Yakima, WA Parking Rules: Abandoned Vehicles (2026)

Yakima's abandoned-vehicle framework sits in YMC Chapter 9.47 (Vehicle Impounds), with state-law backbone in Chapter 46.55 RCW (Towing and Impoundment). Under Chapter 9.47, any unlicensed vehicle parked on a public street or parking lot within the city of Yakima may be towed and impounded at owner's risk and expense by a registered tow truck operator, after the owner is provided forty-eight hours notice of impoundment, at the direction of a law enforcement officer or an authorized designee. For vehicles on the public right-of-way generally, RCW 46.55.085 authorizes law enforcement to attach a notice tag and impound the vehicle if not moved within twenty-four hours of the tag. RCW 46.55 separately defines an 'abandoned vehicle' as one a registered tow truck operator has impounded and held in possession for 120 consecutive hours; following impound, the initial notice of impoundment is followed by a written notice within twenty-four hours sent by first-class mail within twenty-four hours after impoundment to the last known registered and legal owners; an impounded abandoned vehicle that is not redeemed within fifteen days of mailing of the notice of custody and sale is sold at public auction. On private property, Yakima's junk-vehicle process under YMC Chapter 9.47 requires written notice from the code administration and planning manager to the last registered owner of record of the junk vehicle, or to such other current owner as may be determined, and to the property owner as shown on the last equalized assessment roll, that a public hearing may be requested before the municipal court. Recipients have fifteen days from the mailing date to request a public hearing by filing the request with the clerk of the municipal court of Yakima. If no hearing is requested, the vehicle hulk will be removed and impounded and costs assessed. Failure to perform any act required, or performance of any act prohibited, by Chapter 9.47 is a civil infraction with a monetary penalty of fifty dollars. Report abandoned vehicles to Yakima Police non-emergency at (509) 575-6200.