Washington Revised Code Title 46. Motor Vehicles § 46.55.010. Definitions

(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.

(5) “Junk vehicle” means a vehicle certified under RCW 46.55.230 as meeting at least three of the following requirements:

(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: