Chapter 46.61 RCW

RULES OF THE ROAD

Sections

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