reglab/statecodes huggingface dataset:
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 46 - Motor Vehicles › Chapter 46.55 - Towing and Impoundment. › 46.55.020 - Registration required—Penalty.

RCW 46.55.020
Registration required—Penalty.
(1) A person shall not engage in or offer to engage in the activities of a registered tow truck operator without a current registration certificate from the department of licensing authorizing him or her to engage in such activities.
(2) Any person engaging in or offering to engage in the activities of a registered tow truck operator without the registration certificate required by this chapter is guilty of a gross misdemeanor.
(3) A registered operator who engages in a business practice that is prohibited under this chapter may be issued a notice of traffic infraction under chapter 46.63 RCW and is also subject to the civil penalties that may be imposed by the department under this chapter.
(4) A person found to have committed an offense that is a traffic infraction under this chapter is subject to a monetary penalty of at least two hundred fifty dollars.
(5) All traffic infractions issued under this chapter shall be under the jurisdiction of the district court in whose jurisdiction they were issued.
[ 2003 c 53 § 243; 1989 c 111 § 2; 1985 c 377 § 2.]
NOTES:
Intent—Effective date—2003 c 53: See notes following RCW 2.48.180.
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 46 - Motor Vehicles › Chapter 46.55 - Towing and Impoundment. › 46.55.025 - Registration or insurance required—Penalty.

RCW 46.55.025
Registration or insurance required—Penalty.
A vehicle engaging in the business of recovery of disabled vehicles for monetary compensation, from or on a public road or highway must either be operated by a registered tow truck operator, or someone who at a minimum has insurance in a like manner and amount as prescribed in RCW 46.55.030(3), and have had their tow trucks inspected in a like manner as prescribed by RCW 46.55.040(1). The department shall adopt rules to enforce this section. Failure to comply with this section is a class 1 civil infraction punishable under RCW 7.80.120.
[ 1995 c 360 § 2.]
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 46 - Motor Vehicles › Chapter 46.55 - Towing and Impoundment. › 46.55.035 - Prohibited acts—Penalty.

RCW 46.55.035
Prohibited acts—Penalty.
(1) No registered tow truck operator may:
(a) Except as authorized under RCW 46.55.037, ask for or receive any compensation, gratuity, reward, or promise thereof from a person having control or possession of private property or from an agent of the person authorized to sign an impound authorization, for or on account of the impounding of a vehicle;
(b) Be beneficially interested in a contract, agreement, or understanding that may be made by or between a person having control or possession of private property and an agent of the person authorized to sign an impound authorization;
(c) Have a financial, equitable, or ownership interest in a firm, partnership, association, or corporation whose functions include acting as an agent or a representative of a property owner for the purpose of signing impound authorizations;
(d) Enter into any contract or agreement or offer any program that provides an incentive to a person authorized to order a private impound under RCW 46.55.080 that is related to the authorization of an impound or a number of impounds.
(i) The incentives prohibited by this section may be either monetary or nonmonetary things of value, such as gifts or prizes which are contingent on, or as a reward for the authorization of impounds.
(ii) Gifts of de minimis value that are given in the ordinary course of business and are not tied to any specific decision to authorize an impound or impounds are not prohibited. Permitted gifts would include promotional items such as pens, calendars, cups, and other items labeled with the registered tow truck operator's business information, holiday gifts such as cookies or candy, flowers for occasions such as illness or death, or the cost of a single meal for one person when discussing business.
(iii) The provision of the actual physical signs required by this chapter to be posted on private property and the labor and materials for placing them is not a violation of this section.
(2) This section does not prohibit the registered tow truck operator from collecting the costs of towing, storage, tolls or ferry fares paid, or other services rendered during the course of towing, removing, impounding, or storing of an impounded vehicle as provided by RCW 46.55.120.
(3) A violation of this section is a gross misdemeanor.
[ 2012 c 18 § 1; 2010 c 56 § 1; 1992 c 18 § 1; 1989 c 111 § 4.]
NOTES:
Riding in towed vehicles: RCW 46.61.625.
Safety chains for towing: RCW 46.37.495.
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 46 - Motor Vehicles › Chapter 46.55 - Towing and Impoundment. › 46.55.037 - Compensation for private impounds.

RCW 46.55.037
Compensation for private impounds.
A registered tow truck operator may receive compensation from a private property owner or agent for a private impound of an unauthorized vehicle that has an approximate fair market value equal only to the approximate value of the scrap in it. The private property owner or an agent must authorize the impound under RCW 46.55.080. The registered tow truck operator shall process the vehicle in accordance with this chapter and shall deduct any compensation received from the private property owner or agent from the amount of the lien on the vehicle in accordance with this chapter.
[ 1992 c 18 § 2.]
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 46 - Motor Vehicles › Chapter 46.55 - Towing and Impoundment. › 46.55.040 - Permit required—Inspections of equipment and facilities.

