Renton, WA Parking Rules: Abandoned Vehicles (2026)

A vehicle qualifies as junk under RMC 6-1-2 if it meets at least three of five tests: it is three years old or older, extensively damaged (broken windows, missing wheels, tires, motor or transmission), apparently inoperable, worth only its scrap value, or shows debris buildup, flat or missing tires, a dead motor, missing bumpers or expired tabs. RMC 6-1-3(A) makes it unlawful to store, maintain, keep or retain such a vehicle, a vehicle hulk, or any part of one on private real property anywhere in the City, and subsection (B) declares that storage a public nuisance subject to abatement.

Before removal, the Police Chief must mail certified notice to the last registered owner, the legal owner and the landowner; if no hearing is requested within 21 days of that mailing, the vehicle can be towed and disposed of to a licensed auto wrecker with notice to the State Patrol and Department of Licensing (RMC 6-1-3(D), (G)). Costs are billed first to the last registered owner, then to the landowner only if the vehicle was stored with that landowner's permission or acquiescence; a landowner who proves the vehicle was dumped without consent owes nothing (RMC 6-1-3(C), (F)).

Exceptions cover vehicles fully enclosed in a building out of public view and vehicles lawfully stored on a licensed dismantler's, dealer's or body shop's fenced lot (RMC 6-1-3(H)). Separately, RMC 6-1-4 bans abandoning a vehicle on any street, highway or City property; the Chief of Police must post a 24-hour removal notice before an approved tow operator hauls it away, and the operator holds a lien against the last registered owner for towing and storage costs.