Revised Code of Washington
2024 Archive

Chapter 46.61 RCW
RULES OF THE ROAD
PDF of Chapter Digest
PDF of Complete Chapter
Sections
OBEDIENCE TO AND EFFECT OF TRAFFIC LAWS
46.61.005Chapter refers to vehicles upon highwaysExceptions.
46.61.015Obedience to police officers, flaggers, or firefightersPenalty.
46.61.020Refusal to give information to or cooperate with officerPenalty.
46.61.021Duty to obey law enforcement officerAuthority of officer.
46.61.022Failure to obey officerPenalty.
46.61.024Attempting to elude police vehicleDefenseLicense revocation.
46.61.025Persons riding animals or driving animal-drawn vehicles.
46.61.030Persons working on highway right-of-wayExceptions.
46.61.035Authorized emergency vehicles.
TRAFFIC SIGNS, SIGNALS, AND MARKINGS
46.61.050Obedience to and required traffic control devices.
46.61.055Traffic control signal legend.
46.61.060Pedestrian control signalsPedestrians, personal delivery devices.
46.61.065Flashing signals.
46.61.070Lane-direction-control signals.
46.61.072Special traffic control signalsLegend.
46.61.075Display of unauthorized signs, signals, or markings.
46.61.080Interference with official traffic-control devices or railroad signs or signals.
46.61.085Traffic control signals or devices upon city streets forming part of state highwaysApproval by department of transportation.
DRIVING ON RIGHT SIDE OF ROADWAY
OVERTAKING AND PASSINGUSE OF ROADWAY
46.61.100Keep right except when passing, etc.
46.61.105Passing vehicles proceeding in opposite directions.
46.61.110Overtaking on the leftFine.
46.61.115When overtaking on the right is permitted.
46.61.120Limitations on overtaking on the left.
46.61.125Further limitations on driving to left of center of roadway.
46.61.126Pedestrians and bicyclistsLegal duties.
46.61.130No-passing zones.
46.61.135One-way roadways and rotary traffic islands.
46.61.140Driving on roadways laned for traffic.
46.61.145Following too closelyVulnerable users of a public wayFine.
46.61.150Driving on divided highways.
46.61.155Restricted access.
46.61.160Restrictions on limited access highwayUse by bicyclists.
46.61.165High occupancy vehicle lanesMonetary penalties for traffic infractionsDefinition.
RIGHT-OF-WAY
46.61.180Vehicle approaching intersectionVulnerable users of a public wayFine.
46.61.183Nonfunctioning signal lights.
46.61.184Bicycle, moped, or street legal motorcycle at intersection with inoperative vehicle detection device.
46.61.185Vehicle turning leftVulnerable users of a public wayFine.
46.61.190Vehicle entering stop or yield intersectionVulnerable users of a public wayFine.
46.61.195Arterial highways designatedStopping on entering.
46.61.200Stop intersections other than arterial may be designated.
46.61.202Stopping when traffic obstructed.
46.61.205Vehicle entering highway from private road or drivewayVulnerable users of a public wayFine.
46.61.210Operation of vehicles on approach of emergency vehicles or organ transport vehicles transporting a time urgent organ.
46.61.212Emergency or work zonesApproachingPenaltyViolation.
46.61.215Highway construction and maintenance.
46.61.220Transit vehicles.
PEDESTRIANS' RIGHTS AND DUTIES
46.61.230Pedestrians subject to traffic regulations.
46.61.235Crosswalks.
46.61.240Crossing at other than crosswalks.
46.61.245Drivers to exercise care.
46.61.250Pedestrians on roadways.
46.61.255Pedestrians soliciting rides or business.
46.61.260Driving through safety zone prohibited.
46.61.261Sidewalks, crosswalksPedestrians, bicycles, personal delivery devices.
46.61.264Pedestrians and personal delivery devices yield to emergency vehicles.
46.61.266Pedestrians under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
46.61.269Passing beyond bridge or grade crossing barrier prohibited.
46.61.275Reporting of certain speed zone violationsSubsequent law enforcement investigation.
TURNING AND STARTING AND SIGNALS
ON STOPPING AND TURNING
46.61.290Required position and method of turning at intersections.
46.61.295"U" turns.
46.61.300Starting parked vehicle.
46.61.305When signals requiredImproper use prohibited.
46.61.310Signals by hand and arm or signal lamps.
46.61.315Method of giving hand and arm signals.
