Towed From A Private Lot
RCW 46.55.070 — a sign for any tow under twenty-four hours, and a signed authorization at the scene
In Washington, no one may impound or tow an unauthorized vehicle standing on nonresidential private property or in a public parking facility for less than twenty-four hours unless a sign near each entrance and on the property clearly shows the times a vehicle may be impounded and the name, telephone number and address of the towing firm where it may be redeemed.
Residential property is different. The sign rule does not apply to residential property, where the person in charge may have an unauthorized vehicle impounded immediately on written authorization.
Signed at the time and place. The person requesting a private impound gives the registered tow truck operator a signed authorization at the time and place of the impound, stating that a person authorizing it, if the impound is found in violation of the chapter, may be held liable for the costs incurred by the vehicle owner. A tow truck operator or its employee may not sign as the property owner's agent, or pick out a vehicle for impound on its own.
Notice. At the time of the impound the operator notifies the law enforcement agency having jurisdiction by telephone or radio, followed by written or electronic notice within twenty-four hours.
| The assumption | What the law actually does |
|---|---|
| The assumptionA business lot can tow the moment a car is parked | What the law actually doesUnder twenty-four hours, only with the required sign |
| The assumptionThe tow truck driver chooses which cars to tow | What the law actually doesNot independently of the property owner, and not as the owner's agent |
Local ordinances, fee schedules and police ordered impounds are not all on this page. Whether a particular tow was lawful is a question for a licensed Washington attorney. Redemption, fees and the hearing on an improper impoundment are set out in another section of the chapter, not on this page.
Sources for this section (3)
- RCW 46.55.070 — Posting requirements — Exception
- RCW 46.55.080 — Law enforcement and other public official impound, private impound — Master log
- RCW 46.55.100 — Impound notice — Abandoned vehicle report — Owner information
Legal information, not legal advice. Verified as of September 2026. Applying it to a particular situation is the work of a licensed Washington attorney.