{"formats":[{"name":"JSON","format":"json","url":"\/downloads\/2025\/code-json\/46.2-644.01.json"},{"name":"Plain Text","format":"text","url":"\/downloads\/2025\/code-text\/46.2-644.01.txt"},{"name":"XML","format":"xml","url":"\/downloads\/2025\/code-xml\/46.2-644.01.xml"},{"name":"HTML","format":"html","url":"\/downloads\/2025\/code-html\/46.2-644.01.html"}],"law_id":71754,"edition_id":1,"section_id":71754,"structure_id":12956,"section_number":"46.2-644.01","catch_line":"Lien of keeper of vehicles","history":"2009, c. 664; 2016, c. 397; 2019, c. 561; 2021, Sp. Sess. I, c. 374; 2023, c. 317.","full_text":"A\n\nFor purposes of this section, “keeper of vehicles” means a garage keeper; a person keeping any vehicles, including a self-storage facility; and a tow truck driver or towing and recovery operator furnishing services involving the towing and recovery of vehicles or clean up related to vehicle collisions.B\n\nEvery keeper of vehicles shall have a lien upon such vehicles for the amount that may be due him for the towing, storage, recovery, and care thereof, until such amount is paid. In the case of a tow truck driver or towing and recovery operator furnishing services to a truck, tractor truck, or combination of vehicles, any such lien held shall apply to any power unit, tractor, trailer, or semitrailer in the combination.\n\t\t\tSuch lien shall be in addition to any lien under § 46.2-644.02. Any garage keeper to whom a vehicle has been delivered pursuant to § 46.2-1209, 46.2-1213, or 46.2-1215 shall, within 30 days from the date of delivery, have a lien upon such vehicle pursuant to this section, provided that action has not been taken pursuant to such sections for the sale of the vehicle.C\n\nIn the case of any vehicle for which the title shows an existing lien, the keeper of vehicles shall have a lien upon the vehicle for his reasonable charges for storage under this section not to exceed $500; however, the keeper of vehicles shall also be entitled to a lien against any proceeds remaining after the satisfaction of all prior security interests or liens. In addition, any tow truck driver or towing and recovery operator shall have a lien for all normal costs incident to any towing and recovery services furnished for the vehicle.\n\t\t\tIn the case of any vehicle not subject to an existing lien on the title, the keeper of vehicles shall have a lien thereon for his reasonable charges for storage under this section, alone or in combination with a lien under § 46.2-644.02 not to exceed the value of the vehicle as determined by the provisions of § 8.01-419.1.D\n\nThe keeper of vehicles, or the authorized agents of such, shall ascertain from the Department whether the certificate of title for the vehicle shows a lien in accordance with the provisions of § 46.2-644.03 within seven business days of taking possession of the vehicle. The owner or lienholder shall have 10 business days from the date of the notice sent by the Department pursuant to § 46.2-644.03 to reclaim the vehicle. The terms for such reclamation shall be the payment of the amount due to the keeper of the vehicles or other amount as agreed by the parties. If the vehicle remains unclaimed, the keeper of the vehicles may enforce the lien under the provisions of § 46.2-644.03 or relinquish the lien under the provisions of § 46.2-644.04.\n\t\t\tFor purposes of this subsection, the date of possession for a garage keeper to whom a vehicle has been delivered pursuant to § 46.2-1209, 46.2-1213, or 46.2-1215 shall be the date such lien attaches, and the date of possession for a self-storage facility shall be the date on which the facility owner learns that a leased space subject to default contains a motor vehicle.E\n\nAny lien created under this section shall not extend to any personal property or cargo that is not attached to or considered to be necessary for the proper operation of any motor vehicle, and it shall be the duty of any keeper of vehicles to permit the owner of the vehicle or cargo to access the vehicle in order to recover his personal property or cargo, provided that the owner claims and retrieves the items at least two business days prior to the auction date. The keeper of vehicles