Auburn, WA Parking Rules: Abandoned Vehicles (2026)
Key Facts
- Street Threshold
- 72 hours
- Private Property
- ACC 8.12 junk vehicles
- Tow Authority
- RCW 46.55
- Hearing
- RCW 46.55.120
- Report
- Police (253) 288-2121
Summary
Vehicles left over 72 hours on Auburn streets, or with expired tabs and flat tires, can be tagged and towed as abandoned under RCW 46.55 and ACC Title 10 enforcement.
Chapter 46.55 RCW TOWING AND IMPOUNDMENT Complete chapter HTML PDF RCW dispositions Sections HTML PDF 46.55.010
Definitions. TOW TRUCK OPERATORS — REGISTRATION REQUIREMENTS HTML PDF 46.55.020 Registration required — Penalty. HTML PDF 46.55.025 Registration or insurance required — Penalty. HTML PDF 46.55.030 Application — Contents, bond, insurance, fee, certificate. HTML PDF 46.55.035 Prohibited acts — Penalty. HTML PDF 46.55.037 Compensation for private impounds. HTML PDF 46.55.040 Permit required — Inspections of equipment and facilities. HTML PDF 46.55.050 Classification of trucks — Marking requirements — Time and place of inspection — Penalty. HTML PDF 46.55.060 Business location — Requirements. HTML PDF 46.55.063 Fees, schedules, contracts, invoices. HTML PDF 46.55.065 License plate indicator tabs — Transporter business — Hulk hauler, scrap processor business — Wrecker business — Fees — Tab requirements. IMPOUNDING UNAUTHORIZED VEHICLES HTML PDF 46.55.070 Posting requirements — Exception. HTML PDF 46.55.075 Law enforcement impound — Required form, procedures. HTML PDF 46.55.080 Law enforcement, authorized regional transit authority representative, other public official impound, private impound — Master log — Certain associations restricted. HTML PDF 46.55.085 Law enforcement impound — Unauthorized vehicle in right-of-way. HTML PDF 46.55.090 Storage, return requirements — Vehicles, personal belongings — Combination endorsement for tow truck drivers — Viewing impounded vehicle. HTML PDF 46.55.100 Impound notice — Abandoned vehicle report — Owner information, liability — Disposition report. HTML PDF 46.55.105 Responsibility of registered owner — Buyer and seller remedies. HTML PDF 46.55.110 Notice to legal and registered owners. HTML PDF 46.55.113 Removal by police officer — Definition. HTML PDF 46.55.115 State patrol — Appointment of towing operators — Lien for costs — Appeal. HTML PDF 46.55.117 Impounds under RCW 64.44.050 . HTML PDF 46.55.118 Rate, fee limitations for certain private impounds. REDEMPTION RIGHTS AND HEARING PROCEDURES HTML PDF 46.55.120 Redemption of vehicles — Sale of unredeemed property — Improper impoundment. HTML PDF 46.55.125 Redemption of motorcycle or moped as bailment while owner hospitalized due to accident — Requirements — Declaration form. HTML PDF 46.55.130 Notice requirements — Public auction — Accumulation of storage charges. HTML PDF 46.55.140 Operator's lien, deficiency claim, liability. RECORDS, INSPECTIONS, AND ENFORCEMENT HTML PDF 46.55.150 Vehicle transaction file. HTML PDF 46.55.160 Availability of records, equipment, and facilities for audit and inspection. HTML PDF 46.55.170 Complaints, where forwarded. HTML PDF 46.55.180 Presiding officer at licensing hearing. HTML PDF 46.55.190 Rules. HTML PDF 46.55.200 Penalties for certain acts or omissions. HTML PDF 46.55.210 Cease and desist order. HTML PDF 46.55.220 Refusal to issue license, grounds for. JUNK VEHICLE DISPOSITION HTML PDF 46.55.230 Junk vehicles — Removal, disposal, sale — Penalties — Cleanup restitution payment. LOCAL REGULATION HTML PDF 46.55.240 Local ordinances — Requirements. VEHICLE IMMOBILIZATION HTML PDF 46.55.300 Vehicle immobilization. IMPOUNDMENT AFTER ARREST FOR DRIVING UNDER THE INFLUENCE HTML PDF 46.55.360 Impoundment, when required — Law enforcement powers, duties, and liability immunity — Redemption, when, by whom — Operator liability immunity — Definition. HTML PDF 46.55.370 Law enforcement liability immunity — Reasonable suspicion. ABANDONED RECREATIONAL VEHICLES HTML PDF 46.55.400 Transporting abandoned recreational vehicles — Record of delivery — Report — Liability. MISCELLANEOUS HTML PDF 46.55.700 Program to compensate registered tow truck operators — Private property impounds, impounds performed under law enforcement direction — Form — Disbursement of excess funds — Annual report — Lien, deficiency claim — Notice. HTML PDF 46.55.901 Headings not part of law — 1985 c 377. HTML PDF 46.55.902 Effective date — 1985 c 377. HTML PDF 46.55.910 Chapter not applicable to certain activities of department of transportation. Notes: Removal of unattended vehicle from highway: RCW 46.61.590 .
Full Breakdown
010 as any vehicle that has been left unattended on public property for more than 24 hours in some contexts or 72 hours on public streets. Auburn parking enforcement uses the 72-hour threshold for most residential complaints. Indicators of abandonment include expired license plates, flat or missing tires, broken windows, extensive debris, and no recent movement. When a complaint is received through the Auburn Report a Concern tool or police non-emergency at (253) 288-2121, an officer will tag the vehicle with a notice giving the owner 24 to 72 hours to move it.
If not moved, the vehicle is towed to a registered tow operator at the owner's expense. 12 property maintenance as a junk or inoperable vehicle and require the property owner to screen, repair, or remove them. Charities and donation programs may pick up junk vehicles at no cost. Reclaiming a towed vehicle requires current registration, proof of insurance, and payment of tow and storage fees. 120.
Frequently Asked Questions
What happens after my car is tagged as abandoned?
Can the city tow a junk car from my driveway?
Sources & Official References
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