| Washington State House of Representatives |
BILL ANALYSIS |
| Transportation Committee | |
HB 1924
This analysis was prepared by non-partisan legislative staff for the use of legislative members in
their deliberations. This analysis is not a part of the legislation nor does it constitute a
statement of legislative intent.
Brief Description: Increasing deficiency claim limits for impoundment services provided by registered tow truck operators.
Sponsors: Representatives Hunt and Condotta.
Brief Summary of Bill |
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Hearing Date: 2/19/07
Staff: David Munnecke (786-7315).
Background:
Tow truck operators who impound vehicles from private or public property and/or tow for law
enforcement agencies are regulated under Chapter 46.55 RCW. Impounds, the taking and
holding of a vehicle in legal custody without the consent of the owner, may only be performed by
registered tow truck operators (RTTOs). If on public property, the impound is at the direction of
a law enforcement officer; if the vehicle is on private property, the impound is at the direction of
the property owner or his or her agent.
A RTTO who has a valid and signed impound authorization has a lien upon the impounded
vehicle for services provided in the towing and storage of the vehicle. In the case of an impound
on private property, the RTTO also has a deficiency claim against the registered owner of the
vehicle, which is capped at $500 in the case of vehicles under 10,000 pounds gross vehicle
weight and $1,000 in the case of vehicles over 10,000 pounds gross vehicle weight.
Summary of Bill:
In the case of impounds on private property, an RTTO can recover up to $1,000 from the
registered owner of the vehicle, after deduction of the proceeds from an auction, for vehicles
under 10,000 pounds gross vehicle weight.
In the case of impounds on private property, an RTTO can recover up to $5,000 from the
registered owner of the vehicle, after deduction of the proceeds from an auction, for vehicles over
10,000 pounds gross vehicle weight.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Not requested.
Effective Date: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.