Shoreline, WA Parking Rules: Loading Zones (2026)
Key Facts
- Governing section
- SMC § 10.05.030(C)(2)(h)
- Signage requirement
- Posted 24+ hours minimum
- Tow authority
- Police officer discretion
- Base fine
- $50 parking infraction
- Late penalty
- $25 delinquency fee
Summary
Shoreline Municipal Code § 10.05.030(C) authorizes a police officer to have a vehicle towed at their discretion when it illegally occupies a posted commercial loading zone or other restricted zone, so long as the zone has carried signage for at least 24 hours and the vehicle is interfering with the zone's intended use.
C. RCW 46.55.113, Towing and Impoundment: Removal by police officer – Definition, is adopted in full with the following amendment to subsection (2): (2) In addition, a police officer may take custody of a vehicle, at their discretion, and provide for its prompt removal to a place of safety under any of the following circumstances: ... (h) When a vehicle is illegally occupying a truck, commercial loading zone, restricted parking zone, bus, loading, hooded-meter, taxi, street construction or maintenance, or other similar zone where, by order of the director of transportation or chiefs of police or fire or their designees, parking is limited to designated classes of vehicles or is prohibited during certain hours, on designated days or at all times, if the zone has been established with signage for at least twenty-four hours and where the vehicle is interfering with the proper and intended use of the zone. Signage must give notice to the public that a vehicle will be removed if illegally parked in the zone;
Full Breakdown
Section 10.05.030(C) locally amends subsection (2) of RCW 46.55.113 as adopted into the Shoreline Municipal Code, giving a Shoreline police officer discretion to take custody of a vehicle and have it promptly removed to a place of safety under a list of circumstances. Subsection (2)(h) specifically covers a vehicle illegally occupying a truck zone, commercial loading zone, restricted parking zone, bus zone, loading zone, hooded-meter zone, taxi zone, or street construction or maintenance zone, when that zone was established by order of the director of transportation or the police or fire chiefs (or their designees) limiting parking to designated vehicle classes or prohibiting it during certain hours, days or at all times.
Two conditions must both be met before a tow is authorized: the restriction must have been posted with signage for at least 24 hours, and the offending vehicle must actually be interfering with the zone's proper and intended use; the signage itself must notify the public that an illegally parked vehicle will be removed. The same section 10.05.030 also carries companion officer-removal grounds, including vehicles blocking traffic, stolen vehicles, and vehicles with registration expired more than 45 days, so a car in a loading zone can also be towed under those separate triggers if they independently apply.
Any resulting parking infraction is penalized separately under § 10.05.035, which sets a flat $50 monetary penalty per violation plus a $25 late fee if unpaid by the ticket deadline.
Violations & Fines
A vehicle illegally occupying a posted commercial loading zone for at least 24 hours and interfering with its intended use may be towed at an officer's discretion under § 10.05.030(C)(2)(h). The underlying parking infraction carries a $50 monetary penalty under § 10.05.035, rising by a $25 delinquency penalty if not paid or contested by the deadline on the citation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I be towed for parking in a loading zone in Shoreline?
What does the loading zone sign have to say?
What is the fine for a loading zone violation that isn't towed?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Shoreline
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Loading Zones in Nearby Cities
How other cities in King County handle loading zones.