What are the legal protections for people living in their vehicles?

Close to half of unhoused people in King County live in their vehicles.

The city of Seattle suspended parking enforcement during the early months of the pandemic, giving temporary respite to thousands of people who live with the constant risk of their residences being ticketed, impounded, and potentially put up for auction.

Two things have happened since then. First, a landmark Washington Supreme Court decision clarified rights and protections for people living in their cars. Then, parking enforcement in the city resumed, with an emphasis on clearing out vehicles that had remained in the same spot for more than three days.

According to Seattle Times reporter Amanda Zhou, the result has been confusing and legally murky for unhoused people, outreach workers, and city officials. Some help may now be on the way after a state work group reviewed the possible legal protections for those who've had their vehicles impounded and are struggling to come up with enough money to get them back.

Listen to the full conversation with Amanda Zhou by clicking the "play" button on the audio above.

You can read and hear Soundside's previous reporting on the issue of parking availability and its intersection with homelessness by clicking here.

You can find and read Amanda's reporting here.