More stringent towing ordinances could be coming to Arlington as two bills targeting “predatory” practices are set to become law.
Gov. Glenn Youngkin (R) has signed off on two pieces of legislation — both backed by Arlington lawmakers — allowing Northern Virginia local governments to set tighter restrictions on tow operators. This move could allow Arlington to implement changes to its towing ordinance originally approved in 2016 but later nixed by the state legislature.
“While these bills allow for the option of local actions, Arlington County will still need to update its ordinances before they can take effect,” said county spokesman Ryan Hudson.
Arlington’s Trespass Towing Advisory Board will meet in coming months to discuss potential changes before presenting a recommendation to the Arlington County Board.
HB 959, introduced by Del. Alfonso Lopez (D), allows localities in Northern Virginia to pass “second signature” ordinances requiring towing operators to get express permission from lot owners before removing individual vehicles. It also allows these localities to regulate operators’ monitoring practices, increases penalties for bad actors and strengthens compensation for victims of unlawful tows.
The County Board previously approved a “second signature” ordinance in 2016, but the Commonwealth overrode the change before it could take effect.
Lopez said Northern Virginia faces issues with “smash and grab” practices in which tow companies monitor lots with unclear signage, then immediately summon tow trucks if someone parks in the wrong spot. He referred to instances of vehicles getting towed with children inside or while drivers are dropping off food.
“One issue seems to unite the residents of Northern Virginia across party lines more than
any other: the intense level of frustration about predatory towing,” Lopez said. “After years of work, we are thankful that this common sense measure has been signed that empowers localities to address the challenges they face with predatory towing.”
GREAT NEWS! My bill was signed to finally address what’s become an ostensibly legalized predatory towing system in NOVA. It ensures that every part of Virginia uses the SAME rules when allowing localities to address predatory towing. It brings back equity & an even playing field. pic.twitter.com/MrK7dINfBs
— Alfonso Lopez (@Lopez4VA) April 8, 2024
HB 1287, meanwhile, allows Northern Virginia localities to pass ordinances requiring permits for all towing companies. Previously, the region’s localities could only require permitting for companies that towed within their jurisdiction but stored vehicles outside of it.
“I’m proud to have worked to address this concern, respond to our local leaders, and empower our communities to achieve the mutual goal of curbing predatory towing with a powerful tool in the toolbox,” said bill sponsor Del. Adele McClure (D).
My bill, HB1287, which addresses predatory towing in Planning District 8/Arlington, was signed into law.
This law finally grants our local leaders in Northern VA the authority to create a permit system for all towing companies—a powerful tool that’ll help curb predatory towing. pic.twitter.com/SEVe92yJWv
— Delegate Adele McClure (she/her) (@AdeleMcClure_) April 9, 2024
Hudson noted that HB 1287 “would allow Arlington to establish an equitable and fair system for all tow companies who operate in Arlington County.”
Both bills, which passed with near-unanimous support in the Virginia House and Senate, go into effect July 1.