may dispose of any unclaimed personal property or cargo.F\n\nFor the purposes of this section, in the case of a truck or combination of vehicles, the owner, or in the case of a rented or leased vehicle, the lessee of the truck or tractor truck, shall be liable for the costs of the towing, recovery, and storage of the cargo and of any trailer or semitrailer in the combination, and the keeper of vehicles of any such vehicle shall have an immediate lien upon any truck, tractor truck, or combination of vehicles, including any power unit, tractor, trailer, or semitrailer in the combination. Nothing in this subsection, however, shall bar the owner of the truck or tractor truck from subsequently seeking to recover from the owner of any trailer, semitrailer, or cargo all or any portion of these towing, recovery, and storage costs.","order_by":null,"text":{"0":{"id":258512,"text":"For purposes of this section, “keeper of vehicles” means a garage keeper; a person keeping any vehicles, including a self-storage facility; and a tow truck driver or towing and recovery operator furnishing services involving the towing and recovery of vehicles or clean up related to vehicle collisions.","type":"section","prefixes":["A"],"prefix":"A","entire_prefix":"A","prefix_anchor":"A","level":1,"next_prefix":"B"},"1":{"id":258513,"text":"Every keeper of vehicles shall have a lien upon such vehicles for the amount that may be due him for the towing, storage, recovery, and care thereof, until such amount is paid. In the case of a tow truck driver or towing and recovery operator furnishing services to a truck, tractor truck, or combination of vehicles, any such lien held shall apply to any power unit, tractor, trailer, or semitrailer in the combination.\n\t\t\tSuch lien shall be in addition to any lien under § 46.2-644.02. Any garage keeper to whom a vehicle has been delivered pursuant to § 46.2-1209, 46.2-1213, or 46.2-1215 shall, within 30 days from the date of delivery, have a lien upon such vehicle pursuant to this section, provided that action has not been taken pursuant to such sections for the sale of the vehicle.","type":"section","prefixes":["B"],"prefix":"B","entire_prefix":"B","prefix_anchor":"B","level":1,"prior_prefix":"A","next_prefix":"C"},"2":{"id":258514,"text":"In the case of any vehicle for which the title shows an existing lien, the keeper of vehicles shall have a lien upon the vehicle for his reasonable charges for storage under this section not to exceed $500; however, the keeper of vehicles shall also be entitled to a lien against any proceeds remaining after the satisfaction of all prior security interests or liens. In addition, any tow truck driver or towing and recovery operator shall have a lien for all normal costs incident to any towing and recovery services furnished for the vehicle.\n\t\t\tIn the case of any vehicle not subject to an existing lien on the title, the keeper of vehicles shall have a lien thereon for his reasonable charges for storage under this section, alone or in combination with a lien under § 46.2-644.02 not to exceed the value of the vehicle as determined by the provisions of § 8.01-419.1.","type":"section","prefixes":["C"],"prefix":"C","entire_prefix":"C","prefix_anchor":"C","level":1,"prior_prefix":"B","next_prefix":"D"},"3":{"id":258515,"text":"The keeper of vehicles, or the authorized agents of such, shall ascertain from the Department whether the certificate of title for the vehicle shows a lien in accordance with the provisions of § 46.2-644.03 within seven business days of taking possession of the vehicle. The owner or lienholder shall have 10 business days from the date of the notice sent by the Department pursuant to § 46.2-644.03 to reclaim the vehicle. The terms for such reclamation shall be the payment of the amount due to the keeper of the vehicles or other amount as agreed by the parties. If the vehicle remains unclaimed, the keeper of the vehicles may enforce the lien under the provisions of § 46.2-644.03 or relinquish the lien under the provisions of § 46.2-644.04.