Virginia Beach, VA Parking Rules: Abandoned Vehicles (2026)
Key Facts
- Hours/Times
- Abandoned on public property: 48-hour tag then tow
- Requirements
- Inoperable on private property: 1 max, must be screened
- Va. Code
- Va. Code section 46.2-1200 sets statewide definitions
- City Code
- VB City Code section 23-58: Class 4 misdemeanor up to $250
- Hours/Times
- Unclaimed vehicles auctioned after 30 days
Summary
Under Va. Code section 46.2-1200 and Virginia Beach City Code Chapter 21, a vehicle is considered abandoned if left on public property for more than 48 hours without a current registration or in a condition indicating no intent to reclaim, or on private property without the owner's consent for 10 days. Inoperable vehicles stored in residential yards must be shielded from view or kept inside a structure. The city can tow abandoned vehicles after a 48-hour warning tag and assess storage fees. Unpaid tow and storage costs become a lien on the title.
§ 46.2-1200 . Definitions. As used in this article: "Abandoned motor vehicle" means a motor vehicle, trailer, or semitrailer that:
1. Weighs at least 75 pounds; and
2. (i) Is left unattended on public property for more than 48 hours in violation of a state law or local ordinance;
(ii) has remained for more than 48 hours on private property without the consent of the property's owner, regardless of whether it was brought onto the private property with the consent of the owner or person in control of the private property; or
(iii) is left unattended on the shoulder of a primary highway. "Scrap metal processor" means any person who is engaged in the business of processing motor vehicles into scrap for remelting purposes who, from a fixed location, utilizes machinery and equipment for processing and manufacturing ferrous and nonferrous metallic scrap into prepared grades, and whose principal product is metallic scrap. "Vehicle removal certificate" means a transferable document issued by the Department for any abandoned motor vehicle that authorizes the removal and destruction of the vehicle.
Full Breakdown
Virginia law and Virginia Beach ordinance define abandoned motor vehicles through two parallel tracks. On public property, Va. 1 and City Code section 21-389 authorize the police or code enforcement to mark any vehicle that appears to be junked, disassembled, or without current license plates and valid registration as abandoned. A 48-hour warning tag is attached; if the vehicle is not moved or made compliant, it is towed to the city contract storage lot. The owner must pay towing (currently around $150-$200), storage fees ($35-$50 per day), and any outstanding tickets before release.
If unclaimed within 30 days, the vehicle goes to Department of Motor Vehicles non-repairable or salvage auction under Va. 2-1202. On private residential property, inoperable vehicles (any vehicle without a current license plate and inspection sticker or that cannot run under its own power) are limited to one per parcel and must be (1) inside a garage or (2) shielded from public view by a 6-foot-minimum fence or evergreen landscaping. More than one inoperable vehicle, or unscreened storage, is a Class 4 misdemeanor (up to $250 fine) under VB City Code section 23-58.
Code enforcement issues a 10-day compliance notice; failure to comply authorizes the city to tow at owner expense and place a lien on the property for unpaid costs. Recreational vehicles, boats, and trailers with current registration are exempt from inoperable vehicle rules but still must comply with residential storage screening and setback rules. Owners whose vehicles have been impounded can check the Virginia Beach Police impound lookup or call the non-emergency line for location.
Frequently Asked Questions
My neighbor has a broken-down car in the driveway. What can I do?
How do I recover my car after it was towed as abandoned?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Virginia Beach
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