SPECIAL STOPS REQUIRED
46.61.340Approaching railroad grade crossings.
46.61.345All vehicles must stop at certain railroad grade crossings.
46.61.350Approaching railroad grade crossingsSpecific vehiclesExceptionsDefinition.
46.61.355Moving heavy equipment at railroad grade crossingsNotice of intended crossing.
46.61.365Emerging from alley, driveway, or building.
46.61.370Overtaking or meeting school bus, exceptionsDuties of bus driverPenaltySafety cameras.
46.61.371School bus stop sign violatorsIdentification by vehicle owner.
46.61.372School bus stop sign violatorsReport by bus driverLaw enforcement investigation.
46.61.375Overtaking or meeting private carrier busDuties of bus driver.
46.61.380Rules for design, marking, and mode of operating school buses.
46.61.385School patrolAppointmentAuthorityFinanceInsurance.
SPEED RESTRICTIONS
46.61.400Basic rule and maximum limits.
46.61.405Decreases by secretary of transportation.
46.61.410Increases by secretary of transportationMaximum speed limit for trucksAuto stagesSigns and notices.
46.61.415When local authorities may establish or alter maximum limits.
46.61.419Private roadsSpeed enforcement.
46.61.425Minimum speed regulationPassing slow moving vehicle.
46.61.427Slow-moving vehicle to pull off roadway.
46.61.428Slow-moving vehicle driving on shoulders, when.
46.61.430Authority of secretary of transportation to fix speed limits on limited access facilities exclusiveLocal regulations.
46.61.435Local authorities to provide "stop" or "yield" signs at intersections with increased speed highwaysDesignated as arterials.
46.61.440Maximum speed limit when passing school or playground crosswalksPenalty, disposition of proceeds.
46.61.445Due care required.
46.61.450Maximum speed, weight, or size in traversing bridges, elevated structures, tunnels, underpassesPosting limits.
46.61.455Vehicles with solid or hollow cushion tires.
46.61.460Special speed limitation on motor-driven cycle.
46.61.465Exceeding speed limit evidence of reckless driving.
46.61.470Speed traps defined, certain types permittedMeasured courses, speed measuring devices, timing from aircraft.
46.61.480Determination of maximum speed on nonlimited access state highways within tribal reservation boundaries.
RECKLESS DRIVING, DRIVING UNDER THE INFLUENCE,
VEHICULAR HOMICIDE AND ASSAULT
46.61.500Reckless drivingPenalty.
46.61.502Driving under the influence.
46.61.503Driver under twenty-one consuming alcohol or cannabisPenalties.
46.61.504Physical control of vehicle while under the influence.
46.61.5054Alcohol violatorsAdditional feeDistribution.
46.61.5055Alcohol and drug violatorsPenalty schedule.
46.61.5056Alcohol and drug violatorsInformation schoolEvaluation and treatment.
46.61.50571Alcohol or cannabis violatorsMandatory appearancesElectronic monitoring or alcohol abstinence monitoring.
46.61.5058Alcohol violatorsVehicle seizure and forfeiture.
46.61.506Persons under influence of intoxicating liquor or drugEvidenceTestsInformation concerning tests.
46.61.5062Driving under the influenceOral fluid roadside test.
46.61.507Arrest upon driving under the influence or being in physical control of vehicle under the influence, notation required if child is presentArrest upon drug or alcohol-related driving offense, child protective services notified if child is present and operator is child's parent, guardian, or custodian.
46.61.508Liability of medical personnel withdrawing blood.
46.61.513Criminal history and driving record.
46.61.5151SentencesIntermittent fulfillmentRestrictions.
46.61.5152Attendance at program focusing on victims.
46.61.516Qualified probation department defined.
46.61.517Refusal of testsAdmissibility as evidence.
46.61.519Alcoholic beveragesDrinking or open container in vehicle on highwayExceptions.
46.61.5191Local ordinances not prohibited.
46.61.5195Disguising alcoholic beverage container.
46.61.520Vehicular homicidePenalty.
46.61.522Vehicular assaultPenalty.
46.61.524Vehicular homicide, assaultRevocation of driving privilegeEligibility for reinstatement.
46.61.5249Negligent drivingFirst degree.
46.61.525Negligent drivingSecond degree.
46.61.5259Negligent driving with a vulnerable user victimFirst degreePenaltiesDefinitions.
46.61.526Negligent drivingSecond degreeVulnerable user victimPenaltiesDefinitions.
