Abandoned and impounded vehicles

The abandoned vehicle service identifies, tows, and properly disposes of vehicles that are unlawfully abandoned or impounded. It also helps vehicle owners verify ownership, pay fees, and get their vehicles back. 

For charges related to driving while license suspended (DWLS) and prostitution, we may temporarily seize vehicles to address illegal activity and protect public safety.

Report an abandoned vehicle

An abandoned vehicle is any motor vehicle left unattended on public right-of-way for an extended period of time without valid registration, apparent use, or the owner’s intention to move it, in violation of local regulations.

Information you’ll need

Please be prepared with the following information:

  • Location of the vehicle
  • Vehicle description (make, model, color)
  • License plate number
  • Number of days the vehicle hasn’t moved

How to submit a report

Call the Abandoned Vehicle Hotline at 206-296-3311 or report the vehicle online. We’ll record the information you give us and refer it to the appropriate officer for follow-up. It may take seven to 14 days to tag and tow the vehicle.

Get back an impounded vehicle

If your vehicle has been impounded because someone drove it with a suspended license, you can get the vehicle back by signing a release form at the Police Department between 8:30 a.m. and 4 p.m. on any weekday, excluding holidays.

Requirements to get your vehicle back

You must:

  • Be the legal or registered owner of the vehicle
  • Have a valid driver’s license
  • Have proof of insurance on the vehicle in your name (we’ll verify this)
  • Pay the Finance Department a $100 administrative fee with a money order

Reasons we may keep your vehicle longer

If we impounded your vehicle under a first- or second-degree charge for driving with a suspended or revoked license, we must hold it for 30 days.

Impounds related to patronizing a prostitute or commercial sex abuse of a minor

Under Washington State RCW 9A.88.140, law enforcement can impound a vehicle if it was used in the crime, the arrested person owns or rented the vehicle, and certain statutory conditions are met (such as a prior qualifying conviction or if the offense happened in a designated prostitution emphasis area).

To get your vehicle back in this case, you must:

  • Be the legal or registered owner of the vehicle
  • Pay the Finance Department an administrative fee with cash only:
    • Patronizing a prostitute: $500
    • CSAM (commercial sex abuse of a minor) $2,500
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