\n\t\t\tFor purposes of this subsection, the date of possession for a garage keeper to whom a vehicle has been delivered pursuant to § 46.2-1209, 46.2-1213, or 46.2-1215 shall be the date such lien attaches, and the date of possession for a self-storage facility shall be the date on which the facility owner learns that a leased space subject to default contains a motor vehicle.","type":"section","prefixes":["D"],"prefix":"D","entire_prefix":"D","prefix_anchor":"D","level":1,"prior_prefix":"C","next_prefix":"E"},"4":{"id":258516,"text":"Any lien created under this section shall not extend to any personal property or cargo that is not attached to or considered to be necessary for the proper operation of any motor vehicle, and it shall be the duty of any keeper of vehicles to permit the owner of the vehicle or cargo to access the vehicle in order to recover his personal property or cargo, provided that the owner claims and retrieves the items at least two business days prior to the auction date. The keeper of vehicles may dispose of any unclaimed personal property or cargo.","type":"section","prefixes":["E"],"prefix":"E","entire_prefix":"E","prefix_anchor":"E","level":1,"prior_prefix":"D","next_prefix":"F"},"5":{"id":258517,"text":"For the purposes of this section, in the case of a truck or combination of vehicles, the owner, or in the case of a rented or leased vehicle, the lessee of the truck or tractor truck, shall be liable for the costs of the towing, recovery, and storage of the cargo and of any trailer or semitrailer in the combination, and the keeper of vehicles of any such vehicle shall have an immediate lien upon any truck, tractor truck, or combination of vehicles, including any power unit, tractor, trailer, or semitrailer in the combination. Nothing in this subsection, however, shall bar the owner of the truck or tractor truck from subsequently seeking to recover from the owner of any trailer, semitrailer, or cargo all or any portion of these towing, recovery, and storage costs.","type":"section","prefixes":["F"],"prefix":"F","entire_prefix":"F","prefix_anchor":"F","level":1,"prior_prefix":"E"}},"ancestry":[{"id":12956,"edition_id":1,"name":"Titling Vehicles","identifier":"2","label":"article","depth":4,"order_by":1,"parent_id":12879,"metadata":{},"date_created":"2026-06-26 03:44:04","date_modified":"2026-06-26 03:44:04","permalink":{"id":227953,"object_type":"structure","relational_id":12956,"identifier":"2","token":"46.2\/II\/6\/2","url":"\/46.2\/II\/6\/2\/","edition_id":1,"permalink":0,"preferred":1}},{"id":12879,"edition_id":1,"name":"Titling and Registration of Motor Vehicles","identifier":"6","label":"chapter","depth":3,"order_by":1,"parent_id":12771,"metadata":{},"date_created":"2026-06-26 03:43:58","date_modified":"2026-06-26 03:43:58","permalink":{"id":226923,"object_type":"structure","relational_id":12879,"identifier":"6","token":"46.2\/II\/6","url":"\/46.2\/II\/6\/","edition_id":1,"permalink":0,"preferred":1}},{"id":12771,"edition_id":1,"name":"Titling, Registration and Licensure","identifier":"II","label":"subtitle","depth":2,"order_by":1,"parent_id":12770,"metadata":{},"date_created":"2026-06-26 03:43:52","date_modified":"2026-06-26 03:43:52","permalink":{"id":225627,"object_type":"structure","relational_id":12771,"identifier":"II","token":"46.2\/II","url":"\/46.2\/II\/","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":83979,"structure_id":12956,"section_number":"46.2-616","catch_line":"Acquiring vehicle from vendor who does not have certificate of title","url":"\/46.2-616\/","token":"46.2\/II\/6\/2\/46.2-616","metadata":false},{"id":86372,"structure_id":12956,"section_number":"46.2-617","catch_line":"Sale of vehicle without certificate of title","url":"\/46.2-617\/","token":"46.2\/II\/6\/2\/46.2-617","metadata":false},{"id":60178,"structure_id":12956,"section_number":"46.2-618","catch_line":"When unlawful to have in possession certificate of title issued to another; remedy of purchaser against persons in possession of title of vehicle purchased from dealer","url":"\/46.2-618\/","token":"46.2\/II\/6\/2\/46.2-618","metadata":false},{"id":72463,"structure_id":12956,"section_number":"46.2-619","catch_line":"New indicia of title; procedure as to leased vehicles","url":"\/46.2-619\/","token":"46.2\/II\/6\/2\/46.2-619","metadata":false},{"id":59012,"structure_id":12956,"section_number":"46.2-620","catch_line":"Period