RCW 46.55.040
Permit required—Inspections of equipment and facilities.
(1) A registered operator shall apply for and keep current a tow truck permit for each tow truck of which the operator is the registered owner. Application for a tow truck permit shall be accompanied by a report from the Washington state patrol covering a physical inspection of each tow truck capable of being used by the applicant.
(2) Upon receipt of the fee provided in RCW 46.55.030(4) and a satisfactory inspection report from the state patrol, the department shall issue each tow truck an annual tow truck permit or decal. The class of the tow truck, determined according to RCW 46.55.050, shall be stamped on the permit or decal. The permit or decal shall be displayed on the passenger side of the truck's front windshield.
(3) A tow truck number from the department shall be affixed in a permanent manner to each tow truck.
(4) The Washington state patrol shall conduct annual inspections of tow truck operators' equipment and facilities during the operators' normal business hours. Unscheduled inspections may be conducted without notice at the operator's place of business by an inspector to determine the fitness of a tow truck or facilities. At the time of the inspection, the operator shall provide a paper copy of the master log referred to in RCW 46.55.080.
(5) If at the time of the annual or subsequent inspections the equipment does not meet the requirements of this chapter, and the deficiency is a safety related deficiency, or the equipment is necessary to the truck's performance, the inspector shall cause the registered tow truck operator to remove that equipment from service as a tow truck until such time as the equipment has been satisfactorily repaired. A red tag shall be placed on the windshield of a tow truck taken out of service, and the tow truck shall not provide tow truck service until the Washington state patrol recertifies the truck and removes the tag.
[ 1989 c 111 § 5; 1985 c 377 § 4.]
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 46 - Motor Vehicles › Chapter 46.55 - Towing and Impoundment. › 46.55.050 - Classification of trucks—Marking requirements—Time and place of inspection—Penalty.

RCW 46.55.050
Classification of trucks—Marking requirements—Time and place of inspection—Penalty.
(1) Tow trucks shall be classified by towing capabilities, and shall meet or exceed all equipment standards set by the state patrol for the type of tow trucks to be used by an operator.
(2) All tow trucks shall display the firm's name, city of address, and telephone number. This information shall be painted on or permanently affixed to both sides of the vehicle in accordance with rules adopted by the department.
(3) Before a tow truck is put into tow truck service, or when the reinspection of a tow truck is necessary, the district commander of the state patrol shall designate a location and time for the inspection to be conducted. When practicable, the inspection or reinspection shall be made within three business days following the request by the operator.
(4) Failure to comply with any requirement of this section or rules adopted under it is a traffic infraction.
[ 1987 c 330 § 740; 1985 c 377 § 5.]
NOTES:
Construction—Application of rules—Severability—1987 c 330: See notes following RCW 28B.12.050.
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 46 - Motor Vehicles › Chapter 46.55 - Towing and Impoundment. › 46.55.060 - Business location—Requirements.

RCW 46.55.060
Business location—Requirements.
(1) The address that the tow truck operator lists on his or her application shall be the business location of the firm where its files are kept. Each separate business location requires a separate registration under this chapter. The application shall also list all locations of secure areas for vehicle storage and redemption.
(2) Before an additional lot may be used for vehicle storage, it must be inspected and approved by the state patrol. The lot must also be inspected and approved on an annual basis for continued use.
(3) Each business location must have a sign displaying the firm's name that is readable from the street.
(4) At the business locations listed where vehicles may be redeemed, the registered operator shall post in a conspicuous and accessible location:
(a) All pertinent licenses and permits to operate as a registered tow truck operator;
(b) The current towing and storage charges itemized on a form approved by the department;
(c) The vehicle redemption procedure and rights;
(d) Information supplied by the department as to where complaints regarding either equipment or service are to be directed;
(e) Information concerning the acceptance of commercially reasonable tender as defined in RCW 46.55.120(1)(f).
(5) The department shall adopt rules concerning fencing and security requirements of storage areas, which may provide for modifications or exemptions where needed to achieve compliance with local zoning laws.
(6) On any day when the registered tow truck operator holds the towing services open for business, the business office shall remain open with personnel present who are able to release impounded vehicles in accordance with this chapter and the rules adopted under it. The normal business hours of a towing service shall be from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. on weekdays, excluding Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays. The business office may be closed for no more than one hour between the hours of 11:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. if a notice is clearly visible at the door with a telephone number at which personnel can be reached to return within no more than one-half of an hour to release an impounded vehicle. If the caller does in fact redeem the vehicle when the personnel returns to release the vehicle, the accrual of charges for storage ceases at the time of the call.
(7) A registered tow truck operator shall maintain personnel who can be contacted twenty-four hours a day to release impounded vehicles within a reasonable time.
(8) A registered operator shall provide access to a telephone for any person redeeming a vehicle, at the time of redemption.
[ 2015 c 227 § 1; 1989 c 111 § 6; 1987 c 311 § 3; 1985 c 377 § 6.]
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 46 - Motor Vehicles › Chapter 46.55 - Towing and Impoundment. › 46.55.063 - Fees, schedules, contracts, invoices.

