Towed in Tacoma
EspañolTow Fees in Tacoma: Posted Maximums and Storage Rates
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.
We are not a law firm. This website gives general information and self-help forms that you choose and fill in yourself; it is not a substitute for the advice of an attorney. What you tell us is not protected by attorney-client privilege.
What are the posted maximum tow and storage charges for Tacoma?
- City of Tacoma: City administrative fee for a City impound: posted maximum $100.00 (TMC 11.05.705; checked on October 6, 2026).
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
When a vehicle impounded by the City of Tacoma is redeemed, the tow contractor collects a City administrative fee. The Finance Director sets it by rule, in an amount not to exceed $100.00. The Tacoma Municipal Code itself does not set towing or storage rates. The current amount set by rule was not found for this tool.
Source: TMC 11.05.705 · 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
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
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
Put a charge next to a posted maximum
Pick a posted maximum and type the amount on your bill. The box shows the two numbers side by side; which amount applies to a tow depends on its facts.