of validity of certificate of title","url":"\/46.2-620\/","token":"46.2\/II\/6\/2\/46.2-620","metadata":false},{"id":79969,"structure_id":12956,"section_number":"46.2-621","catch_line":"Application for certificate of title","url":"\/46.2-621\/","token":"46.2\/II\/6\/2\/46.2-621","metadata":false},{"id":65083,"structure_id":12956,"section_number":"46.2-621.1","catch_line":"Correcting errors in titling","url":"\/46.2-621.1\/","token":"46.2\/II\/6\/2\/46.2-621.1","metadata":false},{"id":61253,"structure_id":12956,"section_number":"46.2-622","catch_line":"Issuance of certificate of title in names of joint owners","url":"\/46.2-622\/","token":"46.2\/II\/6\/2\/46.2-622","metadata":false},{"id":74428,"structure_id":12956,"section_number":"46.2-623","catch_line":"Statements in application","url":"\/46.2-623\/","token":"46.2\/II\/6\/2\/46.2-623","metadata":false},{"id":67974,"structure_id":12956,"section_number":"46.2-624","catch_line":"Information required on vehicles damaged by water","url":"\/46.2-624\/","token":"46.2\/II\/6\/2\/46.2-624","metadata":false},{"id":69007,"structure_id":12956,"section_number":"46.2-625","catch_line":"Specially constructed, reconstructed, replica, converted electric, or foreign vehicles","url":"\/46.2-625\/","token":"46.2\/II\/6\/2\/46.2-625","metadata":false},{"id":64146,"structure_id":12956,"section_number":"46.2-626","catch_line":"Repealed","url":"\/46.2-626\/","token":"46.2\/II\/6\/2\/46.2-626","metadata":false},{"id":75060,"structure_id":12956,"section_number":"46.2-626.1","catch_line":"Motorcycle purchased by manufacturer for parts; documentation required for sale of parts","url":"\/46.2-626.1\/","token":"46.2\/II\/6\/2\/46.2-626.1","metadata":false},{"id":85078,"structure_id":12956,"section_number":"46.2-627","catch_line":"Fee for certificate of title; use in special fund","url":"\/46.2-627\/","token":"46.2\/II\/6\/2\/46.2-627","metadata":false},{"id":71729,"structure_id":12956,"section_number":"46.2-628","catch_line":"How certificate of title transferred","url":"\/46.2-628\/","token":"46.2\/II\/6\/2\/46.2-628","metadata":false},{"id":69663,"structure_id":12956,"section_number":"46.2-629","catch_line":"Odometer reading to be reported on certificate of title, application, or power of attorney","url":"\/46.2-629\/","token":"46.2\/II\/6\/2\/46.2-629","metadata":false},{"id":56148,"structure_id":12956,"section_number":"46.2-630","catch_line":"Transfer and application for certificate of title forwarded to Department","url":"\/46.2-630\/","token":"46.2\/II\/6\/2\/46.2-630","metadata":false},{"id":62224,"structure_id":12956,"section_number":"46.2-631","catch_line":"When transferred certificate of title need not be forwarded","url":"\/46.2-631\/","token":"46.2\/II\/6\/2\/46.2-631","metadata":false},{"id":66534,"structure_id":12956,"section_number":"46.2-631.1","catch_line":"Electronic sales by dealers; titling","url":"\/46.2-631.1\/","token":"46.2\/II\/6\/2\/46.2-631.1","metadata":false},{"id":63795,"structure_id":12956,"section_number":"46.2-632","catch_line":"Transfer when certificate of title lost","url":"\/46.2-632\/","token":"46.2\/II\/6\/2\/46.2-632","metadata":false},{"id":72419,"structure_id":12956,"section_number":"46.2-633","catch_line":"Transfer of title by operation of law","url":"\/46.2-633\/","token":"46.2\/II\/6\/2\/46.2-633","metadata":false},{"id":59621,"structure_id":12956,"section_number":"46.2-633.1","catch_line":"Sale in Virginia of vehicle repossessed in another state","url":"\/46.2-633.1\/","token":"46.2\/II\/6\/2\/46.2-633.1","metadata":false},{"id":71623,"structure_id":12956,"section_number":"46.2-633.2","catch_line":"Transfer of title on death","url":"\/46.2-633.2\/","token":"46.2\/II\/6\/2\/46.2-633.2","metadata":false},{"id":71249,"structure_id":12956,"section_number":"46.2-634","catch_line":"Transfer of title when no qualification on estate","url":"\/46.2-634\/","token":"46.2\/II\/6\/2\/46.2-634","metadata":false},{"id":80251,"structure_id":12956,"section_number":"46.2-635","catch_line":"Surrender of certificates for vehicles to be demolished; securing new title certificates","url":"\/46.2-635\/","token":"46.2\/II\/6\/2\/46.2-635","metadata":false},{"id":86490,"structure_id":12956,"section_number":"46.2-636","catch_line":"Certificate