Yakima Municipal Court
200 S 3rd Street
Yakima, WA 98901
VEHICLE IMPOUND HEARING INFORMATION
**What is an Impound Petition?
An impound petition is a legal request used primarily to dispute the validity or legality of a vehicle tow, as well as to challenge the associated tow and/or storage fees. This petition allows vehicle owners to contest whether their vehicle was towed lawfully and if the charges applied are justified.
**What Can You Use This Petition For?**
– Disputing the legality of the tow
– Contesting tow and storage fees
**What Can’t You Use This Petition For?**
– Suing for damages
– Recovering loss of property
– Securing the return or release of your vehicle
If you need to address damages, losses, or want your vehicle returned, you will need to pursue other forms of legal action beyond the impound petition.
**What If I Need Legal Advice?**
Court Staff can help with scheduling hearings and provide necessary paperwork, but they are not authorized to offer legal advice or complete forms on your behalf. For legal assistance:
– Contact the Law Library
– Consult an attorney
**Where to file**
You must file in person at the City of Municipal Building if your tow occurs within the CITY LIMITS. We do not have jurisdiction on Private Tow Cases.
STEPS TO FILING AND IMPOUND PETITION
- File the Impound Vehicle Request obtained from the Tow Company within 10 days from the date you first attempted or picked up the vehicle. Staff will set the hearing on the next available Wednesday, no more than one week after the filing of the notice of hearing.
- Bring all documents you received from the tow company to the courthouse when you file.
- Notice of right of redemption and Opportunity for a hearing
- Impounded vehicle hearing request form (REQUIRED)
- Copies of the tow receipt (REQUIRED IF YOU HAVE PICKED UP THE VEHICLE)
- Pay the Civil Filing Fee – $63 CASH only
- The court will process the filing, assign a court date and mail all parties the hearing notice.
**What if the tow is found to be improper by a Judge?
The Court does not collect or distribute money awarded to parties. You may contact an attorney for legal advice if your judgement is not paid within 30 days of your court date.
