My question involves a traffic citation from the state of: WA
My apartment building has an attached parking structure that is accessible only with a garage remote. Parking spaces are assigned and paid for monthly with rent. The building management office has information on the make/model/color of each car assigned to each spot. Parking permits are distributed. However, there is nothing in the lease stating that a permit must be visible when parking on the property. There is a sign at the entrance of the garage stating 'Permit Parking Only', but again, nothing explicily stating that a permit must be displayed in the vehicle. The building management evidently has some agreement with a third party parking company, allowing them to patrol the parking structure and to ticket/tow vehicles. Can this parking company legitimately demand money for a car that is parked in the correct assigned, paid spot on the sole premise that no permit is visible?
The sign at the entrance reads:
PERMIT PARKING ONLY
UNAUTHORIZED OR IMPROPERLY
PARKED VEHICLES WILL BE
TICKETED AND IMPOUNDED AT
VEHICLE OWNERS RISK AND
EXPENSE 24 HOURS A DAY
TERMS & CONDITIONS:
CAREFULLY READ THESE TERMS PRIOR TO PARKING.
BY PARKING IN THIS LOT, YOU ARE ENTERING INTO A CONTRACT WITH THE
PARKING LOT OPERATOR.
By parking your vehicle in this parking lot, you signify that (1) you accept and agree to all posted terms, conditions and requirements for parking, (2) you agree to pay all applicable fees, charges and penalties, including those listed below, and (3) you understand that this contract may affect your legal rights. Do not park your vehicle in this lot if you do not agree to these contract terms.
All posted parking fees must be paid in advance. If you (1) fail to pay the posted parking fee in advance, (2) exceed the posted time limit for parking your vehicle, (3) improperly park your vehicle in any manner, or (4) are unauthorized to park your vehicle in this lot, you agree that the parking lot operator may issue a parking notice and impound your vehicle. You further agree that the parking lot operator may assess the Parking Penalty Fees listed below, and that if you fail to pay any assessed fee or charge within 14 days you will be required to pay an additional Late Payment Charge of $25.00. The parking lot operator reserves the right to refer unpaid accounts for collection.
Parking Penalty Fees:
No Advance Payment $40.00 (if paid within 14 days)
Overtime (Exceeding Posted Time Limit) $40.00 (if paid within 14 days)
Improper/Insufficient Payment $40.00 (if paid within 14 days)
Improperly Parked Vehicle $40.00 (if paid within 14 days)
Unauthorized Vehicle $40.00 (if paid within 14 days)
Late Payment Charge $25.00 (if paid after 14 days)
Total Charge: $65.00 (if paid after 14 days)

