Washington Abandoned Vehicle Removal and Auction Law

Under RCW 46.55, a vehicle left on a public highway or other public property for more than 24 hours, or unauthorized on private property, may be impounded by a registered tow truck operator. The operator must send notice to the registered and legal owners within 24 hours via certified mail. If the vehicle is not redeemed within 15 days (or 5 days for vehicles valued under the threshold), it may be sold at public auction. Owners are liable for tow, storage, and auction costs. The statute defines abandoned vehicle reports, junk vehicle removal procedures, and the rights of property owners.

Owners face impoundment fees, daily storage charges, auction costs, and potential criminal liability for abandoning vehicles on public or private property without permission.