Washington Statewide Rule

Washington Abandoned Vehicle Removal and Auction Law

Some RestrictionsApplies statewide across Washington (2026)

Key Facts

Public Threshold: 24 hours unattended
Notice Window: Within 24 hours of tow
Redemption Period: 15 days typical
Statute: RCW 46.55

Last verified: August 21, 2026Source: Washington State Legislature

Summary

Washington's RCW 46.55 governs how abandoned vehicles are impounded, noticed, redeemed, and auctioned, providing a uniform statewide framework that local jurisdictions must follow.

(1) A law enforcement officer discovering an unauthorized vehicle left within a highway right-of-way shall attach to the vehicle a readily visible notification sticker. The sticker shall contain the following information: (a) The date and time the sticker was attached; (b) The identity of the officer; (c) A statement that if the vehicle is not removed within twenty-four hours from the time the sticker is attached, the vehicle may be taken into custody and stored at the owner's expense; (d) A statement that if the vehicle is not redeemed as provided in RCW 46.55.120, the registered owner will have committed the traffic infraction of littering-abandoned vehicle; and (e) The address and telephone number where additional information may be obtained.

Source: Washington State LegislatureView official code

Full Breakdown

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.

Violations & Penalties

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

Frequently Asked Questions

How long can a vehicle sit on a Washington street before being towed?

RCW 46.55.085 allows law enforcement to impound a vehicle left unattended on a public highway for more than 24 hours, though local jurisdictions may have shorter windows for specific zones.

Can I tow an abandoned car off my private property in Washington?

Yes. Under RCW 46.55.070, private property owners may have unauthorized vehicles towed by a registered tow operator after posting required signage or following the impound notice procedures.

Sources

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