Towed in Spokane
EspañolTow Fees in Spokane: Posted Maximums and Storage Rates
Answers taken from the rules Towed in Spokane uses. Each one gives its official source and the date that source was checked. Which rules apply depends on the facts of each tow; the tool asks about them. Rules current as of October 6, 2026.
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How much can a tow company charge for a private-property tow in Spokane?
For a private impound done with a class A, D or E tow truck, the hourly towing rate on the company's filed fee schedule may not exceed 135% of the State Patrol's maximum class A hourly rate, the daily storage rate may not exceed 135% of the State Patrol's maximum daily storage rate, and the after-hours release fee may not exceed 100% of the State Patrol's maximum after-hours release fee. These limits apply only if the vehicle was parked and upright, had all its wheels and tires, had no broken axle, and was not in an accident at the place it was impounded from. They do not apply to police impounds, and a city ordinance on private-impound rates enacted before January 1, 2013 may still apply.
Source: RCW 46.55.118 · Checked on October 6, 2026
Under the City of Spokane's Tow Rotational List policy (ADMIN 0680-25-01, effective January 24, 2025), a tow company on the police rotation agrees to provide towing services to the public at or less than the rates set by the Washington State Patrol; for department tows the storage rate is one-half the state-authorized rate, and the Chief sets annual maximum hourly rates. This is a City policy and contract term, not an ordinance; the State Patrol's dollar rates were not checked for this tool, and the policy does not say whether it reaches a private impound by the same company.
Source: City of Spokane Admin. Policy ADMIN 0680-25-01 "Tow Rotational List" sec. 6.7 (Official Gazette Feb. 12, 2025) · Checked on October 6, 2026
What can a storage lot charge for storage in Spokane?
A tow company must file its fee schedule with the Department of Licensing, and no fee may exceed the filed fees. Towing is charged by the hour, and after the first hour to the nearest quarter hour. Storage is charged on a 24-hour basis, to the nearest half day, starting when the vehicle has been unloaded and the paperwork done at the storage lot; unloading and paperwork time may be billed as tow time in 15-minute steps, up to 60 minutes in all. Every invoice given to the person redeeming must be itemized so each fee is clearly discernible, and must show the time of day the vehicle arrived at the storage lot.
Source: RCW 46.55.063(1), (3)-(5); WAC 308-61-135(2) · Checked on October 6, 2026
What rules apply when a car is booted in Spokane?
A property owner may not immobilize (boot) a vehicle owned by someone else. This does not apply to property owned by the state or a local government, such as a city booting a car for unpaid parking tickets. A violation is a crime. Seattle's code repeats the rule (SMC 11.30.340).
Source: RCW 46.55.300; SMC 11.30.340 · Checked on October 6, 2026
What must the bill and the posted rate sheet show?
A tow company may not include in its lien any charge that is not specifically authorized. Mechanic fees and prior storage fees are not allowed; all fees must be included in the towing and storage rates, no fee for other services is allowed, and no fee may be listed on the rate sheet without a provision for it. The daily storage rate may not be raised between the impound and the redemption or auction.
Source: WAC 308-61-185(1), (3) · Checked on October 6, 2026
A tow company has a lien on the impounded vehicle for towing and storage only if it has a valid and signed impoundment authorization, and not if the impound is found invalid. The lien does not cover personal property in the vehicle. After an auction, its claim against the registered owner for any shortfall is limited to $500 ($1,000 for vehicles over 10,000 pounds) unless the impound is found invalid; that limit does not apply to police-directed impounds, and auction costs or buyer's fees may not be added.
Source: RCW 46.55.140(1) · Checked on October 6, 2026