Washington Statewide Rule

Washington Tow Truck Impound Rate Caps and Redemption Rights

Some RestrictionsApplies statewide across Washington (2026)

Key Facts

Towing rate cap: 135% of WSP class A negotiated hourly rate
Storage rate cap: 135% of WSP negotiated daily storage rate
After-hours release fee cap: 100% of WSP negotiated fee
Signage requirement: Posted at each entrance, nonresidential lots only
Belongings held free: 20 days, extendable 30 more by request
Redemption hearing deadline: 10 days after notice, 5+ days before auction
Kickback penalty: Gross misdemeanor under RCW 46.55.035

Last verified: September 1, 2026

Summary

Washington caps what a private-property tow can cost. Under RCW 46.55.118, a class A, D or E tow truck operator's filed hourly towing rate cannot exceed 135 percent of the State Patrol's negotiated class A rate, daily storage cannot exceed 135 percent of the negotiated storage rate, and the after-hours release fee cannot exceed 100 percent of the negotiated fee. Every registered operator is bound, with a letter of appointment or not.

(1) For a private impound performed by any registered tow truck operator using tow trucks classified by the Washington state patrol by rule under RCW 46.55.050(1) as class A, class E, or class D only, the following limitations apply: (a) The maximum towing hourly rate listed on the fee schedule filed with the department under RCW 46.55.063(1) may not exceed one hundred thirty-five percent of the maximum hourly rate for a class A tow truck at the time of filing as negotiated by the Washington state patrol...(b) The maximum daily storage rate...may not exceed one hundred thirty-five percent of the maximum daily storage rate for an impound...(c) The maximum after-hours release fee...may not exceed one hundred percent of the maximum after-hours release fee for an impound... (4) The limitations set forth in subsection (1) of this section only apply if the vehicle is parked and upright, has all its wheels and tires attached, does not have a broken axle, and has not been involved in an accident at the location from which it is being impounded.

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Full Breakdown

The rate caps in RCW 46.55.118 apply only when the vehicle was parked and upright, had all wheels and tires attached, no broken axle, and was not in an accident at that location; they bind every registered class A, D or E operator whether or not it holds a State Patrol letter of appointment, but not law enforcement impounds or voluntary tows. Under RCW 46.55.063, the operator must file its fee schedule with the Department of Licensing, give 10 days notice before any rate change, bill towing hourly and, after the first hour, to the nearest quarter hour, and bill storage on a 24-hour basis to the nearest half day starting only once the vehicle is unloaded and paperwork is complete; every redeemer's invoice must itemize each fee separately.

RCW 46.55.070 requires signs at each entrance of any nonresidential lot or public parking facility, stating when a vehicle may be impounded and the towing firm's name, phone number and address; residential property is exempt. RCW 46.55.080 requires a signed impound authorization from the property owner or agent at the time of the tow, and bars the tow operator or its employee from acting as that agent or independently flagging a vehicle for impound; unauthorized kickbacks from a property owner are a gross misdemeanor under RCW 46.55.035.

Personal belongings must be kept intact and returned free of charge for 20 days on request, or 30 more days if the owner signs a storage request form, per RCW 46.55.090 and RCW 46.55.110. The operator must mail redemption notice within 24 hours of impound. To redeem a vehicle, an owner may pay in cash, by major credit card, or by an in-state personal check with two forms of ID, per RCW 46.55.120.

Violations & Penalties

An owner disputing an impound's validity or its charges must request a hearing in the district or municipal court where the vehicle was impounded, within 10 days and more than five days before any auction, with a filing fee equal to a district court suit; missing the deadline waives the hearing. If the court finds the impound violated chapter 46.55 RCW, the owner owes no fees, security is returned, the authorizing person becomes liable instead, and the owner recovers the filing fee plus damages for loss of use.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is there a grace-period drop fee if I return before the tow truck leaves?

No. Chapter 46.55 RCW sets no reduced or half-rate release fee for an owner who arrives before the vehicle is removed; once hooked and the tow truck departs, the filed towing, storage and release rates under RCW 46.55.118 and 46.55.063 apply in full, and redemption follows the normal process under RCW 46.55.120.

How much can a Washington tow company legally charge to store my car?

For a private impound by a class A, D or E tow truck, the daily storage rate on the operator's filed fee schedule cannot exceed 135 percent of the State Patrol's negotiated class A storage rate, billed on a 24-hour basis to the nearest half day once the vehicle reaches the secure storage lot, per RCW 46.55.118 and 46.55.063.

What can I do if I think I was towed illegally?

Request a hearing in the district or municipal court where the car was impounded, in writing, within 10 days of being given that opportunity and more than five days before any scheduled auction, per RCW 46.55.120. If the court finds the impound improper, you owe nothing and the authorizing party is liable instead.

Can I get my personal belongings back without paying to retrieve the car?

Yes. RCW 46.55.090 and 46.55.110 require the operator to keep personal belongings intact and hand them over free during normal business hours for 20 days on request, or 30 more days if you sign a storage request form, regardless of whether the vehicle itself is redeemed.

Sources

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