Under RCW 46.55, Kent police can tag and tow a vehicle left on a public street for more than 72 hours. On private property, owners follow state impound-notice rules.
Kent enforces the Washington abandoned-vehicle law RCW 46.55.010 through KCC Title 9. A vehicle parked more than 72 hours on any Kent public street may be tagged by police and then impounded if not moved. Vehicles with expired registration over 45 days, flat tires that cannot be driven, or obvious long-term disuse signs (spider webs, heavy leaf buildup) can also be declared abandoned. On private property, owners and managers must follow RCW 46.55.070 which requires posted tow-warning signs and written impound notices before a vehicle is moved. Junk and wrecked vehicles visible from the street are a separate Code Enforcement violation under Kent property maintenance rules and must be stored indoors or fully screened. To report an abandoned vehicle in Kent, call 253-856-5800 or use the online code complaint form.
Contact your local code enforcement office for specific penalty information.
Kent, WA
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Side-by-side rule comparisons with other cities in King County.
See how other cities in King County handle abandoned vehicles.
See how Kent's abandoned vehicles rules stack up against other locations.
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