Car towed in Seattle?
Here’s how to get it back.
Call directly
Lincoln Towing
City of Seattle contractor for all public street impounds. Divided into North and South zones.
How to get there
Lincoln Towing - North Zone
North Seattle (contact Lincoln Towing for exact address)
Before you go
Documents: Valid ID, vehicle registration, and proof of insurance.
Payment: Paid to Lincoln Towing at time of retrieval. Check seattleimpound.com for your total fees.
TimeLimit: First 12 hours of storage are FREE. After that, $19-22 per 12-hour increment. Retrieve ASAP.
Fees: North zone: $297 impound + $22/12-hr storage. South zone: $263 impound + $19/12-hr storage. City admin fee: $35 (regular) or $67 (DWLS/scofflaw). Dolly: $66. Winch: $99/hr. Rates effective through Dec 31, 2026.
Why cars get towed in Seattle
72-hour parking ordinance
Seattle doesn't allow any vehicle to park on the same block for more than 72 consecutive hours — no sign needed. Report via Find It, Fix It app.
Tow-away zones (red curb)
Red curb zones and posted tow-away signs mean immediate removal — no temporary stops allowed.
Snow emergency routes
During snow events, vehicles on designated arterials must be moved or face towing to allow plows through.
Blocking driveways
Blocking even a portion of a driveway entrance triggers towing requests, heavily enforced in dense neighborhoods like Capitol Hill.
Parked in a private lot?
North zone is significantly more expensive than South zone ($297 vs $263 tow). Seattle regulates max private property impound fees separately — check seattle.gov for current rates.
Common tow companies in this area
Lincoln Towing (city contractor)Know your rights
Washington RCW 46.55 governs towing. Private property tow signage must include tow company name, address, phone, and operating hours at each entrance. Vehicle owner can request hearing on validity of impound.
Your towing rights in Seattle
Washington state law protects vehicle owners
🪧Signage Requirements
Signs must be clearly posted at each lot entrance. Must include the telephone number of the tow company, the address where the vehicle will be stored, and notice that vehicles will be impounded at the owner's expense.
🚗Right to Retrieve
Owner can retrieve the vehicle before it leaves the property. If the vehicle is on the hook but hasn't left, a reasonable unhook fee (max 50% of tow fee) may be charged.
🏢Private Property Rules
Property owner must authorize the tow. Tow operator must photograph the vehicle and the posted signs before towing. Must accept credit/debit cards for payment.
📝How to File a Complaint
File complaints with the Washington State Department of Licensing at (360) 664-6455 or local law enforcement.
Source: RCW 46.55.113, RCW 46.55.120
Avoid getting towed in Seattle
Parking Apps
💰 Meter Rates
Rates vary by time of day — lower prices during lower demand periods. Check the on-street parking rate map.
🆓 Free Parking
Sundays and holidays are free parking days (except event days/times in Uptown). Pre-pay starting at 4 AM on blocks without morning restrictions.
💡 Pro Tip
DO NOT search 'Pay By Phone' online — scammers set up fake services. Download PayByPhone directly from the App Store or Google Play. Neither Seattle nor PayByPhone charge subscription fees.
Pay for parking → avoid towing. It's that simple.
Parked somewhere else?