to show security interests","url":"\/46.2-636\/","token":"46.2\/II\/6\/2\/46.2-636","metadata":false},{"id":60463,"structure_id":12956,"section_number":"46.2-636.1","catch_line":"Security interests in farm tractors and special construction and forestry equipment","url":"\/46.2-636.1\/","token":"46.2\/II\/6\/2\/46.2-636.1","metadata":false},{"id":55770,"structure_id":12956,"section_number":"46.2-637","catch_line":"Security interests subsequently created","url":"\/46.2-637\/","token":"46.2\/II\/6\/2\/46.2-637","metadata":false},{"id":59161,"structure_id":12956,"section_number":"46.2-638","catch_line":"Certificate as notice of security interest","url":"\/46.2-638\/","token":"46.2\/II\/6\/2\/46.2-638","metadata":false},{"id":64135,"structure_id":12956,"section_number":"46.2-639","catch_line":"Security interest may be filed within thirty days after purchase","url":"\/46.2-639\/","token":"46.2\/II\/6\/2\/46.2-639","metadata":false},{"id":66722,"structure_id":12956,"section_number":"46.2-640","catch_line":"Priority of security interests shown on certificates of title","url":"\/46.2-640\/","token":"46.2\/II\/6\/2\/46.2-640","metadata":false},{"id":85614,"structure_id":12956,"section_number":"46.2-640.1","catch_line":"Vehicle leases that are not sales or security interests","url":"\/46.2-640.1\/","token":"46.2\/II\/6\/2\/46.2-640.1","metadata":false},{"id":78295,"structure_id":12956,"section_number":"46.2-641","catch_line":"Who to hold certificate of title subject to security interest","url":"\/46.2-641\/","token":"46.2\/II\/6\/2\/46.2-641","metadata":false},{"id":61531,"structure_id":12956,"section_number":"46.2-642","catch_line":"Release of security interest shown on certificate of title","url":"\/46.2-642\/","token":"46.2\/II\/6\/2\/46.2-642","metadata":false},{"id":54050,"structure_id":12956,"section_number":"46.2-643","catch_line":"Surrender of certificate of title required when security interest paid","url":"\/46.2-643\/","token":"46.2\/II\/6\/2\/46.2-643","metadata":false},{"id":82679,"structure_id":12956,"section_number":"46.2-644","catch_line":"Levy of execution","url":"\/46.2-644\/","token":"46.2\/II\/6\/2\/46.2-644","metadata":false},{"id":71754,"structure_id":12956,"section_number":"46.2-644.01","catch_line":"Lien of keeper of vehicles","url":"\/46.2-644.01\/","token":"46.2\/II\/6\/2\/46.2-644.01","metadata":false},{"id":78093,"structure_id":12956,"section_number":"46.2-644.02","catch_line":"Lien of mechanic for repairs","url":"\/46.2-644.02\/","token":"46.2\/II\/6\/2\/46.2-644.02","metadata":false},{"id":56129,"structure_id":12956,"section_number":"46.2-644.03","catch_line":"Enforcement of liens acquired under \u00a7\u00a7 46.2-644.01 and 46.2-644.02","url":"\/46.2-644.03\/","token":"46.2\/II\/6\/2\/46.2-644.03","metadata":false},{"id":67489,"structure_id":12956,"section_number":"46.2-644.04","catch_line":"Relinquishment of liens acquired under \u00a7\u00a7 46.2-644.01 and 46.2-644.02","url":"\/46.2-644.04\/","token":"46.2\/II\/6\/2\/46.2-644.04","metadata":false}],"previous_section":{"id":82679,"structure_id":12956,"section_number":"46.2-644","catch_line":"Levy of execution","url":"\/46.2-644\/","token":"46.2\/II\/6\/2\/46.2-644","metadata":false},"next_section":{"id":78093,"structure_id":12956,"section_number":"46.2-644.02","catch_line":"Lien of mechanic for repairs","url":"\/46.2-644.02\/","token":"46.2\/II\/6\/2\/46.2-644.02","metadata":false},"metadata":false,"official_url":"https:\/\/law.lis.virginia.gov\/vacode\/46.2-644.01\/","history_text":"

This law was first created in 2009. The record of its establishment is cataloged in chapter 664<\/a> of that year\u2019s edition of \u201cActs of Assembly,\u201d the annual state publication listing all changes made to the Code of Virginia in that year. It has been modified 3 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 2016, chapter 397<\/a>; in 2019, chapter 561<\/a>; in 2023, chapter 317<\/a>.