How Much Are Impound Fees in Washington?
Washington caps impound charges by state law: up to $400.95 to release plus up to $101.25/day storage. Retrieve it fast - fees add up every day.
Reviewed by Daniel Richardson against Washington statutes and regulator schedules.
Washington Impound Cost by Days Held (2026)
| Time in impound | Legal maximum |
|---|---|
| 1 day | $502 |
| 3 days | $705 |
| 7 days | $1,110 |
| 14 days | $1,818 |
These are the Washington statutory maximums for a standard passenger car (outdoor storage); indoor storage, heavier vehicles, or local ordinances can run higher. Formula cap: 135% of the WSP-negotiated rate, reset annually each Oct 15. For 2025-2026 the tow ceiling is about $400.95 (first hour) and storage $101.25/day for vehicles 20 ft or under (RCW 46.55.118).
Max tow fee: No flat statewide cap. RCW 46.55.118 caps private (non-consensual) impound tows at 135% of the WSP-negotiated Class A hourly rate. WSP sets the base annually (Oct 15); for 2025-2026 the base is $297/hr, so the ceiling is $400.95 first hour. Set by WSP/DOL, not the UTC.
Storage: No flat statewide cap. RCW 46.55.118 caps daily storage at 135% of the WSP-negotiated daily storage rate. For 2025-2026 the WSP base is $75/day (vehicle 20 ft or under), so the ceiling is $101.25/day. Set by WSP/DOL, not the UTC.
Notification: Immediate phone/radio notice to law enforcement at time of impound; written or electronic notice to law enforcement within 24 hours; first-class mail notice to last known registered and legal owners within 24 hours. (RCW 46.55.100, 46.55.110)
Sources & Legal References
Regulated by Washington Utilities and Transportation Commission (UTC).
Last reviewed by Daniel Richardson against Washington's official state statutes and regulator schedules.
How to Get Your Car Out Fast
- Call the local police non-emergency line to confirm which lot holds your car and get a case number.
- Bring a photo ID, proof of ownership (registration or title), and payment.
- Many lots require proof of current insurance to release the car - if yours lapsed, get a policy or SR-22 quote first.
- Ask for an itemized receipt and retrieve personal belongings (allowed during business hours in most states).
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How much does it cost to get a car out of impound in Washington?
In Washington, expect an initial tow of about $400.95 to release (the Washington cap) plus daily storage of $101.25 per day (the Washington statutory cap for outdoor storage), plus any administrative/release fees. The longer the car sits, the more you pay - so retrieve it quickly. No flat statewide cap. RCW 46.55.118 caps private (non-consensual) impound tows at 135% of the WSP-negotiated Class A hourly rate. WSP sets the base annually (Oct 15); for 2025-2026 the base is $297/hr, so the ceiling is $400.95 first hour. Set by WSP/DOL, not the UTC.
How much is the daily impound storage fee in Washington?
Daily storage in Washington runs $101.25 per day (the Washington statutory cap for outdoor storage). State rule: No flat statewide cap. RCW 46.55.118 caps daily storage at 135% of the WSP-negotiated daily storage rate. For 2025-2026 the WSP base is $75/day (vehicle 20 ft or under), so the ceiling is $101.25/day. Set by WSP/DOL, not the UTC.. Fees accrue every calendar day (sometimes counting partial days), which is why retrieving the vehicle fast saves the most money.
What do I need to get my car out of impound in Washington?
Bring a government photo ID, proof of ownership (registration or title), and payment. Many lots also require proof of current insurance to release the vehicle - if your coverage has lapsed, get a policy or SR-22 quote first so you can release the car.
Can I dispute impound or towing fees in Washington?
Yes. If you were charged above the legal maximum or the tow broke Washington rules, request an itemized receipt, demand a refund of any illegal charges, and file a complaint with the Washington Utilities and Transportation Commission (UTC). Keep every receipt and photograph the signage.
What are the maximum towing fees in Washington?
Washington caps non-consensual tow and storage charges at 135% of the WSP-negotiated rate (RCW 46.55.118), set by the WSP/DOL - not the UTC. For 2025-2026 that is about $400.95 for the first hour of towing and $101.25/day storage (vehicles 20 ft or under). Check the WSP tow rate page for current figures.
Can I get an impound hearing in Washington?
Yes. Under RCW 46.55.120, you can request an impound hearing within 10 days of the tow. The hearing is conducted by a district or municipal court to determine if the tow was proper.