Seattle’s 72-hour parking enforcement returns after two-year pandemic pause

The City of Seattle announced Friday that it is restarting full parking enforcement for any vehicle parked in one place for longer than 72 hours, returning to the normal standard that was paused in 2020 due to COVID-19 public health protocols.

The city says that enforcement starts immediately, but parking enforcement officers will continue providing official warning notifications on vehicles, allowing owners to move them before being towed.

While enforcement of the rule was paused in March 2020, it resumed in October 2021 with a focus on clearing unoccupied, abandoned, or hazardous cars, according to a news release.

To avoid a possible warning or citation, the city says vehicle owners should get into the habit of regularly moving their cars from their parking spot. It also warns drivers to check for temporary parking restriction signs, which can be placed with a minimum of 24 hours notice.

The city says that if someone appears to be living in a vehicle, they will be given information about assistance, support services and resources.

If a car is towed from a public street, the first step to find and reclaim it is to call Lincoln Towing at 206-364-2000 or search for the car at www.SeattleImpound.com.

If a car is towed from a private lot, the city says to look for posted signs with instructions and a phone number for the tow company that operates the lot. If you still cannot locate your vehicle, call the Community Safety and Communications Center at 206-625-5011.

©2022 Cox Media Group