RCW 46.55.063
Fees, schedules, contracts, invoices.
(1) An operator shall file a fee schedule with the department. All filed fees must be adequate to cover the costs of service provided. No fees may exceed those filed with the department. At least ten days before the effective date of any change in an operator's fee schedule, the registered tow truck operator shall file the revised fee schedule with the department.
(2) Towing contracts with private property owners shall be in written form and state the hours of authorization to impound, the persons empowered to authorize the impounds, and the present charge of a private impound for the classes of tow trucks to be used in the impound, and must be retained in the files of the registered tow truck operator for three years.
(3) A fee that is charged for tow truck service must be calculated on an hourly basis, and after the first hour must be charged to the nearest quarter hour.
(4) Fees that are charged for the storage of a vehicle, or for other items of personal property registered or titled with the department, must be calculated on a twenty-four hour basis and must be charged to the nearest half day from the time when the operator has unloaded the vehicle and completed the necessary paperwork at the secure storage area. The total amount of time to unload the towed vehicle, complete required paperwork, and reasonably prepare the tow truck to return to service may be charged as part of the tow truck service in fifteen-minute increments not to exceed a total of sixty minutes after the return of the tow truck to the secure storage area. If a portion of any fifteen-minute increment exceeds a total of eight minutes, the total minutes must be rounded up to the next highest fifteen-minute period of total time except in the last fifteen minutes of the total sixty minutes. However, items of personal property registered or titled with the department that are wholly contained within an impounded vehicle are not subject to additional storage fees; they are, however, subject to satisfying the underlying lien for towing and storage of the vehicle in which they are contained.
(5) All billing invoices that are provided to the redeemer of the vehicle, or other items of personal property registered or titled with the department, must be itemized so that the individual fees are clearly discernible.
[ 2017 c 94 § 1; 1995 c 360 § 3; 1989 c 111 § 7.]
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 46 - Motor Vehicles › Chapter 46.55 - Towing and Impoundment. › 46.55.070 - Posting requirements—Exception.

RCW 46.55.070
Posting requirements—Exception.
(1) No person may impound, tow, or otherwise disturb any unauthorized vehicle standing on nonresidential private property or in a public parking facility for less than twenty-four hours unless a sign is posted near each entrance and on the property in a clearly conspicuous and visible location to all who park on such property that clearly indicates:
(a) The times a vehicle may be impounded as an unauthorized vehicle; and
(b) The name, telephone number, and address of the towing firm where the vehicle may be redeemed.
(2) The requirements of subsection (1) of this section do not apply to residential property. Any person having charge of such property may have an unauthorized vehicle impounded immediately upon giving written authorization.
(3) The department shall adopt rules relating to the size of the sign required by subsection (1) of this section, its lettering, placement, and the number required.
(4) This section applies to all new signs erected after July 1, 1986. All other signs must meet these requirements by July 1, 1989.
[ 1987 c 311 § 4; 1985 c 377 § 7.]
NOTES:
Vehicle immobilization unlawful: RCW 46.55.300.
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 46 - Motor Vehicles › Chapter 46.55 - Towing and Impoundment. › 46.55.075 - Law enforcement impound—Required form, procedures.

RCW 46.55.075
Law enforcement impound—Required form, procedures.
(1) The Washington state patrol shall provide by rule for a uniform impound authorization and inventory form. All law enforcement agencies must use this form for all vehicle impounds after June 30, 2001.
(2) By January 1, 2003, the Washington state patrol shall develop uniform impound procedures, which must include but are not limited to defining an impound and a visual inspection. Local law enforcement agencies shall adopt the procedures by July 1, 2003.
[ 2002 c 279 § 5; 1999 c 398 § 3.]
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 46 - Motor Vehicles › Chapter 46.55 - Towing and Impoundment. › 46.55.080 - Law enforcement, authorized regional transit authority representative, other public official impound, private impound—Master log—Certain associations restricted.

RCW 46.55.080
Law enforcement, authorized regional transit authority representative, other public official impound, private impound—Master log—Certain associations restricted.
(1) If a vehicle is in violation of the time restrictions of RCW 46.55.010(14), it may be impounded by a registered tow truck operator at the direction of a law enforcement officer, authorized regional transit authority representative under the conditions described in RCW 46.55.010(14)(a)(iv), or other public official with jurisdiction if the vehicle is on public property, or at the direction of the property owner or an agent if it is on private property. A law enforcement officer may also direct the impoundment of a vehicle pursuant to a writ or court order.
(2) The person requesting a private impound or a law enforcement officer, authorized regional transit authority representative, or public official requesting a public impound shall provide a signed authorization for the impound at the time and place of the impound to the registered tow truck operator before the operator may proceed with the impound. A registered tow truck operator, employee, or his or her agent may not serve as an agent of a property owner for the purposes of signing an impound authorization or, independent of the property owner, identify a vehicle for impound.
(3) In the case of a private impound, the impound authorization shall include the following statement: "A person authorizing this impound, if the impound is found in violation of chapter 46.55 RCW, may be held liable for the costs incurred by the vehicle owner."
(4) A registered tow truck operator shall record and keep in the operator's files the date and time that a vehicle is put in the operator's custody and released. The operator shall make an entry into a master log regarding transactions relating to impounded vehicles. The operator shall make this master log available, upon request, to representatives of the department or the state patrol.
(5) A person who engages in or offers to engage in the activities of a registered tow truck operator may not be associated in any way with a person or business whose main activity is authorizing the impounding of vehicles.
[ 2023 c 326 § 2. Prior: 2022 c 186 § 709; 2018 c 22 § 12; 1999 c 398 § 4; 1989 c 111 § 8; 1987 c 311 § 5; 1985 c 377 § 8.]
NOTES:
Effective date—2022 c 186: See note following RCW 47.01.071.
Explanatory statement—2018 c 22: See note following RCW 1.20.051.
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 46 - Motor Vehicles › Chapter 46.55 - Towing and Impoundment. › 46.55.085 - Law enforcement impound—Unauthorized vehicle in right-of-way.

