Lewis County, WA Business Licensing & Operations: Towing Companies (2026)
Key Facts
- Governing chapter
- Lewis County Code Chapter 10.30
- Lien authority
- RCW 46.55.140
- Audit authority
- Sheriff, under RCW 46.55.160
- Redemption hearing
- Lewis County District Court
- Improper-impound damages
- At least $50 per day
Summary
Lewis County Code Chapter 10.30 governs non-consent towing of vehicles impounded by the Sheriff's Office or another public official in unincorporated Lewis County. A registered tow truck operator must hold a state Department of Licensing permit, keep a permanent transaction file on every impound, and open its records, equipment and facilities to Sheriff's inspection and audit at any time.
"Registered tow truck operator" or "operator" means any person who engages in the impounding, transporting, or storage of unauthorized vehicles or the disposal of abandoned and unclaimed vehicles. ... The registered tow truck operator who has a valid and signed impoundment authorization shall possess an operator's lien upon the impounded vehicle, and such other rights, responsibilities and liabilities as set forth in RCW 46.55.140. ... The registered tow truck operator's ... records, equipment, and facilities shall be subject to inspection and audit by the sheriff in accordance with the provisions of RCW 46.55.160. ... Complaints involving the operation, conduct, or equipment of a registered tow truck operator shall be forwarded to the sheriff in accordance with the provisions of RCW 46.55.170.
Full Breakdown
010, only a "registered tow truck operator" licensed by the Washington State Department of Licensing may perform a public impound, defined as a tow at the direction of a law enforcement officer or a public official with jurisdiction over the property. 420, vehicles obstructing traffic or blocking a disabled parking space, stolen vehicles, and accident scenes where the driver cannot arrange for the vehicle. 030 requires the officer or public official to hand the operator a signed impoundment authorization before the tow begins and, for a vehicle left unattended in a right-of-way, to post a notification sticker giving the owner 24 hours to move it.
170. 090 lets the Board of County Commissioners contract with towing companies on a rotational basis and set the rates they may charge for a Sheriff-requested tow, at no cost to the county. 060, and if the impoundment is found improper the court awards the operator its towing and storage fees from the authorizing agency plus at least $50 per day in damages to the vehicle owner.
Violations & Fines
An operator that ignores the recordkeeping, lien, or inspection duties in § 10.30.080 answers to the Sheriff, who audits records and forwards conduct complaints for enforcement. A vehicle owner who believes a tow was improper must request a district court hearing within ten days of notice; if the court agrees, the towing agency, not the owner, pays the fees and owes at least $50 per day in damages for loss of use.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can Lewis County tow my car without my consent?
What can I do if I think my car was towed unfairly?
What must a tow company do to operate in Lewis County?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Lewis County
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