A vehicle left on a Snohomish County highway or public property for 24 hours or longer is 'abandoned' (SCC 10.36.020) and may be removed by the Sheriff. Willfully abandoning one is a class 1 civil infraction plus removal costs; state impound follows RCW 46.55.
Chapter 10.36 SCC governs abandoned vehicles in unincorporated Snohomish County. An abandoned vehicle is any vehicle left within a highway, on another's property without consent, or on public property for 24 hours or more (SCC 10.36.020). There is a prima facie presumption of abandonment where a vehicle is inoperable through damage, neglect, or missing parts and is unlicensed (SCC 10.36.030). The Sheriff may remove and impound such vehicles; impound, notice, and sale follow RCW 46.55. A junk vehicle is certified under RCW 46.55.230 when it meets three of four criteria (3+ years old, extensively damaged, apparently inoperable, scrap value only).
Willful abandonment is a class 1 civil infraction under chapter 10.70 SCC, and the owner may be assessed all vehicle-removal costs (SCC 10.36.210). Abandoning a junk vehicle is a gross misdemeanor with double-cost cleanup restitution under RCW 46.55.230.
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