RCW 46.55.085
Law enforcement impound—Unauthorized vehicle in right-of-way.
(1) A law enforcement officer discovering an unauthorized vehicle left within a highway right-of-way shall attach to the vehicle a readily visible notification sticker. The sticker shall contain the following information:
(a) The date and time the sticker was attached;
(b) The identity of the officer;
(c) A statement that if the vehicle is not removed within twenty-four hours from the time the sticker is attached, the vehicle may be taken into custody and stored at the owner's expense;
(d) A statement that if the vehicle is not redeemed as provided in RCW 46.55.120, the registered owner will have committed the traffic infraction of littering—abandoned vehicle; and
(e) The address and telephone number where additional information may be obtained.
(2) If the vehicle has current Washington registration plates, the officer shall check the records to learn the identity of the last owner of record. The officer or his or her department shall make a reasonable effort to contact the owner by telephone in order to give the owner the information on the notification sticker.
(3) If the vehicle is not removed within twenty-four hours from the time the notification sticker is attached, the law enforcement officer may take custody of the vehicle and provide for the vehicle's removal to a place of safety. A vehicle that does not pose a safety hazard may remain on the roadside for more than twenty-four hours if the owner or operator is unable to remove it from the place where it is located and so notifies law enforcement officials and requests assistance.
(4) For the purposes of this section a place of safety includes the business location of a registered tow truck operator.
[ 2010 c 8 § 9062; 2002 c 279 § 6; 1993 c 121 § 1; 1987 c 311 § 6. Formerly RCW 46.52.170 and 46.52.180.]
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 46 - Motor Vehicles › Chapter 46.55 - Towing and Impoundment. › 46.55.090 - Storage, return requirements—Vehicles, personal belongings—Combination endorsement for tow truck drivers—Viewing impounded vehicle.

RCW 46.55.090
Storage, return requirements—Vehicles, personal belongings—Combination endorsement for tow truck drivers—Viewing impounded vehicle.
(1) All vehicles impounded shall be taken to the nearest storage location that has been inspected and is listed on the application filed with the department.
(2) All vehicles and stored personal belongings shall be handled and returned in substantially the same condition as they existed before being towed.
(3) For purposes of this subsection [section], "personal belongings" means personal property and contents in a vehicle, with the exception of those items of personal property that are registered or titled with the department. For a period of twenty days from impound, personal belongings shall be kept intact, and shall be returned to the vehicle's owner or agent during normal business hours upon request and presentation of a driver's license or other sufficient identification. A vehicle's owner or agent may retrieve personal belongings from the vehicle and request that the registered tow truck operator store the personal belongings for a period of thirty days from the date of signing a personal belongings storage request form. If a personal belongings storage request form is not submitted, personal belongings not claimed within twenty days from the date of the impound are considered abandoned and may be disposed of at the registered tow truck operator's discretion. If a personal belongings storage request form is submitted to the registered tow truck operator, personal belongings not claimed within thirty days of the date the personal belongings storage request form is submitted are considered abandoned and may be disposed of at the registered tow truck operator's discretion. Abandoned personal belongings may be sold at auction with the vehicle to fulfill a lien against the vehicle. The department shall adopt rules prescribing the content and format of the personal belongings storage request form.
(4) Tow truck drivers shall have a Washington state driver's license endorsed for the appropriate classification under chapter 46.25 RCW or the equivalent issued by another state.
(5) Any person who shows proof of ownership or written authorization from the impounded vehicle's registered or legal owner or the vehicle's insurer may view the vehicle without charge during normal business hours.
[ 2019 c 401 § 1; 1995 c 360 § 4; 1989 c 178 § 25; 1987 c 311 § 7; 1985 c 377 § 9.]
NOTES:
Effective dates—1989 c 178: See RCW 46.25.901.
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 46 - Motor Vehicles › Chapter 46.55 - Towing and Impoundment. › 46.55.115 - State patrol—Appointment of towing operators—Lien for costs—Appeal.

