Washington State

House of Representatives

Office of Program Research

BILL

ANALYSIS

Labor & Workforce Development Committee

HB 1611

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 Summary of Bill

Allows a registered tow truck operator to close the business for a lunch break if the operator posts a notice providing the telephone number of a person who can release impounded vehicles.

Background:

Tow truck operators who impound vehicles from private or public property or who contract with law enforcement to provide towing must be registered with the Department of Licensing. Only a registered operator may impound a vehicle.

Certain requirements apply regarding an operator's business location and hours. An operator must post a sign at the business location where vehicles may be redeemed that includes information about the business hours, towing and storage charges, and vehicle redemption procedures.

On a day the operator is open for business, the business office must remain open with personnel present who can release impounded vehicles. The normal business hours of a towing service must be from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. on weekdays, excluding weekends and holidays. When an operator is not open for business and does not have personnel present at the location, the operator must post a telephone number that the public may contact for the release of vehicles. An operator must maintain personnel who can be contacted 24 hours a day to release impounded vehicles within a reasonable time.

Summary of Bill:

A registered tow truck operator may close the business office for a lunch break not to exceed one hour if a notice is posted, visible from the outside, providing a telephone number where personnel authorized to release impounded vehicles may be contacted.