top of page
Search

Parking & Towing in Arlington, VA: 7 Tips to Avoid Tickets and Tows

Writer: Steve San Miguel
Steve San Miguel
6 days ago
2 min read
Tow truck and restricted parking sign in Arlington, Virginia, featured in a Pet Sitting 4 Comfort® guide with 7 tips to avoid parking tickets and vehicle towing.

Parking in Arlington can be tricky, especially near apartments, garages, and busy neighborhoods.


Here are 7 simple tips to avoid parking tickets and expensive towing fees.


1. Avoid Restricted Parking

Private lots may tow unauthorized vehicles without a grace period.


Watch for:

  • Resident-only spaces

  • Permit-required parking

  • Private garages

  • Loading zones


Tip: Even a quick stop can result in towing.


2. Check Parking Signs

Before parking, look for:

  • Permit requirements

  • Time limits

  • Reserved spaces

  • Towing notices


Know your rights: Private-property towing must follow Arlington's signage requirements.


3. Use ParkMobile Correctly

Many Arlington metered spaces accept ParkMobile.


Before leaving:

  1. Check the zone number.

  2. Confirm your license plate.

  3. Start your payment.

  4. Follow posted time limits.


Remember: Paying doesn't override parking restrictions.



4. Understand Visitor Parking Permits

Arlington began transitioning to electronic Residential Permit Parking (RPP) permits in July 2026.


Important:

  • Check whether your street requires a permit.

  • Confirm your visitor pass is valid.

  • Follow posted restrictions.


Note: County street permits don't apply to private apartment garages.



5. Share Parking Instructions With Your Pet Sitter

Apartment buildings often have different parking rules.


Pet parents should provide:

  • Approved parking locations

  • Garage access instructions

  • Visitor registration requirements

  • Concierge check-in procedures


At Pet Sitting 4 Comfort® (PS4C), we coordinate access with clients to support reliable pet care visits.


Tip: Keep your parking instructions updated in Time To Pet.


6. What if Your Car Gets Towed?

Follow these steps:

  1. Check the Towed Vehicle Lookup.

  2. Call 703-558-2222 for assistance.

  3. Contact the towing company.

  4. Request an itemized receipt.

  5. Photograph any vehicle damage.


Remember: Private-property and County-initiated towing fees differ.


7. Know Towing Fees & Your Rights

Arlington County lists these private-property towing charges for most passenger vehicles:

Charge

Amount

Basic tow (up to 7,500 lbs)

$160

First 24 hours of storage

Free

Each additional 24 hours

$50

Eligible nighttime surcharge

Up to $30

Eligible weekend/holiday surcharge

Up to $30

Nighttime and weekend/holiday surcharges are capped at $60 combined.


Think you were improperly towed or overcharged?


Contact the Arlington County Towing Office: 571-400-2971.



Professional Pet Care in Arlington, VA

At Pet Sitting 4 Comfort®, our trained, in-house team follows building access instructions while providing personalized in-home pet care.


Family-owned since 2016.


Serving: Ballston/Virginia Square • Clarendon/Courthouse • Rosslyn



Helpful Resources


Parking rules and fees may change. Check Arlington County's official resources for current requirements.


Pet Sitting 4 Comfort®

CARING. EXPERIENCED. LOYAL.

Comments

bottom of page