Washington § 46.55.010 - Definitions.
Full text of Washington Revised Code of Washington § 46.55.010 — Definitions., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 46.55.010. Definitions.
The definitions set forth in this section apply throughout this chapter:
(1) "Abandoned vehicle" means a vehicle that a registered tow truck operator has impounded and held in the operator's possession for 120 consecutive hours.
(2) "Abandoned vehicle report" means the document prescribed by the state that the towing operator forwards to the department after a vehicle has become abandoned.
(3) "Immobilize" means the use of a locking wheel boot that, when attached to the wheel of a vehicle, prevents the vehicle from moving without damage to the tire to which the locking wheel boot is attached.
(4) "Impound" means to take and hold a vehicle in legal custody. There are two types of impounds—public and private.
(a) "Public impound" means that the vehicle has been impounded at the direction of a law enforcement officer or by a public official having jurisdiction over the public property upon which the vehicle was located.
(b) "Private impound" means that the vehicle has been impounded at the direction of a person having control or possession of the private property upon which the vehicle was located.
(5) "Junk vehicle" means a vehicle certified under RCW 46.55.230 as meeting at least three of the following requirements:
(a) Is three years old or older;
(b) Is extensively damaged, such damage including but not limited to any of the following: A broken window or windshield, or missing wheels, tires, motor, or transmission;
(c) Is apparently inoperable;
(d) Has an approximate fair market value equal only to the approximate value of the scrap in it.
(6) "Master log" means the document or an electronic facsimile prescribed by the department and the Washington state patrol in which an operator records transactions involving impounded vehicles.
(7) "Registered tow truck operator" or "operator" means any person who engages in the impounding, transporting, or storage of unauthorized vehicles or the disposal of abandoned vehicles.
(8) "Residential property" means property that has no more than four living units located on it.
(9) "Suspended license impound" means an impound ordered under RCW 46.55.113 because the operator was arrested for a violation of RCW 46.20.342 or 46.20.345.
(10) "Tow truck" means a motor vehicle that is equipped for and used in the business of towing vehicles with equipment as approved by the state patrol.
(11) "Tow truck number" means the number issued by the department to tow trucks used by a registered tow truck operator in the state of Washington.
(12) "Tow truck permit" means the permit issued annually by the department that has the classification of service the tow truck may provide stamped upon it.
(13) "Tow truck service" means the transporting upon the public streets and highways of this state of vehicles, together with personal effects and cargo, by a tow truck of a registered operator.
(14) "Unauthorized vehicle" means a vehicle that is subject to impoundment after being left unattended in one of the following public or private locations for the indicated period of time:
Subject to removal after: | |
(a) | Public locations: |
(i) | Constituting an accident or a traffic hazard as defined in RCW 46.55.113 . . . . Immediately |
(ii) | On a highway and tagged as described in RCW 46.55.085 . . . . 24 hours |
(iii) | In a publicly owned or controlled parking facility, properly posted under RCW 46.55.070 . . . . Immediately |
(iv) | Within the right-of-way used by a regional transit authority for high capacity transportation where the vehicle constitutes an obstruction to the operation of high capacity transportation vehicles or jeopardizes public safety. . . . Immediately |
(v) | Within the right-of-way used by a city with a population greater than 700,000 for streetcar operations where the vehicle constitutes an obstruction to the operation of streetcar vehicles or jeopardizes public safety . . . . Immediately |
(b) | Private locations: |
(i) | On residential property . . . . Immediately |
(ii) | On private, nonresidential property, properly posted under RCW 46.55.070 . . . . Immediately |
(iii) | On private, nonresidential property, not posted . . . . 24 hours |
[ 2026 c 99 s 1. Prior: 2023 c 326 s 1; 2022 c 186 s 708; 2005 c 88 s 2; 1999 c 398 s 2; 1998 c 203 s 8; 1994 c 176 s 1; 1991 c 292 s 1; 1989 c 111 s 1; prior: 1987 c 330 s 739; 1987 c 311 s 1; 1985 c 377 s 1.]
Notes
Effective date—2026 c 99: "This act is necessary for the immediate preservation of the public peace, health, or safety, or support of the state government and its existing public institutions, and takes effect immediately [March 18, 2026]." [ 2026 c 99 s 3.]
Effective date—2022 c 186: See note following RCW 47.01.071.
Finding—1998 c 203: See note following RCW 46.55.105.
Construction—Application of rules—Severability—1987 c 330: See notes following RCW 28B.12.050.
Frequently Asked Questions About Washington § 46.55.010
What does Revised Code of Washington § 46.55.010 cover?
Section 46.55.010 ("Definitions.") is part of the Revised Code of Washington, the codified statutory law of Washington. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.
How do I cite Washington § 46.55.010?
A common citation format is "Revised Code of Washington § 46.55.010" (Washington). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.
Is this the official text of Washington law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Washington official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Washington attorney.
How does Washington § 46.55.010 apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Washington can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.
Sources & Verification
Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Washington.