RCW 46.55.115
State patrol—Appointment of towing operators—Lien for costs—Appeal.
The Washington state patrol, under its authority to remove vehicles from the highway, may remove the vehicles directly, through towing operators appointed by the state patrol and called on a rotational or other basis, through contracts with towing operators, or by a combination of these methods. When removal is to be accomplished through a towing operator on a noncontractual basis, the state patrol may appoint any towing operator for this purpose upon the application of the operator. Each appointment shall be contingent upon the submission of an application to the state patrol and the making of subsequent reports in such form and frequency and compliance with such standards of equipment, performance, pricing, and practices as may be required by rule of the state patrol.
An appointment may be rescinded by the state patrol upon evidence that the appointed towing operator is not complying with the laws or rules relating to the removal and storage of vehicles from the highway. The state patrol may not rescind an appointment merely because a registered tow truck operator negotiates a different rate for voluntary, owner-requested towing than for involuntary towing under this chapter. The costs of removal and storage of vehicles under this section shall be paid by the owner or driver of the vehicle and shall be a lien upon the vehicle until paid, unless the removal is determined to be invalid.
Rules promulgated under this section shall be binding only upon those towing operators appointed by the state patrol for the purpose of performing towing services at the request of the Washington state patrol. Any person aggrieved by a decision of the state patrol made under this section may appeal the decision under chapter 34.05 RCW.
[ 1993 c 121 § 2; 1987 c 330 § 744; 1979 ex.s. c 178 § 22; 1977 ex.s. c 167 § 5. Formerly RCW 46.61.567.]
NOTES:
Construction—Application of rules—Severability—1987 c 330: See notes following RCW 28B.12.050.
Severability—1979 ex.s. c 178: See note following RCW 46.61.590.
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 46 - Motor Vehicles › Chapter 46.55 - Towing and Impoundment. › 46.55.117 - Impounds under RCW 64.44.050.

RCW 46.55.117
Impounds under RCW 64.44.050.
An impound under RCW 64.44.050 shall not be considered an impound under this chapter. A tow [truck] operator who contracts with a law enforcement agency for transporting a vehicle impounded under RCW 64.44.050 shall only remove the vehicle to a secure public facility, and is not required to store or dispose of the vehicle. The vehicle shall remain in the care, custody, and control of the law enforcement agency to be demolished, disposed of, or decontaminated as provided under RCW 64.44.050. The law enforcement agency shall pay for all costs incurred as a result of the towing if the vehicle owner does not pay within thirty days. The law enforcement agency may seek reimbursement from the owner.
[ 2008 c 201 § 3.]
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 46 - Motor Vehicles › Chapter 46.55 - Towing and Impoundment. › 46.55.140 - Operator's lien, deficiency claim, liability.

RCW 46.55.140
Operator's lien, deficiency claim, liability.
(1) A registered tow truck operator who has a valid and signed impoundment authorization has a lien upon the impounded vehicle for services provided in the towing and storage of the vehicle, unless the impoundment is determined to have been invalid. The lien does not apply to personal property in or upon the vehicle that is not permanently attached to or is not an integral part of the vehicle except for items of personal property registered or titled with the department. The registered tow truck operator also has a deficiency claim against the registered owner of the vehicle for services provided in the towing and storage of the vehicle not to exceed the sum of five hundred dollars after deduction of the amount bid at auction, and for vehicles of over ten thousand pounds gross vehicle weight, the operator has a deficiency claim of one thousand dollars after deduction of the amount bid at auction, unless the impound is determined to be invalid. The limitation on towing and storage deficiency claims does not apply to an impound directed by a law enforcement officer. In no case may the cost of the auction or a buyer's fee be added to the amount charged for the vehicle at the auction, the vehicle's lien, or the overage due. A registered owner who has completed and filed with the department the report of sale as provided for in RCW 46.12.650 and has timely and properly filed the report of sale is relieved of liability under this section. The person named as the new owner of the vehicle on the timely and properly filed report of sale shall assume liability under this section.
(2) Any person who tows, removes, or otherwise disturbs any vehicle parked, stalled, or otherwise left on privately owned or controlled property, and any person owning or controlling the private property, or either of them, are liable to the owner or operator of a vehicle, or each of them, for consequential and incidental damages arising from any interference with the ownership or use of the vehicle which does not comply with the requirements of this chapter.
[ 2010 c 161 § 1121; 1995 c 360 § 8; 1992 c 200 § 1; 1991 c 20 § 2; 1989 c 111 § 13; 1987 c 311 § 14; 1985 c 377 § 14.]
NOTES:
Effective date—Intent—Legislation to reconcile chapter 161, Laws of 2010 and other amendments made during the 2010 legislative session—2010 c 161: See notes following RCW 46.04.013.
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 46 - Motor Vehicles › Chapter 46.55 - Towing and Impoundment. › 46.55.150 - Vehicle transaction file.

