Impound Hearings

Please read all the information and instructions carefully before filling out an application. 

The following are reasons vehicles may be impounded;  

                                RCW 46.55.113(2a), improperly parked on roadway

                                RCW 46.55.113(2b), obstruct traffic or jeopardize public safety

                                RCW 46.55.113(2c), unattended vehicle or owner/driver incapacitated

                                RCW 46.55.113(2d), driver arrested and in custody

                                RCW 46.55.113(2e), stolen vehicle

                                RCW 46.55.113(2f), disabled person, parking stall-no plate, card or decal

                                RCW 46.55.113(2g), no valid operator’s license/expired 90 days or more

                                RCW 46.55.113(2h), when a vehicle is illegally occupying a restricted zone

 RCW 46.55.113(2i), expired registration over forty-five days parked on a public street

                                RCW 46.55.080, private posted property

The filing fee for an impound hearing is $83.00.  If you file an application for a hearing the clerk will pick a date and time for the hearing.   

When you went to the tow truck company, they gave you a notice of the right to a hearing in the court where the vehicle was impounded, to contest the validity of the impoundment or the amount of towing and storage charges. At the hearing, the person or persons requesting the hearing may produce any relevant evidence to show that the impoundment, towing, or storage fees charged were not proper. The court may consider a written report made under oath by the officer who authorized the impoundment in lieu of the officer's personal appearance at the hearing. 

At the conclusion of the hearing, the court shall determine whether the impoundment was proper, whether the towing or storage fees charged were in compliance with the posted rates, and who is responsible for payment of the fees. The court may not adjust fees or charges that are in compliance with the posted or contracted rates.

If the impoundment is found proper, the impoundment, towing, storage fees along with the court costs associated with the case shall be assessed against the person or persons requesting the hearing.

The Court will require the following information to be provided. This information can be found on the Tow/Impound and Inventory Record form that the officer gave the Tow company.   

  1. the tow truck operator; Company with mailing address. 
  2. the person requesting the hearing if not the owner; Full name and mailing address.
  3. the registered and legal owners of the vehicle; Full name and mailing address.
  4. agency authorizing impound. Company or Law Enforcement Agency and mailing address.

Application for Impound Hearing (PDF)