Tag N Tow Program

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What is the Tag N Tow Program?

Henrico County’s Community Maintenance Division, along with the Division of Police, are required to act upon any abandoned motor vehicle parked on a public right of way, such as on the side of the road or in a median.

Once an abandoned vehicle has been observed, a brightly colored tag and tow sticker will be placed on the windshield to warn the owner that it is in violation. The vehicle will be reinspected in 48 hours and if it remains parked on the public right-of-way in abandoned condition, arrangements will be made to have it towed.

If the owner’s address is known, a brochure will also be left at their residence explaining the ordinance for storing such vehicles on private property. If an inoperable vehicle is moved to private property, it is still in violation of Henrico County Code Section 22-6.

Submit a complaint regarding inoperable vehicles parked on private property.

When is a vehicle considered abandoned or inoperable?

Section 22-252 of the Henrico County Code defines an abandoned vehicle as: Has been left unattended on public property, in violation of state law or local ordinance for more than 48 hours or has been left unattended on the shoulder of a primary highway.

What action does the County take in order to gain compliance with this ordinance?

Section 22-253:
No person shall cause any motor vehicle to become an abandoned vehicle. The vehicle owner will be presumed to have abandoned the vehicle and anyone convicted of this violation will be subject to a civil penalty of no more than $500.

Section 22-254:
The chief of police may take into custody any abandoned motor vehicle. In such cases, the County may employ its own personnel or hire independent contractors for the purpose of removing, preserving, storing, and selling abandoned motor vehicles.

Where am I allowed to store my inoperable vehicle?

According to the Henrico County Zoning ordinance, only one inoperable vehicle per property is allowed to be stored outside of a fully enclosed building. However, it must be shielded or screened from view. Shielded or screened from view means not visible by someone standing at ground level from outside the property on which the vehicle is stored. Covering inoperable motor vehicles with tarps or car covers does not meet the requirements of the ordinance.

If you are looking to dispose of a vehicle, The Kidney Foundation (804) 231-0220 and The Salvation Army (804) 359-0269 both accept inoperable vehicles as donations.

How do I report a violation?

Vehicle laws are important to the people who live and work in Henrico County, as well as to prospective businesses and residents. If you are aware of inoperable/abandoned vehicles left on public property, please call:

Police Department on their non-emergency phone line at (804) 501-5000.

Or call the Community Maintenance Hotline at (804) 501-4757, which is available to address your concerns 24 hours a day.