Snohomish County, WA Parking Rules: Abandoned Vehicles (2026)
Key Facts
- Abandoned threshold
- 24 hours (SCC 10.36.020)
- Presumption trigger
- Inoperable + unlicensed
- Removal authority
- Sheriff (SCC 10.36.050)
- Willful-abandon penalty
- Class 1 civil infraction + costs
- Impound statute
- RCW 46.55
Summary
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.
It is a prima facie presumption that any vehicle within unincorporated areas of Snohomish county, on private or public property or within the limits of any highway, is abandoned if the same is inoperable by reason of damage, neglect or the removal of parts therefrom and is unlicensed.
Official source re-checked September 8, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: current through legislation passed August 12, 2026).
Full Breakdown
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).
Violations & Fines
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.
Frequently Asked Questions
What counts as a junk vehicle?
Who can I report an abandoned vehicle to?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Snohomish County
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