Predatory Towing & Active Ticketing in Arlington, VA
- Steve & Hong-An San Miguel
- Jul 2
- 3 min read
What Pet Owners and New Residents Should Know
By Steve & Hong | Pet Sitting 4 Comfort® (PS4C)
Serving Ballston, Clarendon & Rosslyn | Family-Owned | Local Since 2016
Parking in Arlington? Here’s What You Need to Know
Arlington is walkable, pet-friendly, and packed with residential and mixed-use buildings—but it’s also known for strict parking enforcement and fast towing. New residents often make avoidable mistakes that result in costly tickets or tows.
This guide covers what pet owners, service providers, and apartment dwellers need to know to avoid common parking issues.
1. Towing Can Happen Within Minutes
Private tow companies actively patrol apartment complexes, garages, and retail lots—especially near:
Resident-only spaces
Permit-restricted areas
Fire lanes or loading zones
Even short stops can result in an immediate tow. Never assume it’s okay to wait “just a minute” in a reserved space.
2. Arlington Issues Tickets in Real Time
In addition to private towing, county enforcement teams issue tickets using license plate readers for:
Expired meters
Parking in a residential zone without a permit
Overstaying loading areas
Blocking sidewalks or driveways—even partially
Fines typically range from $40 to $150+, and repeat offenders may be booted or towed.
3. Use ParkMobile or Other Payment Apps
Most metered areas in Arlington use ParkMobile, which lets you:
Pay from your phone
Extend your time remotely
Avoid walking back to your car mid-visit
This is helpful when:
Walking your dog
Picking up pet supplies
Waiting at a vet appointment
Other parking apps to consider:
PayByPhone – some garages
4. Know Your Building’s Visitor Parking Policy
Before move-in day, ask your building manager or leasing office:
Are guest permits or registration apps required?
What are visitor parking hours?
Where are delivery or service zones?
Are there time limits for short-term parking?
If you’re a client using pet sitting or dog walking services, make sure to share parking instructions and access codes in advance.
5. Poor Signage Doesn’t Stop Towing
Lack of clear signage is not a legal defense. Some private lots provide minimal info—but towing is still enforced.
If signage is unclear, take a photo before parking
Avoid lots with vague rules
Report unmarked tow zones to your HOA, leasing office, or the county
6. If Your Car Gets Towed
If your vehicle disappears:
Call Arlington Police non-emergency: 703-558-2222
Look for nearby tow signage (usually near lot entrances)
Be ready to pay a release fee + storage charges
Take photos of your vehicle at pickup and request an itemized receipt
7. Pet Sitters Can Be Affected Too
Professional pet care providers—especially in high-rise buildings—face unique parking challenges.
At PS4C, we:
Coordinate with clients for permits, garage access, or concierge check-in
Follow building-specific instructions
Schedule extra time in case of tight parking or active enforcement
Tips for Avoiding Tickets & Tows in Arlington
Park only in clearly marked, legal spaces
Start your ParkMobile session immediately
Never block any part of a driveway, hydrant, or sidewalk
Don’t assume guest spots are public—check rules every time
Share parking details with any visitors or service providers
Respectful, Reliable Pet Care That Works Around Your Building Rules
We live here too—and we understand Arlington’s parking challenges. Our trained team navigates garages, codes, concierge policies, and tight timelines to ensure your pets receive on-time, low-stress care.
📍 Serving Ballston, Clarendon & Rosslyn
Pet Sitting 4 Comfort® LLC (PS4C)
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