Bellingham, WA Business Licensing & Operations: Towing Companies (2026)
Key Facts
- Admin fee cap
- $100 (BMC 11.18.070)
- Extra impound grounds
- 4+ unpaid tickets, 45 days
- Hearing body
- City hearing examiner
- Appeal court
- Bellingham Municipal Court
Summary
Bellingham police and parking officers may impound vehicles blocking traffic, illegally parked in loading zones, or carrying four or more unpaid parking tickets, under a city towing contract with a capped $100 fee.
In addition to the impound situations authorized pursuant to RCW 46.55.113, a Bellingham police officer or parking enforcement officer may take custody of a vehicle ... when a vehicle is parked in a public right-of-way ... in violation of any law ... and there are four or more parking infractions issued against the vehicle for each of which a person has failed to respond, failed to appear at a requested hearing, or failed to pay an adjudicated parking infraction for at least 45 days from the date of the filing of the notice of infraction.
Official source re-checked September 8, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: current through Ordinance 2026-06-015, passed June 1, 2026).
Full Breakdown
BMC 11.18.020 lets a Bellingham police or parking enforcement officer impound a vehicle beyond the state grounds in RCW 46.55.113 when it blocks traffic, illegally occupies a truck, loading, bus or taxi zone, or has four or more unpaid parking infractions outstanding 45 or more days. The city's contracted towing company collects removal, towing and storage costs plus a city administrative fee capped at $100 under BMC 11.18.070. Redemption and hearing procedures run through BMC 11.18.030 to .050, with appeals decided by a city hearing examiner and then Bellingham Municipal Court.
Violations & Fines
Improper-impound disputes go to a hearing examiner under BMC 11.18.050; if the impound is found improper, the city must refund towing and storage costs already paid.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can Bellingham tow my car for unpaid parking tickets?
How much is the city's impound fee?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Bellingham
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