Towing rules in Washington

The Washington State Department of Licensing issues the registered tow truck operator certificate.^1-4 Check a tow company's registration on the state's registration lookup.

The research found no statewide dollar figure for tow charges in Washington. Each registered tow truck operator files a fee schedule with the Department of Licensing and may not charge above it. Tow truck service is charged by the hour, and after the first hour to the nearest quarter hour.⁵

In Washington, storage charges follow the operator's filed fee schedule. Storage is billed per 24 hours, to the nearest half day.⁵

In Washington, a nonresidential private lot needs signs at each entrance before a vehicle parked there for under 24 hours can be towed. Residential property is exempt from the sign rule with written authorization. The person requesting a private impound signs an authorization at the time and place of the impound, and the tower gives law enforcement immediate notice.^6-8

Keep your receipt and photos of your car, and ask the tow company in writing to correct a charge you think is wrong.