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).
Think your Washington impound bill is too high?
If you were charged above Washington's legal maximum, you can dispute it. Build a ready-to-send demand letter on your state's fee limits and send it yourself - in minutes.
Get the documents to dispute my bill →Washington Impound FAQs
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.