Abandoned Vehicles | Pierce County Responds

Pierce County

Public Works and Utilities

Abandoned vehicles include automobiles broken down on the side of the road, or those left on private property without the owner's permission.

Washington State Law--RCW 46.55.010 further defines abandoned vehicles as those having been impounded by a registered tow operator.

Report to Pierce County Responds:

Call Pierce County Responds at (253) 798-4636
Report Online

Pierce County is responsible for removing vehicles abandoned in the Pierce County right-of-way.

What Happens Next?
We forward the information to the appropriate Pierce County Sheriff Detachment Office for processing and impound. It may take several weeks to remove the vehicle, depending on the volume of calls and law enforcement resources.

The enforcement procedure for the impoundment of abandoned vehicles is found in Washington State Law, RCW 46.55.085 and 46.55.010.

The property owner is responsible for removing vehicles abandoned on private property. We recommend property owners contact a licensed tow operator to impound the vehicle.

What Happens Next?
We will provide the property owner with removal options including our recommendation to contact a licensed tow operator for removal. Many tow operators will haul vehicles free of charge when the value of scrap metal is high (subject to change).

A current list of licensed tow operators is listed on Washington State Department of Licensing's Webpage. (Select 'Vehicle Related Specialty Licenses').

Pierce County Responds Can Help
If a vehicle has been abandoned on your property and meets the criteria, we can issue a Junk Vehicle Affidavit.

The State is responsible for removing vehicles abandoned in the state highway right-of-way.

Report to the Washington State Patrol at (253) 536-6210.

A list of Washington State Highways is available on the Washington State Department of Transportation's traffic website.