Arlington raises authorized trespass-tow hookup fee to $160 after SCC analysis and industry input
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Summary
Following study and debate, the County Board set Arlingtons authorized hookup-and-initial-tow fee at $160, citing regional analyses and local market factors. The board also added a requirement that tow trucks display a placard listing fees; the change passed unanimously.
The Arlington County Board voted Dec. 13 to amend its trespass-towing ordinance and raise the countys authorized hookup-and-initial-towing fee from $135 (in place since 2014) to $160. The board also adopted a placard requirement requiring towers to display fee information on tow trucks used in trespass tows.
Staff framed the decision around a State Corporation Commission (SCC) study and a recommendation from the Countys Trespass Towing Advisory Board (TTAB). The SCC conducted a detailed, multi-month analysis of industry costs and recommended a state maximum of $210 based on labor, equipment, overhead and profit factors. Several Northern Virginia localities have adopted the higher $210 ceiling; TTAB recommended moving Arlington to the $210 maximum. After hearing operator testimony and public comment, the county elected a compromise level of $160 to reflect Arlingtons smaller geographic footprint, existing competitive operator presence and local circumstances.
Towing operators urged a higher fee to cover modern operating expenses including specialized equipment, maintenance, insurance and staffing; several operators testified that $135 no longer covers safe, compliant service in 2025. Community speakers urged caution, criticized perceived industry overreach and asked for stronger consumer protections.
The board approved the ordinance amendment 5-0. The county manager and permitting staff will update Chapter 14.3 to reflect the change and implement additional enforcement details, including the tow-truck placard rule and continued TTAB advisories.
What this means: The $160 level is a local minimum authorized by the board; the SCCs new statewide maximum remains $210. Staff and TTAB will continue to advise the board on permit oversight, operational accountability, and appeals processes.