Immobilization of vehicle for delinquent parking fee.
Seattle Mun. Code § 6.48.050
in effect6.48.050 - Immobilization of vehicle for delinquent parking fee.
A. It is unlawful for anyone to remove or cause to be removed any part from a motor vehicle to immobilize such motor vehicle in order to secure payment for a delinquent parking fee or charge, and it is unlawful to restrict the movement of or immobilize any motor vehicle parked or stored in a public garage or parking lot in any manner except as provided in this section.
B. For enforcement of a storage lien for parking, keeping or storing such motor vehicle, any licensee, or an employee, agent or contractor of such licensee may immobilize such motor vehicle only by the attachment of such external device or devices, approved by the Director of Finance and Administrative Services for such purpose, as may be necessary to prevent removal of such vehicle and only if:
1. The person so immobilizing the vehicle shall affix conspicuously to the vehicle a written notice stating the name and address of the person or firm who immobilized the vehicle and the address and telephone number of a person authorized and available to release the vehicle; and
2. The person immobilizing the vehicle, or an agent, employee, or contractor authorized to release the vehicle is accessible at all times at the address and telephone number indicated on the notice; or
3. The licensee or an agent, employee, or contractor of such licensee is on the premises authorized and able to release the vehicle within one hour after the vehicle's owner, operator, or person entitled to its possession shall request its release; and
4. The vehicle is released immediately after tender of payment of posted parking charges due and unpaid at the time of the request for release together with the posted impound fee.
(Ord. 123361, § 214, 2010; Ord. 120794, § 169, 2002: Ord. 117169, § 84, 1994; Ord. 104297, § 5 (part), 1975: Ord. 48022 § 148-C, 1924.)
Source: City of Seattle, Seattle Municipal Code and City Charter (Municode Library, library.municode.com)URL: https://library.municode.com/wa/seattle/codes/municipal_code?nodeId=TIT6BURE_SUBTITLE_ILICO_CH6.48PUGAPALO_6.48.050IMVEDEPAFEFetched: 11/1/2026