/span> pursuant to § 46.2-1232<\/a>. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

B.<\/span> Whenever a trespassing vehicle<\/span> is removed or towed as permitted by this section, notice of this action shall forthwith be given by the tow truck<\/span> operator to the State Police or the local law<\/span>-enforcement agency of the jurisdiction<\/span> from which the vehicle<\/span> was towed. It shall be unlawful to fail to report such tow as required by this section and violation of the reporting requirement of this section shall constitute a traffic infraction<\/span> punishable by a fine of not more than $100. Such failure to report shall limit the amount which may be charged for the storage and safekeeping of the towed vehicle<\/span> to an amount no greater than that charged for one day of storage and safekeeping. If the vehicle<\/span> is removed and stored, the vehicle<\/span> owner<\/span> may be charged and the vehicle<\/span> may be held for a reasonable fee for the removal and storage. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

C.<\/span> All businesses engaged in towing vehicles<\/span> without the consent of their owners<\/span> shall prominently display (i) at their main place of business and (ii) at any other location where towed vehicles<\/span> may be reclaimed a comprehensive list of all their fees for towing, recovery, and storage services, or the basis of such charges. This requirement to display a list of fees may also be satisfied by providing, when the towed vehicle is reclaimed, a written list of such fees, either as part of a receipt or separately, to the person who reclaims the vehicle. Charges in excess of those posted shall not be collectable from any motor vehicle<\/span> owner<\/span> whose vehicle is towed, recovered, or stored without his consent. At the time a vehicle owner<\/span> or agent<\/span> reclaims a towed vehicle, such towing and recovery operator<\/span>, if located in Planning District 8, shall provide a written receipt that provides a telephone number or website available for customer complaints. A locality located wholly or partially in Planning District 8 may require additional information to be included on such receipt. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

D.<\/span> Notwithstanding the foregoing provisions of this section, if the owner<\/span> or representative or agent<\/span> of the owner<\/span> of the trespassing vehicle is present and removes the trespassing vehicle from the premises before it is actually towed, the trespassing vehicle shall not be towed, but the owner<\/span> or representative or agent<\/span> of the owner<\/span> of the trespassing vehicle shall be liable for a reasonable fee, not to exceed $25 or such other limit as the governing body<\/span> of the county, city, or town may set by ordinance<\/span>, in lieu of towing. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

E.<\/span> In lieu of having a trespassing vehicle removed by towing or otherwise, the owner<\/span>, operator, lessee or authorized agent<\/span> of the premises on which the trespassing vehicle is parked may cause the vehicle to be immobilized in a manner that prevents its removal or lawful operation, provided that any device used to immobilize the trespassing vehicle does not damage the vehicle or any part of the vehicle. The charge for the removal of any device used to immobilize a trespassing vehicle shall not exceed $25 or such other limit as the governing body<\/span> of the county, city, or town may set by ordinance<\/span>. In lieu of having the vehicle removed by towing or otherwise, or in lieu of causing the vehicle to be immobilized, the owner<\/span>, operator, lessee or authorized agent<\/span> of the premises on which the trespassing vehicle is parked may cause to have an authorized local government official or law<\/span>-enforcement officer<\/span> issue<\/span>, on the premises, a notice of the violation of a parking ordinance<\/span> or regulation created pursuant to § 46.2-1220<\/a> or 46.2-1221<\/a> to the registered owner<\/span> of the vehicle. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

F.<\/span> This section shall not apply to police, fire, or public health vehicles<\/span> or where a vehicle, because of a wreck or other emergency, is parked or left temporarily on the property of another. The governing body<\/span> of every county, city, and town may by ordinance<\/span> set limits on fees and charges provided for in this section. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

