Report Change
States:
- Alabama
- Alaska
- Arizona
- Arkansas
- California
- Colorado
- Connecticut
- Delaware
- District of Columbia
- Florida
- Georgia
- Hawaii
- Idaho
- Illinois
- Indiana
- Iowa
- Kansas
- Kentucky
- Louisiana
- Maine
- Maryland
- Massachusetts
- Michigan
- Minnesota
- Mississippi
- Missouri
- Montana
- Nebraska
- Nevada
- New Hampshire
- New Jersey
- New Mexico
- New York
- North Carolina
- North Dakota
- Ohio
- Oklahoma
- Oregon
- Pennsylvania
- Rhode Island
- South Carolina
- South Dakota
- Tennessee
- Texas
- Utah
- Vermont
- Virginia
- Washington
- West Virginia
- Wisconsin
- Wyoming
Towing Laws in Washington
Report Card
B+
10
Strong Protections2
Weak Protections3
Missing ProtectionsOverall, Washington ranks 5th out of 51 states and districts in the United States, in terms of consumer protection towing practices.
Predatory towing is a nationwide issue, where profit-seeking property owners and towing companies tow cars without the owner's consent. Protections are crucial to prevent individuals from being taken advantage of. We've identified key safeguards and evaluated their implementation in Washington. Based on our criteria, Washington receives a grade of B+.
If you believe that you have been towed illegaly contact a local attorney or your attorney general. To sum up all the laws that we have reviewed check out our overview. If you are intersted to read more go to the Washington legislatures laws on towing This chapter defines key terms related to vehicle impoundment and towing in Washington state. See what steps to take when you have been towed.
Washington
has strong laws regarding this issue.
In areas with strong legislation, clear tow-away signs are typically required in private parking areas. The regulations specify the size, content, and placement of the signs to ensure they are easily visible and convey towing policies effectively. Property owners must comply with these stringent requirements to enhance transparency and protect vehicle owners.
Washington
has no laws regarding this issue.
In locations where legislation is missing, there may be no explicit requirement for taking a picture of the parked vehicle before towing. Without a standardized framework, towing companies might have varying practices, and the absence of photographic documentation could contribute to disputes and challenges in verifying the circumstances surrounding the tow.
Washington
has weak laws regarding this issue.
In areas with weak legislation on non-consensual towing, the existence of a maximum towing rate may be inadequately defined or enforced. The lack of clear guidelines can result in inconsistent practices, with towing companies having varying pricing structures. Weak legislation may not establish strict limitations on towing rates, leaving room for ambiguity and potential abuses where vehicle owners may face unpredictable and potentially unfair charges for non-consensual towing.
As a note, the rate is 135% of the maximum hourly rate for a class A tow truck.
Washington
has weak laws regarding this issue.
In regions with weak legislation on non-consensual towing, the existence of a maximum towing rate may be inadequately defined or enforced. The lack of clear guidelines can lead to inconsistent practices, with towing companies adopting varying pricing structures. Weak legislation may fail to establish strict limitations on towing rates, resulting in ambiguity and potential abuses, leaving vehicle owners susceptible to unpredictable and potentially unfair charges for non-consensual towing.
As a note, the rate is 135% of the maximum daily storage rate for an impound.
Washington
has strong laws regarding this issue.
In regions with strong legislation on non-consensual towing, specific conditions and requirements are typically outlined for the retrieval of towed vehicles. These conditions may encompass mandatory operating hours for storage facilities, accessible locations for vehicle retrieval, and other consumer-friendly provisions. Robust regulations place a priority on the rights of vehicle owners, ensuring they have reasonable access to retrieve their towed vehicles under clear and fair conditions.
As a note, towing companies required to display their rates at the storage facility.
Washington
has strong laws regarding this issue.
In regions with strong legislation on non-consensual towing, towing companies are generally obligated to uphold comprehensive documentation practices for impounded vehicles. This documentation encompasses details such as the vehicle's condition upon impoundment, the rationale behind the towing, and a thorough inventory of items within the vehicle. Stringent regulations mandate towing companies to adhere to standardized procedures for impoundment and uphold accurate record-keeping, fostering transparency and accountability within the industry.
Washington
has strong laws regarding this issue.
In regions with strong legislation on non-consensual towing, towing companies are usually required to issue prompt and clear notifications to vehicle owners following impoundment. Stringent regulations may outline the necessary content, format, and delivery methods for these notifications, guaranteeing that owners receive timely and comprehensive information about the impoundment of their vehicles. This emphasis on providing clear notifications prioritizes consumer rights and fosters fair and transparent practices within the towing industry.
