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Spokane's scofflaw boot and tow
Spokane boots and tows vehicles with several unpaid parking tickets. Private booting, by contrast, is illegal in Washington.
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.
The scofflaw list and the boot
A vehicle with four or more parking tickets unpaid for more than 45 days goes on the scofflaw list, with a list fee. The City's collection agency mails the owner a notice giving at least 10 days to respond. After that, the vehicle can be booted.
Sources: SMC 16A.07.060
From boot to impound
If the fines and fees are not paid within 2 business days of the boot notice, the vehicle is impounded; eight or more unpaid tickets also allow an impound. Paying, scheduling a hearing with Spokane Municipal Court, or setting up a payment plan takes the vehicle off the list, but missing the hearing or the plan puts it back.
Sources: SMC 16A.07.060; Spokane Municipal Court: Towing & Impounds
A private boot
A property owner who boots someone else's car commits a gross misdemeanor under state law.
Sources: RCW 46.55.300
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