G.<\/span> For purposes of this subsection:\n\t\t\t“Multifamily dwelling unit<\/span>” means more than one single-family dwelling unit located in a building, including townhomes. “Multifamily dwelling unit<\/span>” does not include any lot within a development created pursuant to the Property Owners<\/span>’ Association Act (§ 55.1-1800<\/a> et seq.), any unit within a condominium created pursuant to the Virginia Condominium Act (§ 55.1-1900<\/a> et seq.), any apartment within a horizontal property regime created pursuant to the Horizontal Property Act (§ 55.1-2000<\/a> et seq.), any unit within a cooperative created pursuant to the Virginia Real Estate Cooperative Act (§ 55.1-2100<\/a> et seq.), any time-share unit within a project created pursuant to the Virginia Real Estate Time-Share Act (§ 55.1-2200<\/a> et seq.), or any lot within a subdivision created pursuant to the Subdivided Land Sales Act (§ 55.1-2300<\/a> et seq.).\n\t\t\t“Resident’s vehicle” means any vehicle that is (i) owned, leased, or used by a resident of a multifamily dwelling unit<\/span> in which the parking lot is owned and maintained by the landlord; (ii) known to the landlord to be associated with such resident, by means of a permit, registry, or other document designated by the landlord for such identification purposes; and (iii) in compliance with any requirements set forth in such lease or other agreement regarding such vehicle.\n\t\t\t“Towing operator<\/span>” means any individual or company that has contracted with a landlord for the provision of parking enforcement.\n\t\t\tNotwithstanding the foregoing provisions of this section, for a resident’s vehicle parked in the parking lot of a multifamily dwelling unit<\/span>, for which the parking lot is owned and maintained by the landlord, the towing operator<\/span> for such parking lot, prior to the towing of such vehicle for an expired vehicle registration or expired vehicle inspection sticker, shall post written notice on the vehicle, which shall include the date of posting of such notice, that such vehicle will be towed due to an expired registration or expired vehicle inspection sticker after 48 hours from the date of the posting of such notice and that such vehicle will not be removed or towed until such period of time has passed. The towing operator<\/span> shall, in addition to posting such notice on the vehicle, transmit a copy of such notice to the landlord with which he contracts<\/span> for parking enforcement of the multifamily dwelling unit<\/span>’s parking lot. If a towing operator<\/span> fails to post such notice on the vehicle, or does not wait the required period of time prior to removing or requesting the towing of such vehicle, he shall be required to reimburse the resident whose vehicle was towed the value of the charges imposed for the towing, storage, and safekeeping of the vehicle and he shall also be subject to a civil penalty<\/span> not to exceed $100.\n\t\t\tNo towing operator<\/span> shall remove such vehicle until the 48 hours have passed from the date of the posting of such notice. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>","plain_text":" CODE OF VIRGINIA\n\nTICKETING, REMOVAL, OR IMMOBILIZATION OF TRESPASSING VEHICLES BY OWNER OR\nOPERATOR OF PARKING OR OTHER LOT OR BUILDING; CHARGES (\u00a7 46.2-1231)\n\nA. The owner, operator, or lessee of any parking lot, parking area, or parking\nspace in a parking lot or area or any part of a parking lot or area, or of any\nother lot or building, including any county, city, or town, or authorized agent\nof the person having control of such premises may have any vehicle occupying the\nlot, area, space, or building without the permission of its owner, operator,\nlessee, or authorized agent of the one having the control of the premises,\nremoved by towing or otherwise to a licensed garage for storage until called for\nby the owner or his agent if there are posted at all entrances to the parking\nlot or area signs clearly and conspicuously disclosing that such vehicle, if\nparked without permission, will be removed, towed, or immobilized. Such signs\nshall, at a minimum, include the nonemergency telephone number of the local\nlaw-enforcement agency or the telephone number of the responsible towing and\nrecovery operator to contact for information related to the location of vehicles\ntowed from that location. The requirements of this section relating to the\nposting of signs by an owner, operator, or lessee of any parking lot, parking\narea or space shall not apply to localities in which the local governing body\nhas adopted an ordinance pursuant to § 46.2-1232.\n\nB. Whenever a trespassing vehicle is removed or towed as permitted by this\nsection, notice of this action shall forthwith be given by the tow truck\noperator to the State Police or the local law-enforcement agency of the\njurisdiction from which the vehicle was towed. It shall be unlawful to fail to\nreport such tow as required by this section and violation of the reporting\nrequirement of this section shall constitute a traffic infraction punishable by\na fine of not more than $100. Such failure to report shall limit the amount\nwhich may be charged for the storage and safekeeping of the towed vehicle to an\namount no greater than that charged for one day of storage and safekeeping. If\nthe vehicle is removed and stored, the vehicle owner may be charged and the\nvehicle may be held for a reasonable fee for the removal and storage.