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City impounds in Tacoma: notice, redemption and the hearing
When the Tacoma Police or another City official orders an impound, the Tacoma Municipal Code adds its own hearing process to state law.
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.
Notice and redemption
The City's towing contractor mails the owners a notice within 24 hours. To redeem, a person pays the contractor the towing, storage and City administrative fee; the code caps that fee at $100. After an arrest for driving with a suspended license, the car can be held for set periods (15, 30, 60 or 90 days, depending on the record).
The hearing
A written request on the Chief of Police's form must be received within 10 days, weekends and holidays included, of the later of the City's mailed notice or the tow company's notice. An administrative hearing officer decides whether the impound and the fees were proper: within 2 business days if the car is still held, or within 90 days if it was released.
If the impound was improper, the officer orders the car released and, if fees were paid, a judgment against the City. Either side can appeal to Tacoma Municipal Court within 15 days for a new hearing.
Sources: TMC 11.05.703(D), 11.05.704
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