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Seattle police and City impounds: finding the car, the fees and the hearing
When the police or the City tow a car from a Seattle street, the car goes to the City's contractor, the prices are set by the City's contract, and the hearing is in Seattle Municipal Court.
General information, not legal advice. The papers you got from the police, the tow company, the storage lot or a state agency control your dates. Agencies change phone numbers and steps, so check the agency's own page too.
Finding the car
For a tow from a Seattle street, the City sends people to its contractor, Lincoln Towing, at (206) 364-2000, or its online impound search. For a private-lot tow, the sign names the company; if you cannot find the car, the City lists the police non-emergency number, (206) 625-5011.
Sources: Seattle FAS: Find a Towed Car; Seattle impound site
What it costs in 2026
A class A impound is at most $297 in the north zone or $263 in the south zone (dolly and first half hour of winching included). Storage is $22 or $19 per 12 hours, free for the first 12 hours. The City's administrative fee is $35, or $67 after a scofflaw, suspended-license or DUI-arrest impound. There is no fee for the truck's waiting time before it starts work.
Sources: Seattle FAS: Police-Authorized Impounds; FAS Rule CPU-03-2015; SMC 11.30.180
The hearing
A City impound is contested in Seattle Municipal Court. The code counts 10 days, weekends and holidays included, from the later of the mailed notice or the notice given at redemption; the court's own page says no later than 10 days after the tow. If the impound was improper, the court can order the car released and a judgment against the City for what you paid.
Sources: SMC 11.30.120(D), 11.30.160; Seattle Municipal Court: My car got towed
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