\n\nC. All businesses engaged in towing vehicles without the consent of their owners\nshall prominently display (i) at their main place of business and (ii) at any\nother location where towed vehicles may be reclaimed a comprehensive list of all\ntheir fees for towing, recovery, and storage services, or the basis of such\ncharges. This requirement to display a list of fees may also be satisfied by\nproviding, when the towed vehicle is reclaimed, a written list of such fees,\neither as part of a receipt or separately, to the person who reclaims the\nvehicle. Charges in excess of those posted shall not be collectable from any\nmotor vehicle owner whose vehicle is towed, recovered, or stored without his\nconsent. At the time a vehicle owner or agent reclaims a towed vehicle, such\ntowing and recovery operator, if located in Planning District 8, shall provide a\nwritten receipt that provides a telephone number or website available for\ncustomer complaints. A locality located wholly or partially in Planning District\n8 may require additional information to be included on such receipt.\n\nD. Notwithstanding the foregoing provisions of this section, if the owner or\nrepresentative or agent of the owner of the trespassing vehicle is present and\nremoves the trespassing vehicle from the premises before it is actually towed,\nthe trespassing vehicle shall not be towed, but the owner or representative or\nagent of the owner of the trespassing vehicle shall be liable for a reasonable\nfee, not to exceed $25 or such other limit as the governing body of the county,\ncity, or town may set by ordinance, in lieu of towing.\n\nE. In lieu of having a trespassing vehicle removed by towing or otherwise, the\nowner, operator, lessee or authorized agent of the premises on which the\ntrespassing vehicle is parked may cause the vehicle to be immobilized in a\nmanner that prevents its removal or lawful operation, provided that any device\nused to immobilize the trespassing vehicle does not damage the vehicle or any\npart of the vehicle. The charge for the removal of any device used to immobilize\na trespassing vehicle shall not exceed $25 or such other limit as the governing\nbody of the county, city, or town may set by ordinance. In lieu of having the\nvehicle removed by towing or otherwise, or in lieu of causing the vehicle to be\nimmobilized, the owner, operator, lessee or authorized agent of the premises on\nwhich the trespassing vehicle is parked may cause to have an authorized local\ngovernment official or law-enforcement officer issue, on the premises, a notice\nof the violation of a parking ordinance or regulation created pursuant to §\n46.2-1220 or 46.2-1221 to the registered owner of the vehicle.\n\nF. This section shall not apply to police, fire, or public health vehicles or\nwhere a vehicle, because of a wreck or other emergency, is parked or left\ntemporarily on the property of another. The governing body of every county,\ncity, and town may by ordinance set limits on fees and charges provided for in\nthis section.\n\nG. For purposes of this subsection:\n\t\t\t“Multifamily dwelling unit” means more than one single-family\ndwelling unit located in a building, including townhomes. “Multifamily\ndwelling unit” does not include any lot within a development created\npursuant to the Property Owners’ Association Act (§ 55.1-1800 et\nseq.), any unit within a condominium created pursuant to the Virginia\nCondominium Act (§ 55.1-1900 et seq.), any apartment within a horizontal\nproperty regime created pursuant to the Horizontal Property Act (§\n55.1-2000 et seq.), any unit within a cooperative created pursuant to the\nVirginia Real Estate Cooperative Act (§ 55.1-2100 et seq.), any time-share\nunit within a project created pursuant to the Virginia Real Estate Time-Share\nAct (§ 55.1-2200 et seq.), or any lot within a subdivision created pursuant\nto the Subdivided Land Sales Act (§ 55.1-2300 et seq.).\n\t\t\t“Resident’s vehicle” means any vehicle that is (i) owned,\nleased, or used by a resident of a multifamily dwelling unit in which the\nparking lot is owned and maintained by the landlord; (ii) known to the landlord\nto be associated with such resident, by means of a permit, registry, or other\ndocument designated by the landlord for such identification purposes; and (iii)\nin compliance with any requirements set forth in such lease or other agreement\nregarding such vehicle.\n\t\t\t“Towing operator” means any individual or company that has\ncontracted with a landlord for the provision of parking enforcement.\n\t\t\tNotwithstanding the foregoing provisions of this section, for a\nresident’s vehicle parked in the parking lot of a multifamily dwelling\nunit, for which the parking lot is owned and maintained by the landlord, the\ntowing operator for such parking lot, prior to the towing of such vehicle for an\nexpired vehicle registration or expired vehicle inspection sticker, shall post\nwritten notice on the vehicle, which shall include the date of posting of such\nnotice, that such vehicle will be towed due to an expired registration or\nexpired vehicle inspection sticker after 48 hours from the date of the posting\nof such notice and that such vehicle will not be removed or towed until such\nperiod of time has passed. The towing operator shall, in addition to posting\nsuch notice on the vehicle, transmit a copy of such notice to the landlord with\nwhich he contracts for parking enforcement of the multifamily dwelling\nunit’s parking lot. If a towing operator fails to post such notice on the\nvehicle, or does not wait the required period of time prior to removing or\nrequesting the towing of such vehicle, he shall be required to reimburse the\nresident whose vehicle was towed the value of the charges imposed for the\ntowing, storage, and safekeeping of the vehicle and he shall also be subject to\na civil penalty not to exceed $100.\n\t\t\tNo towing operator shall remove such vehicle until the 48 hours have passed\nfrom the date of the posting of such notice.\n\nHISTORY: Code 1950, \u00a7 46-541; 1952, c. 352; 1954, c. 435; 1958, c. 541, \u00a7\n46.1-551; 1978, cc. 202, 335; 1979, c. 132; 1983, c. 34; 1985, c. 375; 1987, cc.\n147, 152, 332; 1988, cc. 471, 701; 1989, c. 727; 1990, c. 502; 1991, c. 221;\n1993, c. 394; 1994, c. 619; 2003, c. 305; 2006, cc. 874, 891; 2017, c. 825;\n2019, c. 510; 2024, c. 308.","edition":{"id":1,"name":"2025","slug":"2025","date_created":"2026-06-21 22:39:22","date_modified":"2026-06-21 22:39:22","current":1,"order_by":1,"last_import":null}}