<\/p>","references":[{"id":78241,"section_number":"18.2-189","catch_line":"Defrauding keeper of motor vehicles or watercraft","order_by":null,"url":"\/18.2-189\/"},{"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":71623,"section_number":"46.2-633.2","catch_line":"Transfer of title on death","order_by":null,"url":"\/46.2-633.2\/"},{"id":66722,"section_number":"46.2-640","catch_line":"Priority of security interests shown on certificates of title","order_by":null,"url":"\/46.2-640\/"},{"id":78093,"section_number":"46.2-644.02","catch_line":"Lien of mechanic for repairs","order_by":null,"url":"\/46.2-644.02\/"},{"id":56129,"section_number":"46.2-644.03","catch_line":"Enforcement of liens acquired under \u00a7\u00a7 46.2-644.01 and 46.2-644.02","order_by":null,"url":"\/46.2-644.03\/"},{"id":67489,"section_number":"46.2-644.04","catch_line":"Relinquishment of liens acquired under \u00a7\u00a7 46.2-644.01 and 46.2-644.02","order_by":null,"url":"\/46.2-644.04\/"},{"id":72771,"section_number":"55.1-2901","catch_line":"Lien on personal property stored within a leased space","order_by":null,"url":"\/55.1-2901\/"}],"refers_to":[{"id":74116,"section_number":"46.2-1209","catch_line":"Unattended or immobile vehicles, generally","order_by":null,"url":"\/46.2-1209\/"},{"id":75425,"section_number":"46.2-1213","catch_line":"Removal and disposition of unattended or immobile vehicles; ordinances in counties, cities, and towns","order_by":null,"url":"\/46.2-1213\/"},{"id":79942,"section_number":"46.2-1215","catch_line":"Leaving vehicles on private property prohibited; authority of counties, cities, and towns to provide for removal and disposition; notice of disposition","order_by":null,"url":"\/46.2-1215\/"},{"id":78093,"section_number":"46.2-644.02","catch_line":"Lien of mechanic for repairs","order_by":null,"url":"\/46.2-644.02\/"},{"id":56129,"section_number":"46.2-644.03","catch_line":"Enforcement of liens acquired under \u00a7\u00a7 46.2-644.01 and 46.2-644.02","order_by":null,"url":"\/46.2-644.03\/"},{"id":67489,"section_number":"46.2-644.04","catch_line":"Relinquishment of liens acquired under \u00a7\u00a7 46.2-644.01 and 46.2-644.02","order_by":null,"url":"\/46.2-644.04\/"}],"permalink":{"id":228099,"object_type":"law","relational_id":71754,"identifier":"46.2-644.01","token":"46.2\/II\/6\/2\/46.2-644.01","url":"\/46.2-644.01\/","edition_id":1,"permalink":0,"preferred":1},"url":"\/46.2-644.01\/","token":"46.2\/II\/6\/2\/46.2-644.01","dublin_core":{"Title":"Lien of keeper of vehicles","Type":"Text","Format":"text\/html","Identifier":"\u00a7 46.2-644.01","Relation":"Code of Virginia"},"html":"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

A.<\/span> For purposes of this section, “keeper of vehicles<\/span>” means a garage keeper; a person keeping any vehicles, including a self-storage facility; and a tow truck<\/span> driver<\/span> or towing and recovery operator<\/span> furnishing services involving the towing and recovery of vehicles or clean up related to vehicle<\/span> collisions. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

B.<\/span> Every keeper of vehicles<\/span> shall have a lien<\/span> upon such vehicles for the amount that may be due him for the towing, storage, recovery, and care thereof, until such amount is paid. In the case of a tow truck<\/span> driver<\/span> or towing and recovery operator<\/span> furnishing services to a truck, tractor truck<\/span>, or combination of vehicles, any such lien<\/span> held shall apply to any power unit, tractor, trailer<\/span>, or semitrailer<\/span> in the combination.\n\t\t\tSuch lien<\/span> shall be in addition to any lien<\/span> under § 46.2-644.02<\/a>. Any garage keeper to whom a vehicle<\/span> has been delivered pursuant to § 46.2-1209<\/a>, 46.2-1213<\/a>, or 46.2-1215<\/a> shall, within 30 days from the date of delivery, have a lien<\/span> upon such vehicle<\/span> pursuant to this section, provided that action has not been taken pursuant to such sections for the sale of the vehicle<\/span>. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

