2006 Code of Virginia § 46.2-1233.1 - Limitation on charges for towing and storage of certain vehicles

46.2-1233.1. Limitation on charges for towing and storage of certainvehicles.

A. Unless different limits are established by ordinance of the localgoverning body pursuant to 46.2-1233, as to vehicles towed or removed fromprivate property, no charges imposed for the towing, storage, and safekeepingof any passenger car removed, towed, or stored without the consent of itsowner shall be in excess of the maximum charges provided for in this section.No hookup and initial towing fee shall exceed $125. For towing a vehiclebetween seven o'clock p.m. and eight o'clock a.m. or on any Saturday, Sunday,or holiday, an additional fee of no more than $25 per instance may becharged; however, in no event shall more than two such fees be charged fortowing any such vehicle. No charge shall be made for storage and safekeepingfor a period of twenty-four hours or less. Except for fees or charges imposedby this section or a local ordinance adopted pursuant to 46.2-1233, noother fees or charges shall be imposed during the first twenty-four-hourperiod.

B. The governing body of any county, city, or town may by ordinance, with theadvice of an advisory board established pursuant to 46.2-1233.2, (i)provide that no towing and recovery business having custody of a vehicletowed without the consent of its owner impose storage charges for thatvehicle for any period during which the owner of the vehicle was preventedfrom recovering the vehicle because the towing and recovery business wasclosed and (ii) place limits on the amount of fees charged by towing andrecovery operators. Any such ordinance limiting fees shall also provide forperiodic review of and timely adjustment of such limitations.

(1990, c. 266; 1993, c. 598; 2006, cc. 874, 891.)