Seattle, WA Parking Rules: Abandoned Vehicles (2026)
Key Facts
- Penalty
- $250 civil infraction, non-suspendable
- Statute
- RCW Ch. 7.80 Class 1 infraction
- Definition
- 3 of 6 criteria under SMC 11.14.268
- Scope
- streets, alleys, public property
- Towing
- impoundment under Ch. 11.30 SMC
Summary
Seattle Municipal Code 11.72.500 bans parking a junk motor vehicle on any street, alley, or public property, backed by a flat $250 civil infraction under RCW Chapter 7.80 that a judge cannot suspend or defer. SMC 11.14.268 defines a junk vehicle using six weighted criteria, and vehicles meeting three or more are subject to impoundment under Chapter 11.30 SMC regardless of whether they sit on a street or private land.
A.No person shall park a junk motor vehicle on a street, alley, or way open to the public, or on municipal or other public property.B.Violation of subsection A is a Class 1 civil infraction as contemplated by Chapter 7.80 RCW for which there shall be a penalty of Two Hundred Fifty Dollars ($250), which penalty shall not be suspended or deferred.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Municipal Code: Supplement 44 Update 1).
Full Breakdown
A makes it unlawful to park a junk motor vehicle on any street, alley, or way open to the public, or on municipal or other public property, anywhere within Seattle city limits. 120 sets for most Title 11 traffic infractions. 268: a vehicle qualifies if it meets at least three of six tests, left on private property without the property owner's permission, left on a public street or way for 24 hours or more, extensively damaged (a broken window or windshield, or missing wheels, motor, or transmission), apparently inoperable, worth $500 or less, or lacking a current registration or license.
500 itself only bans street and public-property parking. 30 SMC in addition to any other penalty. 30 lets the city impound a vehicle with or without prior notice when it is impeding traffic, poses an immediate danger, or illegally occupies a signed restricted zone, and separately governs redemption, towing contracts, and storage-lien procedures for anything the city hauls away.
Violations & Fines
Parking a junk vehicle on a Seattle street, alley, or public lot draws a $250 Class 1 civil infraction under RCW Chapter 7.80 that the Seattle Municipal Court cannot suspend, defer, or waive. The vehicle can also be towed and impounded under Chapter 11.30 SMC, adding towing and storage charges billed to the registered owner on top of the citation, since SMC 11.14.268.B applies impoundment to any qualifying junk vehicle.
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes a car a "junk motor vehicle" under Seattle law?
How much is the fine for parking a junk vehicle on a Seattle street?
Can the city tow a junk vehicle instead of just fining the owner?
Does this rule apply to junk vehicles on private property too?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Seattle
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Abandoned Vehicles in Nearby Cities
How other cities in King County handle abandoned vehicles.