RCW 46.55.150
Vehicle transaction file.
(1) The registered tow truck operator shall keep a transaction file on each vehicle, which shall be kept for a minimum of three years. The transaction file shall contain as a minimum those of the following items that are required at the time the vehicle is redeemed or becomes abandoned and is sold at a public auction:
(a) A signed impoundment authorization as required by RCW 46.55.080;
(b) A record of the twenty-four hour written impound notice to a law enforcement agency;
(c) A copy of the impoundment notification to registered and legal owners, sent within twenty-four hours of impoundment, that advises the owners of the address of the impounding firm, a twenty-four hour telephone number, and the name of the person or agency under whose authority the vehicle was impounded;
(d) A copy of the abandoned vehicle report that was sent to and returned by the department;
(e) A copy and proof of mailing of the notice of custody and sale sent by the registered tow truck operator to the owners advising them they have fifteen days to redeem the vehicle before it is sold at public auction;
(f) A copy of the published notice of public auction;
(g) A copy of the affidavit of sale showing the sales date, purchaser, amount of the lien, and sale price;
(h) A record of the two highest bid offers on the vehicle, with the names, addresses, and telephone numbers of the two bidders;
(i) A copy of the notice of opportunity for hearing given to those who redeem vehicles;
(j) An itemized invoice of charges against the vehicle; and
(k) Documentation of a bailment in accordance with RCW 46.55.125, if applicable.
(2)(a) The transaction file kept under subsection (1) of this section may be created and stored electronically. If the tow truck operator elects to store records electronically, the method of electronic records storage shall utilize software developed for that business purpose. This method of storage may include the use of cloud storage or another acceptable method that makes storage, retrieval, and access to the records reliable and available during normal business hours for audit or inspection by the department of licensing, the Washington state patrol, or any law enforcement agency with jurisdiction.
(b) Any electronic record created for each tow transaction must be maintained in an electronic folder labeled with the date the towing service was performed. The electronic folders must be maintained in chronological order.
[ 2017 c 152 § 3; 2017 c 50 § 1; 1989 c 111 § 14; 1987 c 311 § 15; 1985 c 377 § 15.]
NOTES:
Reviser's note: This section was amended by 2017 c 50 § 1 and by 2017 c 152 § 3, each without reference to the other. Both amendments are incorporated in the publication of this section under RCW 1.12.025(2). For rule of construction, see RCW 1.12.025(1).
Short title—2017 c 152: See note following RCW 46.55.125.
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 46 - Motor Vehicles › Chapter 46.55 - Towing and Impoundment. › 46.55.160 - Availability of records, equipment, and facilities for audit and inspection.

RCW 46.55.160
Availability of records, equipment, and facilities for audit and inspection.
Records, including any electronic records, equipment, and facilities of a registered tow truck operator shall be available during normal business hours for audit or inspection by the department of licensing, the Washington state patrol, or any law enforcement agency having jurisdiction.
[ 2017 c 50 § 2; 1985 c 377 § 16.]
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 46 - Motor Vehicles › Chapter 46.55 - Towing and Impoundment. › 46.55.170 - Complaints, where forwarded.

RCW 46.55.170
Complaints, where forwarded.
(1) All law enforcement agencies or local licensing agencies that receive complaints involving registered tow truck operators shall forward the complaints, along with any supporting documents including all results from local investigations, to the department.
(2) Complaints involving deficiencies of equipment shall be forwarded by the department to the state patrol.
[ 1987 c 330 § 741; 1985 c 377 § 17.]
NOTES:
Construction—Application of rules—Severability—1987 c 330: See notes following RCW 28B.12.050.
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 46 - Motor Vehicles › Chapter 46.55 - Towing and Impoundment. › 46.55.180 - Presiding officer at licensing hearing.

RCW 46.55.180
Presiding officer at licensing hearing.
The director or the chief of the state patrol may use a hearing officer or administrative law judge for presiding over a hearing regarding licensing provisions under this chapter or rules adopted under it.
[ 1989 c 111 § 15; 1987 c 330 § 742; 1985 c 377 § 18.]
NOTES:
Construction—Application of rules—Severability—1987 c 330: See notes following RCW 28B.12.050.
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 46 - Motor Vehicles › Chapter 46.55 - Towing and Impoundment. › 46.55.190 - Rules.

RCW 46.55.190
Rules.
The director, in cooperation with the chief of the Washington state patrol, shall adopt rules that carry out the provisions and intent of this chapter.
[ 1985 c 377 § 19.]
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 46 - Motor Vehicles › Chapter 46.55 - Towing and Impoundment. › 46.55.200 - Penalties for certain acts or omissions.

RCW 46.55.200
Penalties for certain acts or omissions.
A registered tow truck operator's license may be denied, suspended, or revoked, or the licensee may be ordered to pay a monetary penalty of a civil nature, not to exceed one thousand dollars per violation, or the licensee may be subjected to any combination of license and monetary penalty, whenever the director has reason to believe the licensee has committed, or is at the time committing, a violation of this chapter or rules adopted under it or any other statute or rule relating to the title or disposition of vehicles or vehicle hulks, including but not limited to:
(1) Towing any abandoned vehicle without first obtaining and having in the operator's possession at all times while transporting it, appropriate evidence of ownership or an impound authorization properly executed by the private person or public official having control over the property on which the unauthorized vehicle was found;
(2) Forging the signature of the registered or legal owner on a certificate of title, or forging the signature of any authorized person on documents pertaining to unauthorized or abandoned vehicles or automobile hulks;
(3) Failing to comply with the statutes and rules relating to the processing and sale of abandoned vehicles;
(4) Failing to accept bids on any abandoned vehicle offered at public sale;
(5) Failing to transmit to the state surplus funds derived from the sale of an abandoned vehicle;
(6) Selling, disposing of, or having in his or her possession, without notifying law enforcement officials, a vehicle that he or she knows or has reason to know has been stolen or illegally appropriated without the consent of the owner;
(7) Failing to comply with the statutes and rules relating to the transfer of ownership of vehicles or other procedures after public sale; or
(8) Failing to pay any civil monetary penalty assessed by the director pursuant to this section within ten days after the assessment becomes final.
All orders by the director made under this chapter are subject to the Administrative Procedure Act, chapter 34.05 RCW.
[ 2010 c 8 § 9063; 1989 c 111 § 16; 1985 c 377 § 20.]
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 46 - Motor Vehicles › Chapter 46.55 - Towing and Impoundment. › 46.55.210 - Cease and desist order.

