County Board members next month could increase fees for towing from private property from the current $160 up to $210, an increase of more than 30%.
That’s the figure recommended by county staff and the Trespass Towing Advisory Board (TTAB), but in recent years Board members have been leery of increasing rates as high as recommended.
Without comment, Board members on Oct. 17 set a public hearing at their November meeting to consider a number of issues related to towing.
Key among them is the proposal increasing the maximum allowable rate for trespass towing in Arlington. The current rate of $160 for vehicles less than 7,500 pounds has been in place since December 2025, when it was increased from $135.
That increase was below the recommendations from county staff and TTAB members for a higher rate, and has led to a lawsuit from one of the county’s largest towing operators.
A change in state law enacted in 2025 permitted localities to set maximum towing rates of up to $210. While leaders in Fairfax, Loudoun and Prince William counties each approved the maximum rate, Arlington did not.
Takis Karantonis, who chaired the County Board last year, said operators in Arlington could make do with less because they have less distance to travel than in larger outlying counties.
Towing operators countered that Arlington having a lower rate could incentivize bad actors.
“When fees are unrealistically low, owners are pressured to cut corners, delay releases and seek revenue through questionable practices,” Gary Kauffman of Henry’s Wrecker Service said at the December 2025 meeting where the new rate structure was adopted.
The Board’s Oct. 17 vote on the legal advertising only sets a potential maximum rate. Board members could opt to leave it at $160 or set it somewhere in between. Public comment will be taken immediately prior to the November vote.
In addition to the current base $160 towing rate, operators can charge up to $60 more if tows occur during evenings, weekends and holidays.
In addition to Henry’s Wrecker, towing companies authorized to operate in Arlington include A-1 Towing, Advanced Towing, Al’s Towing, Metro Motors, Pete’s Towing & Storage and All Out Fleet Service.
