Vehicle Towed/Impounded? If your vehicle was towed and/or impounded, you have a right to a court hearing. The hearing provides you with the opportunity to challenge the validity of the impoundment and/or the amount of the towing/storage fees.

But you must act fast! See the discussion below about the 10 day deadline and 5 day deadline.

First, Start With "Vehicle Impound Checklist" – Click on the link "Vehicle Impound Checklist" so you can become familiar with vehicle impound cases.

Next Review "Guide To Representing Yourself" – Click on the link "Guide To Representing Yourself" so that you can confidently represent yourself.

Then Review "Guide To Website Forms" – The District Court website contains many forms. Before using these forms, please click on the link "Guide To Website Forms" to assist you with the proper use of these forms.

Impound Hearing Request Form – To request a hearing, you must complete and file in District Court the written Impounded Vehicle Hearing Request form provided to you by the tow operator. If you lost the form or did not receive one, you must contact the tow company immediately to obtain the form.

Caution – 10 Day Deadline To File After Receiving Form. You must complete and file the Impounded Vehicle Hearing Request form with the correct court within 10 days of the date the tow operator gave you the form. If the correct court does not receive your completed Impounded Vehicle Hearing Request form within 10 days, you will lose your right to have an impound hearing. RCW 46.55.120(2)(b).

Caution – 5 Day Deadline Before Auction. If the vehicle is scheduled for auction, you must complete and file the Impounded Vehicle Hearing Request form with the correct court more than 5 days before the date the vehicle is scheduled for auction. If the correct court does not receive your completed Impounded Vehicle Hearing Request form more than 5 days before the auction, you will lose your right to have an impound hearing. RCW 46.55.120(2)(b).

Important Notice – District Court personnel are not permitted to fill out any forms. District Court personnel are also not authorized to give legal advice. District Court strongly encourages an unrepresented party to seek legal advice from an attorney. If you need help, please review the "Guide To Website Forms" on the District Court website.

The information contained here is intended to address the most frequently asked questions. It is not comprehensive and should not be construed as legal advice.

Important Notice Regarding Litigant Confidential Information – District Court needs information about every party involved in a case so the court can accurately identify the parties and be able to contact them.

If you have not already done so, please complete a Litigant Confidential Information Form and provide it to the court. You should also use the form to update information previously provided to the court.

Which Court Can Hear My Impound Hearing? You must file your completed Impounded Vehicle Hearing Request form in the correct court.
Kitsap County District Court has jurisdiction to determine the issues involving all vehicle impoundments occurring within Kitsap County, Washington, except impoundments authorized by city agents (such as Bainbridge Island Police Department, Bremerton Police Department, Port Orchard Police Department, and Poulsbo Police Department) which must be filed with the city's municipal court. RCW 46.55.120(2)(b).