46.61.527Roadway construction zones.
46.61.530Racing of vehicles on highwaysReckless drivingException.
46.61.535Advertising of unlawful speedReckless driving.
46.61.540"Drugs," what included.
STOPPING, STANDING, AND PARKING
46.61.560Stopping, standing, or parking outside business or residence districts.
46.61.570Stopping, standing, or parking prohibited in specified placesReserving portion of highway prohibited.
46.61.575Additional parking regulationsMotorcycle parking.
46.61.577Regulations governing parking facilities.
46.61.581Parking spaces for persons with disabilitiesIndication, accessFailure, penalty.
46.61.582Free parking for persons with disabilitiesExceptions.
46.61.583Special plate or card issued by another jurisdiction.
46.61.585Winter recreational parking areasSpecial permit required.
46.61.587Winter recreational parking areasPenalty.
46.61.590Unattended motor vehicleRemoval from highway.
MISCELLANEOUS RULES
46.61.600Unattended motor vehicle.
46.61.605Limitations on backing.
46.61.606Driving on sidewalk prohibitedException.
46.61.608Operating motorcycles on roadways laned for traffic.
46.61.610Riding on motorcycles.
46.61.611MotorcyclesMaximum height for handlebars.
46.61.612Riding on motorcyclesPosition of feet.
46.61.613MotorcyclesTemporary suspension of restrictions for parades or public demonstrations.
46.61.614Riding on motorcyclesClinging to other vehicles.
46.61.615Obstructions to driver's view or driving mechanism.
46.61.620Opening and closing vehicle doors.
46.61.625Riding in trailers or towed vehicles.
46.61.630Coasting prohibited.
46.61.635Following fire apparatus prohibited.
46.61.640Crossing fire hose.
46.61.645Throwing materials on highway prohibitedRemoval.
46.61.655Dropping load, other materialsCovering.
46.61.660Carrying persons or animals on outside part of vehicle.
46.61.665Embracing another while driving.
46.61.670Driving with wheels off roadway.
46.61.672Using a personal electronic device while driving.
46.61.673Dangerously distracted driving.
46.61.675Causing or permitting vehicle to be unlawfully operated.
46.61.680Lowering passenger vehicle below legal clearancePenalty.
46.61.685Leaving children unattended in standing vehicle with motor runningPenalty.
46.61.687Child restraint system requiredConditionsExceptionsPenalty for violationDismissalNoncompliance not negligenceImmunity.
46.61.6871Child passenger safety technicianImmunity.
46.61.688Safety belts, use requiredPenaltiesExemptions.
46.61.6885Child restraints, seat beltsEducational campaign.
46.61.690Violations relating to toll facilitiesException.
46.61.700Parent or guardian shall not authorize or permit violation by a child or ward.
46.61.705Off-road motorcycles.
46.61.708Motorcycles previously converted as snow bikes.
46.61.710Mopeds, EPAMDs, motorized foot scooters, personal delivery devices, electric-assisted bicycles, class 1 electric-assisted bicycles, class 2 electric-assisted bicycles, class 3 electric-assisted bicyclesGeneral requirements and operation.
46.61.715Motorized foot scooters and shared scootersLocal authority may regulateContracts offered by scooter share programs to scooter share contractorsWritten disclosure.
46.61.720MopedsSafety standards.
46.61.723Medium-speed electric vehicles.
46.61.725Neighborhood electric vehicles.
46.61.730Wheelchair conveyances.
46.61.733Personal delivery device.
46.61.735Ferry queuesViolationsExemptions.
46.61.740Theft of motor vehicle fuel.
46.61.745Possessing or consuming cannabis in vehicle on highwayPenalty, exceptionsDefinition.
46.61.747Illegal racingPublic education campaigns.
46.61.748RacingImpoundment.
OPERATION OF NONMOTORIZED VEHICLES
46.61.750Effect of regulationsPenalty.
46.61.755Traffic laws apply to persons riding bicycles.
46.61.758Hand signals.
46.61.760Riding on bicycles.
46.61.765Clinging to vehicles.
46.61.770Riding on roadways and bicycle paths.
46.61.775Carrying articles.
46.61.780Lamps and other equipment on bicycles.
46.61.790Intoxicated bicyclists.
NOTES:
Additional statutory assessments: RCW 3.62.090.
Limited access highways, turning, parking violations: RCW 47.52.120.
Traffic signal preemption devices, use of: RCW 46.37.670 through 46.37.675.