Spokane County, WA Parking Rules: Abandoned Vehicles (2026)
Key Facts
- Abandoned vehicle
- Held 120 consecutive hours
- Junk vehicle
- Meets 3 of 5 criteria (RCW 46.55.010)
- County rule
- SCC 6.13 nuisance abatement
- Penalty
- $250/day + abatement
- Abandoning junk vehicle
- Gross misdemeanor (state)
Summary
A vehicle a tow operator holds for 120 hours is legally abandoned under state law, and a certified junk vehicle can be removed and disposed of. On private property, Spokane County treats junk vehicles as a nuisance under SCC 6.13, carrying a $250-per-day penalty.
"Junk motor vehicle" means a motor vehicle meeting at least three of the following requirements: (A) Is three years old or older; (B) Is extensively damaged... (C) Is apparently inoperable, or is missing major component parts... (D) Is without a valid, current license or registration plate; or (E) Has an approximate fair market value equal only to the approximate value of the scrap in it.
Official source re-checked September 8, 2026: the cited page had not changed since it was quoted.
Full Breakdown
State law (RCW 46.55) governs abandoned and junk vehicles on public roads: an 'abandoned vehicle' is one a registered tow operator has impounded and held 120 consecutive hours, and a 'junk vehicle' is one certified as meeting at least three damage/age/inoperability criteria. On private property in unincorporated Spokane County, SCC Chapter 6.13 declares premises where 'junk motor vehicles are stored or maintained' improperly a nuisance. RCW 46.55.240 expressly lets a county adopt an ordinance for 'abatement and removal as public nuisances of junk vehicles or parts thereof from private property,' which is exactly what SCC 6.13 does.
Violations & Fines
$250 per day per violation plus abatement costs (SCC 6.13.070); abandoning a junk vehicle is a gross misdemeanor under RCW 46.55.230.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does the county define a junk vehicle?
What happens if I leave a junk car in my yard?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Spokane County
Compare Spokane County to another location·View the Washington parking rules overview
See something wrong?
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.