Having your vehicle towed can be a frustrating experience. Washington has specific laws governing when, how, and at what cost your vehicle can be impounded. These regulations balance the rights of property owners and law enforcement with protections for vehicle owners. Understanding these rules helps you navigate the process and ensure you are treated fairly.
When Your Vehicle Can Be Legally Towed in Washington
In Washington, a vehicle can be impounded from private and public property under specific circumstances. On private property, the rules for unauthorized parking depend on the property type. From residential property with four or fewer units, a vehicle can be impounded immediately. On non-residential private property, like a shopping center, a vehicle cannot be impounded until it has been left for 24 hours, unless signs at each entrance state the allowed parking hours and that unauthorized vehicles will be towed.
Law enforcement can direct a tow if a vehicle is abandoned, which can mean it has been on public property for as little as 24 hours. According to RCW 46.55.113, an officer can order an immediate impound if a vehicle obstructs traffic, is a hazard, or is connected to a crime.1WA.gov. RCW 46.55.113: Removal by Police Officer—Definition Other reasons include multiple unresolved parking infractions or if the driver is arrested for violations like driving with a suspended license.
Vehicles involved in accidents that cannot be safely driven away are also subject to impoundment at the direction of a police officer. This action is taken to clear the roadway and ensure public safety.
Pre-Tow Requirements and Signage
For a lawful tow from private property, specific signage is required. According to RCW 46.55.070, clearly visible signs must state that unauthorized parking will result in towing. The signs must also include the name, address, and 24-hour phone number of the authorized towing company.2WA.gov. RCW 46.55.070: Posting Requirements—Exception
On private property, only the legal owner or an authorized agent, such as a property manager, can sign an impound authorization for the tow operator. For tows from public property or for law enforcement purposes, a police officer or other public official with jurisdiction provides the authorization.
For tows from private property, the tow operator must give immediate notification to the local law enforcement agency at the time of the impound. This notification includes details about the vehicle, where it was taken from, and where it is being stored. This process ensures a record exists so an owner reporting their car as stolen can be informed that it was towed.
Steps to Locate and Reclaim Your Towed Vehicle
If your vehicle is missing from private property, look for posted signs with the towing company’s contact information. If you were on public property or cannot find a sign, contact the local police department’s non-emergency line.
To reclaim your vehicle, you must go to the impound facility and provide specific documentation. You will need a valid government-issued photo ID and proof that you are the registered owner, such as the vehicle’s registration or title. The facility will release the vehicle to you upon presentation of this proof and payment of the accrued fees.
Towing companies must have business hours that allow for vehicle redemption, from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. on weekdays, and must provide after-hours release for an additional fee. Under RCW 46.55.120, you also have the right to retrieve personal property from the vehicle without redeeming it.3WA.gov. RCW 46.55.120: Redemption of Vehicles—Sale of Unredeemed Property—Improper Impoundment There is no charge for this service during normal business hours.
Regulated Towing and Storage Charges
Towing and storage costs are regulated in Washington to protect consumers. The Washington State Patrol (WSP) sets maximum rates for tows initiated by law enforcement. For private property tows of most passenger vehicles, state law limits towing and daily storage rates to 135% of the WSP’s maximum rates.4WA.gov. RCW 46.55.118: Rate, Fee Limitations for Certain Private Impounds The fee for after-hours vehicle release is capped at 100% of the WSP’s after-hours fee.
Upon reclaiming your vehicle, you have the right to receive a detailed, itemized bill. This invoice must clearly break down all charges, including the towing fee, daily storage costs, and any after-hours release fees. Storage fees begin to accrue after a set number of hours and are charged on a daily basis.
Towing companies are prohibited from charging for services not actually rendered or for fees not authorized by state law or rule.5WA.gov. WAC 204-91A-140: Fees You should carefully review the itemized bill to ensure all charges are legitimate and align with the regulated rate structure. If you believe you have been overcharged, you can file a complaint with the appropriate regulatory body.
Vehicle Owner Protections and Recourse
Vehicle owners in Washington have several protections. Towing operators are legally responsible for any damage that occurs to a vehicle during the tow or while in storage, and owners can pursue claims for these damages.
If you believe your vehicle was towed improperly, you have the right to challenge the impoundment. You can request a hearing in district court to contest the tow after redeeming your vehicle. If the court finds the tow was unlawful, it can order the towing company to refund all towing and storage fees.
For other grievances, such as being overcharged or experiencing unprofessional conduct, you can file a formal complaint. Complaints against registered tow truck operators are handled by the Washington State Department of Licensing, which oversees their conduct and business practices. The Washington State Patrol also has a role in inspecting tow trucks and investigating certain complaints.