Pierce County, WA Parking Rules: Abandoned Vehicles (2026)

Abandoned and derelict vehicles in unincorporated Pierce County are addressed two ways. On private property, an accumulation of abandoned or derelict vessels, junk vehicles, or vehicle parts is a declared public nuisance under PCC 8.08.050(I), and the County's Code Enforcement junk-vehicle program can remove a qualifying junk vehicle, using a junk-vehicle affidavit in place of a title. On public roads, an unauthorized vehicle left within a highway right-of-way is tagged by a law enforcement officer and may be impounded 24 hours later under RCW 46.55.085. Under RCW 46.55.010, a vehicle left on private residential property is subject to removal immediately at the property owner's direction.