RCW 46.55.210
Cease and desist order.
Whenever it appears to the director that any registered tow truck operator or a person offering towing services has engaged in or is about to engage in any act or practice constituting a violation of any provision of this chapter or any rule adopted hereunder, the director may issue an order directing the operator or person to cease and desist from continuing the act or practice. Reasonable notice of and opportunity for a hearing shall be given. The director may issue a temporary order pending a hearing. The temporary order shall remain in effect until ten days after the hearing is held and shall become final if the person to whom notice is addressed does not request a hearing within fifteen days after the receipt of notice.
[ 1987 c 311 § 17; 1985 c 377 § 21.]
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 46 - Motor Vehicles › Chapter 46.55 - Towing and Impoundment. › 46.55.220 - Refusal to issue license, grounds for.

RCW 46.55.220
Refusal to issue license, grounds for.
If an application for a license to conduct business as a registered tow truck operator is filed by any person whose license has previously been canceled for cause by the department, or if the department is of the opinion that the application is not filed in good faith or that the application is filed by some person as a subterfuge for the real person in interest whose license has previously been canceled for cause, the department, after a hearing, of which the applicant has been given twenty days' notice in writing and at which the applicant may appear in person or by counsel and present testimony, may refuse to issue such a person a license to conduct business as a registered tow truck operator.
[ 1987 c 311 § 18; 1985 c 377 § 22.]
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 46 - Motor Vehicles › Chapter 46.55 - Towing and Impoundment. › 46.55.300 - Vehicle immobilization.

RCW 46.55.300
Vehicle immobilization.
(1) A property owner shall not immobilize any vehicle owned by a person other than the property owner.
(2) This section does not apply to property owned by the state or any unit of local government.
(3) A violation of this section is a gross misdemeanor.
[ 2005 c 88 § 1.]
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 46 - Motor Vehicles › Chapter 46.55 - Towing and Impoundment. › 46.55.370 - Law enforcement liability immunity—Reasonable suspicion.

RCW 46.55.370
Law enforcement liability immunity—Reasonable suspicion. (Effective until January 1, 2024.)
If an impoundment arising from an alleged violation of RCW 46.61.502 or 46.61.504 is determined to be in violation of this chapter, then the police officer directing the impoundment and the government employing the officer are not liable for damages for loss of use of the vehicle if the officer had reasonable suspicion to believe that the driver of the vehicle was driving while under the influence of intoxicating liquor or any drug, or was in physical control of a vehicle while under the influence of intoxicating liquor or any drug.
[ 2011 c 167 § 4.]
NOTES:
Short title—2011 c 167: See note following RCW 46.55.360.
If an impoundment arising from an alleged violation of RCW 46.61.502 or 46.61.504, or illegal racing under RCW 46.61.500 or 46.61.530, or a comparable ordinance is determined to be in violation of this chapter, then the police officer directing the impoundment and the government employing the officer are not liable for damages for loss of use of the vehicle if the officer had reasonable suspicion to believe that the driver of the vehicle was driving the vehicle in violation of RCW 46.61.502 or 46.61.504, or conducting illegal racing in violation of RCW 46.61.500 or 46.61.530, or comparable municipal ordinance.
[ 2023 c 283 § 8; 2011 c 167 § 4.]
NOTES:
Effective date—2023 c 283: See note following RCW 46.04.367.
Short title—2011 c 167: See note following RCW 46.55.360.
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 46 - Motor Vehicles › Chapter 46.55 - Towing and Impoundment. › 46.55.400 - Transporting abandoned recreational vehicles—Record of delivery—Report—Liability.

RCW 46.55.400
Transporting abandoned recreational vehicles—Record of delivery—Report—Liability.
(1) A registered tow truck operator may transport an abandoned recreational vehicle under RCW 46.53.010 without being licensed as a hulk hauler. The transport of an abandoned recreational vehicle by a registered tow truck operator under this chapter must be completed by utilizing a reasonable, direct, and safe route on the date of transport.
(2) A registered tow truck operator must provide a written record of the delivery to a licensed dismantler or authorized disposal site for each abandoned recreational vehicle by use of an abandoned vehicle report or junk vehicle affidavit to be sent to the department. A copy of the report must be maintained in the vehicle transaction file. Completion of the report relieves the registered tow truck operator from any civil or criminal liability for the disposal of a properly processed abandoned recreational vehicle.
[ 2018 c 287 § 2.]
NOTES:
Findings—2018 c 287: "The legislature finds that:
(1) Registered tow truck operators have continuing problems involving the disposal of recreational vehicles that have been impounded and abandoned pursuant to chapter 46.55 RCW;
(2) Traditional methods of disposal are no longer adequate to meet the increasing problem of abandoned recreational vehicles in Washington state;
(3) Abandoned recreational vehicles continue to be a hazard to the health and safety of citizens, business owners, and the environment; and
(4) Adequate funding is necessary to resolve the problem of abandoned recreational vehicles in a manner that is environmentally friendly and economically sound so that registered tow truck operators may be successful in their duties of public impounding, transporting, and storing unauthorized vehicles." [ 2018 c 287 § 1.]
Implementation—2018 c 287: "The director of licensing may take necessary steps to ensure that this act is implemented on its effective date." [ 2018 c 287 § 10.]
Effective date—2018 c 287: "This act takes effect May 1, 2019." [ 2018 c 287 § 12.]
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 46 - Motor Vehicles › Chapter 46.55 - Towing and Impoundment. › 46.55.901 - Headings not part of law—1985 c 377.

