King County, WA Parking Rules: Abandoned Vehicles (2026)
Key Facts
- Governs
- Unincorporated King County only
- Base civil fine
- $100, doubles on repeat
- Exception
- Enclosed building, out of view
- Exception
- Licensed dismantler/dealer fenced lot
Summary
Unincorporated King County bars parking, storing or abandoning a wrecked, dismantled or inoperative vehicle on private property unless it's fully enclosed in a building or lawfully stored at a licensed dismantler, repair shop or dealer.
No person may park, store or abandon a wrecked, dismantled or inoperative vehicle, or part thereof as those terms are defined in K.C.C. chapter 21A.06, on private property, except where the following conditions apply: A. A vehicle or vehicle part is completely enclosed within a building in a lawful manner where it is not visible from the street or from other public or private property; or B. A vehicle is stored or parked in a lawful manner on private property in connection with the business of a licensed dismantler, licensed auto repair business or licensed vehicle dealer and is fenced as required by state law.
Full Breakdown
K.C.C. 23.10.040 prohibits parking, storing or abandoning a wrecked, dismantled or inoperative vehicle, or part of one, on private property in unincorporated King County. The only exceptions: the vehicle is completely enclosed in a building out of public view, or it's lawfully stored on a licensed dismantler's, auto repair shop's or vehicle dealer's fenced lot. This is county code only, it applies outside Seattle, Bellevue, Kent, Renton, Federal Way, Auburn, Redmond, Kirkland and the county's other incorporated cities, which enforce their own municipal codes.
Violations & Fines
Enforcement officers may certify a vehicle as wrecked, dismantled, inoperative or abandoned, then issue a citation carrying a civil fine starting at $100 (K.C.C. 23.32.010), doubling for repeat violations, plus the county's abatement and towing costs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does this apply inside Seattle?
Can I store a wrecked car on my own land?
What happens if I ignore a citation?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in King County
Compare King County to another location·View the Washington parking rules overview
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