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Fairfax County, VA Business Licensing & Operations: Towing Companies (2026)

Significant Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified August 2026

Key Facts

Operator permit fee
$50 annually
Storage-site inspection fee
$150 in-county / $450 out
Renewal deadline
January 31 each year
Report tow within
30 minutes

Summary

Fairfax County requires a $50 Operator Permit from Cable and Consumer Services before any company can trespass-tow or immobilize vehicles from private lots, renewed annually by January 31 under Section 82-5-32.

These county ordinances apply to unincorporated areas of Fairfax County. Incorporated cities within the county may have their own rules that take precedence over county-level regulations.

All operators engaged in immobilizing or towing vehicles without the consent of the vehicle owner in the County and storing those vehicles inside of the County must obtain an Operator Permit from the Department of Cable and Consumer Services prior to the initiation of any such operations, and by January 31 of each subsequent year. The initial application and annual renewal fee for each operator shall be $50.00.

Source: Code of VirginiaView official code

Full Breakdown

Section 82-5-32 sets the county's minimum rules for non-consent 'trespass' towing. Operators must hold an Operator Permit (storage inside the county) or Locality Permit (storage outside), submitted with business-license copies, storage-site addresses, insurance proof and driver registrations, renewed annually by January 31. Permanent metal tow-away signs meeting exact size, color and phone-number specs must mark every lot entrance; single-family homes are exempt from the signage and contract requirements. Fees run from $50 for an Operator Permit to $450 for an out-of-county storage-site inspection.

Violations & Fines

Towing without a valid permit, without required signage, or without reporting the tow to Public Safety Communications within 30 minutes voids the charge and can bring Class 1 or 2 misdemeanor charges.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does a Fairfax County towing company need a county permit?
Yes. Section 82-5-32 requires an Operator Permit from the Department of Cable and Consumer Services before any non-consent trespass tow, renewed every January 31 for $50.
Do single-family homes need towing signs in Fairfax County?
No. Section 82-5-32(d)(5) exempts single-family residence properties not subject to common interest community rules from the permanent tow-away sign requirement.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Fairfax County

Noise Ordinances: Construction HoursSome RestrictionsParking Rules: RV & Boat ParkingSignificant RestrictionsPawnbrokersSignificant RestrictionsTobacco Retail LicenseSome RestrictionsMassage EstablishmentsSignificant RestrictionsSecondhand DealersSignificant RestrictionsAuto Repair on Residential PropertySignificant RestrictionsAdult EntertainmentSignificant RestrictionsTattoo & Body ModificationSome RestrictionsNoise Ordinances: Leaf Blower RulesSome RestrictionsParking Rules: Towing & Impound RightsSignificant RestrictionsFence Regulations: Retaining WallsSome RestrictionsAnimal Ordinances: Veterinary Clinic ZoningSome Restrictions

All Fairfax County rules

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