RCW 46.55.901
Headings not part of law—1985 c 377.
Headings and captions used in this act are not any part of the law.
[ 1985 c 377 § 27.]
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 46 - Motor Vehicles › Chapter 46.55 - Towing and Impoundment. › 46.55.902 - Effective date—1985 c 377.

RCW 46.55.902
Effective date—1985 c 377.
This act shall take effect on January 1, 1986.
[ 1985 c 377 § 31.]
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 46 - Motor Vehicles › Chapter 46.55 - Towing and Impoundment. › 46.55.910 - Chapter not applicable to certain activities of department of transportation.

RCW 46.55.910
Chapter not applicable to certain activities of department of transportation.
This chapter does not apply to the state department of transportation to the extent that it may remove vehicles that are traffic hazards from bridges and the mountain passes without prior authorization. If such a vehicle is removed, the department shall immediately notify the appropriate local law enforcement agency, and the vehicle shall be processed in accordance with RCW 46.55.110.
[ 1989 c 111 § 18.]
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 46 - Motor Vehicles › Chapter 46.61 - Rules of the Road. › 46.61.005 - Chapter refers to vehicles upon highways—Exceptions.

RCW 46.61.005
Chapter refers to vehicles upon highways—Exceptions.
The provisions of this chapter relating to the operation of vehicles refer exclusively to the operation of vehicles upon highways except:
(1) Where a different place is specifically referred to in a given section.
(2) The provisions of RCW 46.52.010 through 46.52.090, 46.61.500 through 46.61.525, and 46.61.5249 shall apply upon highways and elsewhere throughout the state.
[ 1997 c 66 § 13; 1990 c 291 § 4; 1965 ex.s. c 155 § 1.]
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 46 - Motor Vehicles › Chapter 46.61 - Rules of the Road. › 46.61.015 - Obedience to police officers, flaggers, or firefighters—Penalty.

RCW 46.61.015
Obedience to police officers, flaggers, or firefighters—Penalty.
(1) No person shall willfully fail or refuse to comply with any lawful order or direction of any duly authorized flagger or any police officer or firefighter invested by law with authority to direct, control, or regulate traffic.
(2) A violation of this section is a misdemeanor.
[ 2003 c 53 § 244; 2000 c 239 § 4; 1995 c 50 § 1; 1975 c 62 § 17; 1965 ex.s. c 155 § 3.]
NOTES:
Rules of court: Bail in criminal traffic offense cases—Mandatory appearance—CrRLJ 3.2.
Intent—Effective date—2003 c 53: See notes following RCW 2.48.180.
Captions not law—2000 c 239: See note following RCW 49.17.350.
Severability—1975 c 62: See note following RCW 36.75.010.
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 46 - Motor Vehicles › Chapter 46.61 - Rules of the Road. › 46.61.020 - Refusal to give information to or cooperate with officer—Penalty.

RCW 46.61.020
Refusal to give information to or cooperate with officer—Penalty.
(1) It is unlawful for any person while operating or in charge of any vehicle to refuse when requested by a police officer to give his or her name and address and the name and address of the owner of such vehicle, or for such person to give a false name and address, and it is likewise unlawful for any such person to refuse or neglect to stop when signaled to stop by any police officer or to refuse upon demand of such police officer to produce his or her certificate of license registration of such vehicle, his or her insurance identification card, or his or her vehicle driver's license or to refuse to permit such officer to take any such license, card, or certificate for the purpose of examination thereof or to refuse to permit the examination of any equipment of such vehicle or the weighing of such vehicle or to refuse or neglect to produce the certificate of license registration of such vehicle, insurance card, or his or her vehicle driver's license when requested by any court. Any police officer shall on request produce evidence of his or her authorization as such.
(2) A violation of this section is a misdemeanor.
[ 2003 c 53 § 245; 1995 c 50 § 2; 1989 c 353 § 6; 1967 c 32 § 65; 1961 c 12 § 46.56.190. Prior: 1937 c 189 § 126; RRS § 6360-126; 1927 c 309 § 38; RRS § 6362-38. Formerly RCW 46.56.190.]
NOTES:
Rules of court: Bail in criminal traffic offense cases—Mandatory appearance—CrRLJ 3.2.
Intent—Effective date—2003 c 53: See notes following RCW 2.48.180.
Effective date—1989 c 353: See RCW 46.30.901.