Consumer Affairs

Seattle Police Department Impound Agreement

The Consumer Affairs Unit administers the police impound agreement for the City of Seattle. This work includes oversight of response times, audits of records, inspection of storage lots, investigation of complaints, authorization of tow releases, administrative hearings on police impounds not originated with an issuance of a parking or traffic citation, and the collection of administrative fees. Tow contractors bid for exclusive rights in six zones to impound vehicles in response to police requests. Impounds are normally requested for certain parking violations, abandoned vehicles, investigative holds, and stolen recoveries. Towing charges and storage charges are fixed in the vehicle impound agreement but may vary from year to year and between zones. The City assesses an administrative fee on each impound that is released in order to help fund administration of this agreement.

Registered owners may request a hearing on whether the police impound was proper or whether the towing contractor charges were proper at Seattle Municipal Court (for vehicles that have been issued parking or traffic citations) or request an administrative hearing by the Consumer Affairs Unit (all other police impounds - e.g., investigative holds, stolen recoveries). If successful, the registered owner may file a claim for reimbursement with the City Clerk's Office (City Hall).

• Seattle Municipal Code Chapter 11.30, "Impounding"
• Revised Code of Washington, Chapter 46.55, "Abandoned, Unauthorized, and Junk Vehicles - Tow Truck Operators"
• Washington Administrative Code Chapter 308-61, "Unauthorized and Abandoned Vehicles"

Information

We welcome your comments. If you have a specific question you would like answered, please send us E-Mail at: seattle.consumer-affairs@seattle.gov

Laws & Regulations

Vehicle Impound Complaint