Tacoma, WA Business Licensing & Operations: Towing Companies (2026)
Key Facts
- Notice deadline
- within 24 hours
- Method
- first-class mail to legal owner
- Admin fee cap
- $100.00, § 11.05.705
- Structure
- one citywide tow contract, § 11.05.701
Summary
Tacoma requires its contracted tow operator to mail an impounded vehicle's owner a first-class notice within 24 hours, detailing the impoundment, redemption steps, and the right to a hearing.
Not more than 24 hours after impoundment of any vehicle, the tow contractor shall mail a notice by first class mail to the last known and legal owners of the vehicles, as may be disclosed by the vehicle identification number, and as provided by the Washington State Department of Licenses. The notice shall contain the full particulars of the impoundment, redemption, and opportunity for hearing to contest the propriety of the impoundment as hereinafter provided.
B. Similar notice shall be given to each person who seeks to redeem an impounded vehicle, except that if a vehicle is redeemed prior to the mailing of notice, then notice need not be mailed.
C. The Tacoma Police Department shall give written notification to the last registered and legal owner that the investigatory hold has been removed, except that if a vehicle is redeemed following notice by telephone and prior to the mailing of notice, then notice need not be mailed. In addition, the Police Department shall notify the towing contractor, by telephone or in writing, of the authorization to release such vehicle. (Ord. 26346 § 3, 1999-01-19)
Full Breakdown
Under Tacoma Municipal Code § 11.05.702, the City's contracted tow operator must mail a first-class notice to a vehicle's last known legal owner within 24 hours of a non-consent impoundment, using the vehicle identification number and Washington Department of Licensing records. The notice must state the full particulars of the impoundment, how to redeem the vehicle, and the owner's opportunity for a hearing to contest it. A parallel notice goes to anyone who later seeks to redeem the vehicle, unless it is redeemed before mailing. Towing and storage in Tacoma runs through a single competitively bid city contract under § 11.05.701, and the administrative fee that contractor may charge is capped at $100.00 by § 11.05.705.
Violations & Fines
This section sets a procedural duty on the City's tow contractor, not a public fine; an owner denied timely notice or a hearing can challenge the impoundment before a hearing officer.
Frequently Asked Questions
How soon must Tacoma's tow contractor notify me after impounding my car?
Is there a cap on Tacoma's towing administrative fee?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Tacoma
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Towing Companies in Nearby Cities
How other cities in this county handle towing companies.