Can You Tow a Car with Someone in It? Washington Driver’s Guide

Can you tow a car with someone in it? It’s a question many Washington drivers wonder about when faced with a breakdown, accident, or unexpected towing process. While it may seem convenient to remain inside your vehicle during car towing, the truth is that doing so is unsafe, potentially illegal, and can create serious liability issues.

In this guide, we’ll break down what Washington drivers need to know about towing laws, why staying in a towed vehicle is never recommended, and what your safer alternatives are. As a trusted local towing company serving Tacoma and the greater King and Pierce County areas, NERD Towing is here to provide clear answers, reliable towing services, and peace of mind whenever you need roadside help.

Is It Legal to Tow a Car with Someone Inside in Washington?

Drivers often ask, can you tow a car with someone in it legally in Washington? The short answer is no. The reasoning is straightforward:

• Liability concerns: If the person inside the car is injured during the towing process, the tow company and operator could face major legal consequences.
• Risk to operators: Tow trucks are designed to move vehicles, not transport passengers in towed cars. Having someone remain inside increases the danger.
• State and national practices: Across the U.S., industry standards for towing services prohibit car towing with occupants inside. In Tacoma, Kent, Lakewood, and Federal Way, towing companies follow these same rules to ensure compliance and safety.

Why You Should Never Stay Inside a Car Being Towed

Safety Hazards of Staying in the Vehicle

Remaining inside a vehicle during car towing creates serious hazards:

• Hook-up risks: The towed vehicle may shift or roll during the towing process.
• Limited communication: The tow truck driver may not notice the person inside, which can create unsafe conditions.
• Collision danger: In the event of a rear-end collision, anyone inside the towed car is extremely vulnerable.

Legal Liability if an Accident Occurs

If an accident happens with a person inside the towed vehicle, liability questions become complicated:

• Fault and responsibility: The towing company may not be responsible if a passenger ignored safety warnings.
• Insurance disputes: Many insurers will not cover damages caused by improper towing practices.

What Are the Alternatives if You Need to Stay with Your Vehicle?

Riding in the Tow Truck

The safest option is to ride in the tow truck itself. Most modern tow trucks in Washington have space for a passenger, and towing laws require seatbelt use. At NERD Towing, we make sure drivers have the option to safely ride along while our trucks transport their vehicle.

Coordinating Drop-Off Location Ahead of Time

Another option is to plan ahead by sharing your chosen drop-off point:

• Provide the address of your mechanic, repair shop, or home.
• Give the tow company detailed directions to avoid delays.
• This ensures you don’t feel pressured to remain inside your car during the towing process.

What Happens If Someone Refuses to Exit the Car Before Towing?

Towing Company Policies in Tacoma & King/Pierce Counties

Professional towing companies serving Tacoma, Auburn, and Puyallup have clear safety procedures. If someone refuses to exit a vehicle:

• The tow truck operator may pause the towing process until the issue is resolved.
• If necessary, local law enforcement may step in to enforce safety rules.

Can You Call a Tow Truck on Someone Else’s Car in Washington?

Another related question drivers ask is: can you tow a car with someone in it if it’s illegally parked or blocking access? In such cases, towing is allowed only under proper authority:

• Private property towing: Property managers, HOAs, and landlords can authorize car towing for vehicles violating parking rules.
• Law enforcement: Police often request towing services for abandoned or illegally parked cars.
• Your own vehicle: You can always call a tow company for your car, but not for someone else’s unless authorized.

What Are the Signs You Need Professional Towing Help?

It’s not always clear when to call a towing company, but here are signs that you should:

• The car won’t start after multiple jump attempts.
• Transmission or brake failure prevents safe driving.
• After a collision, when the vehicle is no longer roadworthy.
• When the car is stuck in traffic or poses a hazard to other vehicles.

How Much Does Towing Cost in Washington?

Average Rates in Tacoma and Surrounding Areas

Washington drivers can expect these average costs:

• Flatbed car towing: $95–$150 base rate.
• Wheel-lift towing: $75–$120 base rate.
• Per-mile rates: $3–$7 depending on the towing process.

Factors That Affect Pricing

Towing costs in Tacoma, Federal Way, and Kent depend on:

• Vehicle type (compact vs. heavy truck).
• Distance to destination.
• Time of day (after-hours towing services cost more).
• Special recovery needs, such as off-road or accident recovery.

Why Choose NERD Towing for Safe, Legal, and Affordable Towing?

Local Expertise in Tacoma and Pierce County

Our tow trucks and experienced operators know the local roads and laws. Choosing NERD Towing means:

• Fast response times.
• Knowledge of Washington towing regulations.
• Professional service from a local towing company.

Full-Service Options

Our towing services include:

• Light, medium, and heavy car towing.
• Roadside help including lockouts, jump starts, and tire changes.
• Transport after collisions or breakdowns.

Safety Commitment

NERD Towing prioritizes safety at every step:

• Fully licensed, insured tow truck operators.
• Modern trucks designed for secure transport.
• Commitment to protecting every vehicle and driver.

Serving Tacoma and Surrounding Washington Cities

NERD Towing proudly serves Tacoma and nearby King and Pierce County cities, including:

• Puyallup
• Lakewood
• Federal Way
• Kent
• Auburn
• University Place
• Fife
• Spanaway

Wherever you are in the South Puget Sound area, our towing company is ready to respond quickly.

Final Thoughts: Can You Tow a Car with Someone in It?

So, can you tow a car with someone in it? The answer is clear: it’s not safe, not legal in most Washington cases, and it exposes both the tow truck operator and the person inside to unnecessary risk. The safer solution is to ride in the tow truck or allow professional towing services to transport your vehicle securely.

If you need help in Tacoma or nearby King and Pierce County cities, NERD Towing is here to provide safe, fast, and reliable car towing services whenever you need them. Call at (253) 243-8663 

Your safety and peace of mind come first. Don’t risk unsafe towing practices—trust the towing company that puts Washington drivers first.