Towing rules for property managers in Washington

Printable checklist

• ☐ Placement: Near each entrance and in a clearly visible spot on the property
• ☐ Sign size: at least 15 inches by 24 inches
• ☐ A sign at each entrance
• ☐ The hours parking is enforced
• ☐ The towing company's name
• ☐ The towing company's phone number

What the sign law says

Applies to: Non-residential private property (residential property such as apartment lots is exempt)

On non-residential private property (stores, office lots), a car can be towed right away only if a sign is posted near each entrance and in a clearly visible spot on the property. The sign must state the times a car may be towed and give the tow company's name, phone number and address. State rules require it to be at least 15 by 24 inches with lettering clearly visible to everyone who parks.

RCW 46.55.070(1); RCW 46.55.010(14)(b) (opens in a new tab)

Without a proper sign, a car there generally cannot be towed until it has been left 24 hours. Dimensions are given as 'X by Y inches' without naming which is width and which is height; they are listed in the stated order. Additional quoted text comes from: RCW 46.55.070(1); WAC 308-61-145(1) <https://app.leg.wa.gov/WAC/default.aspx?cite=308-61-145>.

Tow-away signs

• On non-residential private property (stores, office lots), a car can be towed right away only if a sign is posted near each entrance and in a clearly visible spot on the property. Without a proper sign, a car there generally cannot be towed until it has been left 24 hours. RCW 46.55.070(1); RCW 46.55.010(14)(b) (opens in a new tab)
• The sign must state the times a car may be towed and give the tow company's name, phone number and address. State rules require it to be at least 15 by 24 inches with lettering clearly visible to everyone who parks. RCW 46.55.070(1); WAC 308-61-145(1) (opens in a new tab)
• Signs are not required on residential property such as apartment lots. The person in charge of the property can have an unauthorized car towed immediately once they give written authorization. RCW 46.55.070(2) (opens in a new tab)

Where your car goes and who is told

• Washington sets no mileage limit. The car must be taken to the nearest storage location that the state has inspected and that is listed on the tow company's license application. RCW 46.55.090(1) (opens in a new tab)
• The tow company must notify local law enforcement by phone or radio at the time of the tow, and follow up in writing within 24 hours. Call the police non-emergency line to find a car that was towed privately. RCW 46.55.100(1) (opens in a new tab)
• Within 24 hours the tow company must mail a notice to the registered and legal owners. It must give the tow firm's name, address and phone, the location and time of the tow, who authorized it, and your right to redeem and ask for a hearing. RCW 46.55.110(1) (opens in a new tab)
• Washington's tow law has no rule letting you take the car back, or setting a reduced fee, if you return while it is being hooked up. Ask the driver anyway, and get any charge in writing. RCW 46.55 (no such provision found) (opens in a new tab)

Sources

• https://app.leg.wa.gov/RCW/default.aspx?cite=46.55.070 (opens in a new tab)
• https://app.leg.wa.gov/WAC/default.aspx?cite=308-61-145 (opens in a new tab)
• https://app.leg.wa.gov/RCW/default.aspx?cite=46.55.090 (opens in a new tab)
• https://app.leg.wa.gov/RCW/default.aspx?cite=46.55.100 (opens in a new tab)
• https://app.leg.wa.gov/RCW/default.aspx?cite=46.55.110 (opens in a new tab)
• https://app.leg.wa.gov/RCW/default.aspx?cite=46.55 (opens in a new tab)