C.<\/span> In the case of any vehicle<\/span> for which the title shows an existing lien<\/span>, the keeper of vehicles<\/span> shall have a lien<\/span> upon the vehicle<\/span> for his reasonable charges for storage under this section not to exceed $500; however, the keeper of vehicles<\/span> shall also be entitled to a lien<\/span> against any proceeds remaining after the satisfaction of all prior security interests or liens<\/span>. In addition, any tow truck<\/span> driver<\/span> or towing and recovery operator<\/span> shall have a lien<\/span> for all normal costs incident to any towing and recovery services furnished for the vehicle<\/span>.\n\t\t\tIn the case of any vehicle<\/span> not subject to an existing lien<\/span> on the title, the keeper of vehicles<\/span> shall have a lien<\/span> thereon for his reasonable charges for storage under this section, alone or in combination with a lien<\/span> under § 46.2-644.02<\/a> not to exceed the value of the vehicle<\/span> as determined by the provisions of § 8.01-419.1<\/a>. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

D.<\/span> The keeper of vehicles<\/span>, or the authorized agents<\/span> of such, shall ascertain from the Department<\/span> whether the certificate of title for the vehicle shows a lien<\/span> in accordance with the provisions of § 46.2-644.03<\/a> within seven business days of taking possession<\/span> of the vehicle. The owner<\/span> or lienholder shall have 10 business days from the date of the notice sent by the Department<\/span> pursuant to § 46.2-644.03<\/a> to reclaim the vehicle. The terms for such reclamation shall be the payment of the amount due to the keeper of the vehicles or other amount as agreed by the parties. If the vehicle remains unclaimed, the keeper of the vehicles may enforce the lien<\/span> under the provisions of § 46.2-644.03<\/a> or relinquish the lien<\/span> under the provisions of § 46.2-644.04<\/a>.\n\t\t\tFor purposes of this subsection, the date of possession<\/span> for a garage keeper to whom a vehicle has been delivered pursuant to § 46.2-1209<\/a>, 46.2-1213<\/a>, or 46.2-1215<\/a> shall be the date such lien<\/span> attaches, and the date of possession<\/span> for a self-storage facility shall be the date on which the facility owner<\/span> learns that a leased space subject to default<\/span> contains a motor vehicle<\/span>. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

E.<\/span> Any lien<\/span> created under this section shall not extend to any personal property or cargo that is not attached to or considered to be necessary for the proper operation of any motor vehicle<\/span>, and it shall be the duty of any keeper of vehicles<\/span> to permit the owner<\/span> of the vehicle or cargo to access the vehicle in order<\/span> to recover his personal property or cargo, provided that the owner<\/span> claims and retrieves the items at least two business days prior to the auction date. The keeper of vehicles<\/span> may dispose of any unclaimed personal property or cargo. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

F.<\/span> For the purposes of this section, in the case of a truck or combination of vehicles, the owner<\/span>, or in the case of a rented or leased vehicle, the lessee of the truck or tractor truck<\/span>, shall be liable for the costs of the towing, recovery, and storage of the cargo and of any trailer<\/span> or semitrailer<\/span> in the combination, and the keeper of vehicles<\/span> of any such vehicle shall have an immediate lien<\/span> upon any truck, tractor truck<\/span>, or combination of vehicles, including any power unit, tractor, trailer<\/span>, or semitrailer<\/span> in the combination. Nothing in this subsection, however, shall bar the owner<\/span> of the truck or tractor truck<\/span> from subsequently seeking to recover from the owner<\/span> of any trailer<\/span>, semitrailer<\/span>, or cargo all or any portion of these towing, recovery, and storage costs. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>","plain_text":" CODE OF VIRGINIA\n\nLIEN OF KEEPER OF VEHICLES (\u00a7 46.2-644.01)\n\nA. For purposes of this section, “keeper of vehicles” means a garage\nkeeper; a person keeping any vehicles, including a self-storage facility; and a\ntow truck driver or towing and recovery operator furnishing services involving\nthe towing and recovery of vehicles or clean up related to vehicle collisions.