Kennewick, WA Parking Rules: Abandoned Vehicles (2026)

Kennewick's abandoned-vehicle framework combines a city-administered 72-hour rule with the comprehensive statewide system in RCW Chapter 46.55 (Towing and Impoundment). On the public street, the City of Kennewick caps any vehicle at 72 hours in the same location and Kennewick Police may impound a vehicle that exceeds the cap. RCW 46.55.010 defines an 'abandoned vehicle' (left unattended on public property with indicia of abandonment) and a 'junk vehicle' (broken-down, scrapped, partially dismantled, or three or more years old with major missing or damaged components - body, transmission, motor, tires or wheels - that render it inoperable). RCW 46.55.085 authorizes law enforcement impound for an unauthorized vehicle in the right-of-way after the appropriate notice. RCW 46.55.100 governs the impound-notice and owner-notification process, and RCW 46.55.110 requires written notice to the legal and registered owners. RCW 46.55.230 authorizes cities to adopt an ordinance for the abatement and removal of junk vehicles from private property, with the costs assessed against the registered owner or the property owner. On private property in Kennewick, junk and inoperable vehicles are addressed under the City's nuisance framework in KMC Title 9 (including the substandard / nuisance provisions in KMC 9.44 and KMC 9.48), enforced by Kennewick Code Enforcement, with notice and abatement procedures consistent with RCW 46.55.230. Report abandoned vehicles via Kennewick's online reporting form or call the Kennewick Police business line at 509-585-4208.