A. Only the registered owner, a person authorized by the registered owner, or one who has purchased the vehicle from the registered owner, who produces proof of ownership or authorization and signs a receipt therefor, may redeem an impounded vehicle. A person redeeming a vehicle impounded pursuant to Section 10.40.010 must, prior to redemption, establish that he or she has a valid driver’s license and is in compliance with RCW 46.30.020. A vehicle impounded pursuant to subsection D of Section 10.40.010 can be released only pursuant to a written order from the court.

B. Any person so redeeming a vehicle impounded by the city shall pay the towing contractor for costs of impoundment removal, towing and storage prior to redeeming such vehicle, except as provided for by subsection C of this section. Such towing contractor shall accept payment as provided in RCW 46.55.120(1)(b) as now enacted or hereafter amended. If the vehicle was impounded pursuant to Section 10.40.010 and was being operated by the registered owner when it was impounded, it may not be released to any person until all penalties, fines or forfeitures owed by the registered owner have been satisfied.

C. Any person seeking to redeem a vehicle impounded as a result of a parking or traffic citation has a right to a hearing to contest the validity of an impoundment or the amount of removal, towing, and storage charges as provided in RCW 46.55.120. (Ord. 1998, 11/28/00)