\n\nB. Every keeper of vehicles shall have a lien upon such vehicles for the amount\nthat may be due him for the towing, storage, recovery, and care thereof, until\nsuch amount is paid. In the case of a tow truck driver or towing and recovery\noperator furnishing services to a truck, tractor truck, or combination of\nvehicles, any such lien held shall apply to any power unit, tractor, trailer, or\nsemitrailer in the combination.\n\t\t\tSuch lien shall be in addition to any lien under § 46.2-644.02. Any\ngarage keeper to whom a vehicle has been delivered pursuant to § 46.2-1209,\n46.2-1213, or 46.2-1215 shall, within 30 days from the date of delivery, have a\nlien upon such vehicle pursuant to this section, provided that action has not\nbeen taken pursuant to such sections for the sale of the vehicle.\n\nC. In the case of any vehicle for which the title shows an existing lien, the\nkeeper of vehicles shall have a lien upon the vehicle for his reasonable charges\nfor storage under this section not to exceed $500; however, the keeper of\nvehicles shall also be entitled to a lien against any proceeds remaining after\nthe satisfaction of all prior security interests or liens. In addition, any tow\ntruck driver or towing and recovery operator shall have a lien for all normal\ncosts incident to any towing and recovery services furnished for the vehicle.\n\t\t\tIn the case of any vehicle not subject to an existing lien on the title, the\nkeeper of vehicles shall have a lien thereon for his reasonable charges for\nstorage under this section, alone or in combination with a lien under §\n46.2-644.02 not to exceed the value of the vehicle as determined by the\nprovisions of § 8.01-419.1.\n\nD. The keeper of vehicles, or the authorized agents of such, shall ascertain\nfrom the Department whether the certificate of title for the vehicle shows a\nlien in accordance with the provisions of § 46.2-644.03 within seven\nbusiness days of taking possession of the vehicle. The owner or lienholder shall\nhave 10 business days from the date of the notice sent by the Department\npursuant to § 46.2-644.03 to reclaim the vehicle. The terms for such\nreclamation shall be the payment of the amount due to the keeper of the vehicles\nor other amount as agreed by the parties. If the vehicle remains unclaimed, the\nkeeper of the vehicles may enforce the lien under the provisions of §\n46.2-644.03 or relinquish the lien under the provisions of § 46.2-644.04.\n\t\t\tFor purposes of this subsection, the date of possession for a garage keeper\nto whom a vehicle has been delivered pursuant to § 46.2-1209, 46.2-1213, or\n46.2-1215 shall be the date such lien attaches, and the date of possession for a\nself-storage facility shall be the date on which the facility owner learns that\na leased space subject to default contains a motor vehicle.\n\nE. Any lien created under this section shall not extend to any personal property\nor cargo that is not attached to or considered to be necessary for the proper\noperation of any motor vehicle, and it shall be the duty of any keeper of\nvehicles to permit the owner of the vehicle or cargo to access the vehicle in\norder to recover his personal property or cargo, provided that the owner claims\nand retrieves the items at least two business days prior to the auction date.\nThe keeper of vehicles may dispose of any unclaimed personal property or cargo.\n\nF. For the purposes of this section, in the case of a truck or combination of\nvehicles, the owner, or in the case of a rented or leased vehicle, the lessee of\nthe truck or tractor truck, shall be liable for the costs of the towing,\nrecovery, and storage of the cargo and of any trailer or semitrailer in the\ncombination, and the keeper of vehicles of any such vehicle shall have an\nimmediate lien upon any truck, tractor truck, or combination of vehicles,\nincluding any power unit, tractor, trailer, or semitrailer in the combination.\nNothing in this subsection, however, shall bar the owner of the truck or tractor\ntruck from subsequently seeking to recover from the owner of any trailer,\nsemitrailer, or cargo all or any portion of these towing, recovery, and storage\ncosts.\n\nHISTORY: 2009, c. 664; 2016, c. 397; 2019, c. 561; 2021, Sp. Sess. I, c. 374;\n2023, c. 317.","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}}