As a note, the vehicle will be released for a drop fee.
Washington
has bad laws regarding this issue.
In regions with bad legislation, there may be minimal requirements or oversight regarding towing companies' patrols or scans for illegally parked cars on private property. Poorly crafted laws may lack specific provisions for responsible patrolling, potentially allowing towing companies to act without clear guidelines or accountability. This lack of clarity can contribute to consumer dissatisfaction, as vehicle owners may face the risk of their vehicles being towed without adequate safeguards against potential abuses.
As a note, towing companies may patrol private property with clear no-parking signs if authorized.
Washington
has no laws regarding this issue.
In areas with missing or insufficient legislation on towing practices, there may be no specific prohibitions or regulations addressing tow companies paying property owners kickbacks for towed vehicles. The absence of clear rules creates a potential loophole that towing companies could exploit. Efforts to establish comprehensive legislation become crucial in preventing abuses of power and maintaining the integrity of the towing industry, including addressing any financial incentives that may compromise fair towing practices.
Washington
has strong laws regarding this issue.
In regions with strong legislation on towing practices, towing companies are typically required to notify multiple parties when towing occurs. Robust regulations often mandate that the local law enforcement agency, the vehicle owner, and in some cases, the property owner or manager, be promptly notified after a vehicle is towed. Strong legislation aims to ensure transparency and accountability in the towing process, allowing affected parties to be informed promptly and reducing the likelihood of disputes. These laws often prescribe specific procedures for notification, including the provision of detailed information about the tow, location, and steps for vehicle retrieval.
As a note, the towing company must specifically notify the vehicle owner and law enforcement.
Washington
has strong laws regarding this issue.
In regions with strong legislation on towing practices, towing companies are typically required to allow owners access to their personal items in a towed vehicle. Robust regulations prioritize the protection of consumer rights, and strong legislation often includes provisions specifying that vehicle owners have the right to retrieve their personal belongings from the towed vehicle without undue hindrance. These laws may mandate that towing companies provide reasonable access to personal items within a certain timeframe, promoting fairness and minimizing inconvenience for the vehicle owner.
As a note, owner can get all items within 20 days from impound.
Washington
has strong laws regarding this issue.
In regions with strong legislation on towing practices, there are typically clear regulations governing non-consensual towing fees. Strong laws often prescribe maximum fee limits, allowable payment methods, and other consumer protections to prevent price gouging and ensure fair treatment. Vehicle owners are generally protected from excessive fees, and strong legislation may require towing companies to provide transparent and itemized invoices detailing the charges. These regulations aim to curb potential abuses and promote fairness in the fees charged for non-consensual towing services.
Washington
has strong laws regarding this issue.
In regions with strong legislation on towing practices, tow truck operators are typically required to obtain licensing and certification. Robust regulations set clear standards for training, safety, and ethical conduct, ensuring that only qualified individuals operate tow trucks. Strong legislation may establish comprehensive licensing processes that include background checks, training programs, and ongoing education requirements. These measures aim to enhance public safety, prevent unqualified individuals from engaging in towing operations, and promote a higher level of professionalism in the industry.
As a note, these hour are 24/7 with notice.
Washington
has strong laws regarding this issue.
In regions with strong legislation on towing practices, tow truck operators are typically required to maintain insurance coverage. Robust regulations establish clear standards for insurance types and coverage limits, ensuring that tow truck operators carry adequate insurance to protect the interests of consumers and third parties. Strong legislation may mandate liability insurance, cargo insurance, and other relevant coverage to mitigate financial risks in the event of accidents, property damage, or injuries. These requirements aim to protect the public and uphold the financial responsibility of tow truck operators.
As a note, the owner is entitled to reimbursement and damages.
Washington
has strong laws regarding this issue.
In regions with strong legislation on towing practices, if a vehicle is damaged during the towing or storage process, the tow company is typically required to reimburse the owner for damages. Robust regulations prioritize consumer protection, and strong legislation often includes provisions that hold towing companies accountable for any damages incurred during the towing or storage of a vehicle. This may involve clear guidelines for reporting and documenting damages, and the legislation may stipulate that the tow company is responsible for covering the costs of repairs or compensation for the diminished value of the vehicle.
Be sure to contact a local attorney or your attorney general if you beleive that you have been a victim of illegal towing. If you are confused on what these protections mean, look at our explanations to help yourself out. If you are intersted to read more go to the Washington legislatures laws on towing This chapter defines key terms related to vehicle impoundment and towing in Washington state. See what steps to take when you have been towed.
