Skagit County, WA Business Licensing & Operations: Towing Companies (2026)
Key Facts
- Governing section
- SCC 10.20.030
- Operator requirement
- Must be Director of Motor Vehicles-appointed
- Fallback rule
- Any operator allowed if none appointed
- Reporting-violation penalty
- Up to 90 days jail or $250 fine
- State statutes referenced
- R.C.W. 46.52.111 and 46.52.112
Summary
When the Skagit County Sheriff orders a vehicle towed for likely disposal as abandoned, SCC 10.20.030 requires using a tow truck operator currently appointed by the state Director of Motor Vehicles to dispose of abandoned vehicles and automobile hulks. Only if no appointed operator is available may the Sheriff engage another towing service for the removal.
When ordering the towing or removing of a vehicle or automobile hulk that appears likely to be disposable pursuant to R.C.W. 46.52.111 and R.C.W. 46.52.112, the Sheriff shall engage the services of a tow truck operator that is currently appointed by the Director of Motor Vehicles to dispose of abandoned vehicles and automobile hulks. ... If no tow truck operator so appointed by the Director of the Department of Motor Vehicles is available, the Sheriff may engage the services of others for the towing or removal of a vehicle or automobile hulk.
Full Breakdown
030 ties non-consent vehicle towing to the state's Director of Motor Vehicles appointment system. W. W. 112, the Sheriff must engage a tow truck operator currently appointed by the Director of Motor Vehicles to dispose of abandoned vehicles and automobile hulks. 150(3), is treated as not likely disposable under the state statutes, which shifts which process applies. If no appointed operator is available, the Sheriff may hire any other towing service to complete the tow or removal. The section makes clear the Sheriff may still use an appointed operator even when a vehicle looks headed toward the nuisance or junk-vehicle track rather than the standard statutory disposal track. 070.
Violations & Fines
Chapter 10.20 does not set a separate penalty against a towing company; the operative check is eligibility to perform the tow at all, since the Sheriff must select a Director of Motor Vehicles-appointed operator under SCC 10.20.030 whenever a vehicle appears disposable under R.C.W. 46.52.111 and .112. Misreporting a sale or disposal after towing is a misdemeanor under SCC 10.20.150(5), punishable by up to 90 days in jail or a $250 fine.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a towing company need a special county license to tow abandoned vehicles in Skagit County?
What happens if no appointed tow operator is available in Skagit County?
Can a towing company be penalized for mishandling an abandoned vehicle sale in Skagit County?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Skagit County
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