Towed in Tacoma
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Answers taken from the rules Towed in Tacoma 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 Tacoma?
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
What can a storage lot charge for storage in Tacoma?
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
How long do I have to ask for an impound hearing in Tacoma?
Anyone seeking to redeem an impounded vehicle - including one impounded from private property under RCW 46.55.080 - has a right to a hearing in the district or municipal court for the jurisdiction where it was impounded, to contest the validity of the impoundment or the amount of the towing and storage charges. The district court can hear every impound; a municipal court hears impounds authorized by that city's agents. The request must be in writing on the form provided for it and must be received by the court within 10 days of the date the tow company gave the written notice of hearing rights (RCW 46.55.120(2)(a)), and more than five days before the auction. A filing fee equal to the fee for filing a suit in district court is paid when the request is filed. A request the court does not receive within the 10 days waives the hearing, and the registered owner is liable for the towing and storage charges the chapter permits.
Source: RCW 46.55.120(1)(a), (2)(b), (3)(a) · Checked on October 6, 2026
What are the rules for tow-away signs on private property in Tacoma?
No one may impound a vehicle that has been on nonresidential private property (or in a public parking facility) for less than 24 hours unless a sign is posted near each entrance and on the property, clearly visible to everyone who parks there, that clearly shows the times a vehicle may be impounded and the name, telephone number and address of the towing firm where it may be redeemed. Residential property (four or fewer units) needs no sign: the person in charge may have an unauthorized vehicle impounded immediately by giving written authorization.
Source: RCW 46.55.070(1), (2) · Checked on October 6, 2026
Tow-away signs must measure at least 15 by 24 inches, with lettering clearly visible to all who park. Signs for publicly owned or controlled parking facilities must say that unauthorized vehicles will be impounded and give a phone number for redeeming a vehicle; if a tow company is used, they must also meet the private-property sign rules.
Source: WAC 308-61-145 · Checked on October 6, 2026
Where can I file a complaint about a tow in Tacoma?
Police and local licensing agencies that receive complaints about tow companies must forward them to the Department of Licensing. DOL takes complaints about tow truck operators online, by email to dolbpdcomplaints@dol.wa.gov, or by mail to its Centralized Investigations and Audits Unit, PO Box 1098, Olympia, WA 98507-1098, with copies of all related documents and a detailed explanation (dates, others involved, what you already tried, and events in order).
Source: RCW 46.55.170(1); DOL, File a complaint · Checked on October 6, 2026
What forms of payment must the tow company or storage lot accept in Tacoma?
The vehicle must be released to a person entitled to redeem it who presents "commercially reasonable tender" enough to cover the towing and storage charges. That includes, without limitation, cash, major bank credit cards, and personal checks drawn on Washington branches of financial institutions with two pieces of valid identification (one may have to have a photo); the company may refuse a check it cannot verify.
Source: RCW 46.55.120(1)(f) · Checked on October 6, 2026
Can I get my belongings out of the towed car in Tacoma?
An impounded vehicle must be taken to the nearest storage location that has been inspected and listed with the Department of Licensing. Vehicles and stored belongings must be handled and returned in substantially the same condition as before the tow. For 20 days after the impound, personal belongings must be kept intact and returned to the owner or agent during normal business hours on request with a driver's license or other identification. Anyone with proof of ownership, or written authorization from the registered or legal owner or the insurer, may view the vehicle without charge during normal business hours.
Source: RCW 46.55.090(1)-(3), (5) · Checked on October 6, 2026
When the tow company's office is closed it must post a phone number there for releasing vehicles and personal property, and it must have staff reachable 24 hours a day who can release an impounded vehicle within 60 minutes. Personal property must be released without charge between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. on weekdays, except holidays.
Source: WAC 308-61-125(2), (3) · Checked on October 6, 2026
What rules apply when a car is booted in Tacoma?
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