Revised Code of Washington
2024 Archive

Chapter 46.55 RCW
TOWING AND IMPOUNDMENT
PDF of Chapter Digest
PDF of Complete Chapter
Sections
46.55.010Definitions.
TOW TRUCK OPERATORSREGISTRATION REQUIREMENTS
46.55.020Registration requiredPenalty.
46.55.025Registration or insurance requiredPenalty.
46.55.030ApplicationContents, bond, insurance, fee, certificate.
46.55.035Prohibited actsPenalty.
46.55.037Compensation for private impounds.
46.55.040Permit requiredInspections of equipment and facilities.
46.55.050Classification of trucksMarking requirementsTime and place of inspectionPenalty.
46.55.060Business locationRequirements.
46.55.063Fees, schedules, contracts, invoices.
46.55.065License plate indicator tabsTransporter businessHulk hauler, scrap processor businessWrecker businessFeesTab requirements.
IMPOUNDING UNAUTHORIZED VEHICLES
46.55.070Posting requirementsException.
46.55.075Law enforcement impoundRequired form, procedures.
46.55.080Law enforcement, authorized regional transit authority representative, other public official impound, private impoundMaster logCertain associations restricted.
46.55.085Law enforcement impoundUnauthorized vehicle in right-of-way.
46.55.090Storage, return requirementsVehicles, personal belongingsCombination endorsement for tow truck driversViewing impounded vehicle.
46.55.100Impound noticeAbandoned vehicle reportOwner information, liabilityDisposition report.
46.55.105Responsibility of registered ownerBuyer and seller remedies.
46.55.110Notice to legal and registered owners.
46.55.113Removal by police officerDefinition.
46.55.115State patrolAppointment of towing operatorsLien for costsAppeal.
46.55.117Impounds under RCW 64.44.050.
46.55.118Rate, fee limitations for certain private impounds.
REDEMPTION RIGHTS AND HEARING PROCEDURES
46.55.120Redemption of vehiclesSale of unredeemed propertyImproper impoundment.
46.55.125Redemption of motorcycle or moped as bailment while owner hospitalized due to accidentRequirementsDeclaration form.
46.55.130Notice requirementsPublic auctionAccumulation of storage charges.
46.55.140Operator's lien, deficiency claim, liability.
RECORDS, INSPECTIONS, AND ENFORCEMENT
46.55.150Vehicle transaction file.
46.55.160Availability of records, equipment, and facilities for audit and inspection.
46.55.170Complaints, where forwarded.
46.55.180Presiding officer at licensing hearing.
46.55.190Rules.
46.55.200Penalties for certain acts or omissions.
46.55.210Cease and desist order.
46.55.220Refusal to issue license, grounds for.
JUNK VEHICLE DISPOSITION
46.55.230Junk vehiclesRemoval, disposal, salePenaltiesCleanup restitution payment.
LOCAL REGULATION
46.55.240Local ordinancesRequirements.
VEHICLE IMMOBILIZATION
46.55.300Vehicle immobilization.
IMPOUNDMENT AFTER ARREST FOR DRIVING UNDER THE INFLUENCE
46.55.360Impoundment, when requiredLaw enforcement powers, duties, and liability immunityRedemption, when, by whomOperator liability immunityDefinition.
46.55.370Law enforcement liability immunityReasonable suspicion.
ABANDONED RECREATIONAL VEHICLES
46.55.400Transporting abandoned recreational vehiclesRecord of deliveryReportLiability.
MISCELLANEOUS
46.55.901Headings not part of law1985 c 377.
46.55.902Effective date1985 c 377.
46.55.910Chapter not applicable to certain activities of department of transportation.
NOTES:
Removal of unattended vehicle from highway: RCW 46.61.590.
Riding in towed vehicles: RCW 46.61.625.
Safety chains for towing: RCW 46.37.495.