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Home  / State laws and rules  / RCWs / Title 46 / Chapter 46.61

Chapter 46.61 RCW

RULES OF THE ROAD

Complete chapter HTMLPDF

RCW dispositions

Sections

OBEDIENCE TO AND EFFECT OF TRAFFIC LAWS
HTMLPDF 46.61.005Chapter refers to vehicles upon highways—Exceptions.
HTMLPDF 46.61.015Obedience to police officers, flaggers, or firefighters—Penalty.
HTMLPDF 46.61.020Refusal to give information to or cooperate with officer—Penalty.
HTMLPDF 46.61.021Duty to obey law enforcement officer—Authority of officer.
HTMLPDF 46.61.022Failure to obey officer—Penalty.
HTMLPDF 46.61.024Attempting to elude police vehicle—Defense—License revocation.
HTMLPDF 46.61.025Persons riding animals or driving animal-drawn vehicles.
HTMLPDF 46.61.030Persons working on highway right-of-way—Exceptions.
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 signals—Pedestrians, personal delivery devices.
HTMLPDF 46.61.065Flashing signals.
HTMLPDF 46.61.070Lane-direction-control signals.
HTMLPDF 46.61.072Special traffic control signals—Legend.
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 highways—Approval by department of transportation.
HTMLPDF 46.61.090Crash prevention zones.
DRIVING ON RIGHT SIDE OF ROADWAY—
OVERTAKING AND PASSING—USE 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 left—Fine.
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 bicyclists—Legal 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 closely—Vulnerable users of a public way—Fine.
HTMLPDF 46.61.150Driving on divided highways.
HTMLPDF 46.61.155Restricted access.
HTMLPDF 46.61.160Restrictions on limited access highway—Use by bicyclists.
HTMLPDF 46.61.165High occupancy vehicle lanes—Monetary penalties for traffic infractions—Definition.
RIGHT-OF-WAY
HTMLPDF 46.61.180Vehicle approaching intersection—Vulnerable users of a public way—Fine.
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 left—Vulnerable users of a public way—Fine.
HTMLPDF 46.61.190Vehicle entering stop or yield intersection—Vulnerable users of a public way—Fine.
HTMLPDF 46.61.195Arterial highways designated—Stopping on entering.
HTMLPDF 46.61.197Shared streets—Local authority may designate nonarterial highway—Central business district—Pedestrians, bicyclists, operators of micromobility devices—Annual report.
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 driveway—Vulnerable users of a public way—Fine.
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 zones—Approaching—Penalty—Violation.
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, crosswalks—Pedestrians, 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 violations—Subsequent 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 required—Improper 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 crossings—Specific vehicles—Exceptions—Definition.
HTMLPDF 46.61.355Moving heavy equipment at railroad grade crossings—Notice of intended crossing.
HTMLPDF 46.61.365Emerging from alley, driveway, or building.
HTMLPDF 46.61.370Overtaking or meeting school bus, exceptions—Duties of bus driver—Penalty—Safety cameras.
HTMLPDF 46.61.371School bus stop sign violators—Identification by vehicle owner.
HTMLPDF 46.61.372School bus stop sign violators—Report by bus driver—Law enforcement investigation.
HTMLPDF 46.61.375Overtaking or meeting private carrier bus—Duties of bus driver.
HTMLPDF 46.61.380Rules for design, marking, and mode of operating school buses.
HTMLPDF 46.61.385School patrol—Appointment—Authority—Finance—Insurance.
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 transportation—Maximum speed limit for trucks—Auto stages—Signs and notices.
HTMLPDF 46.61.415When local authorities may establish or alter maximum limits.
HTMLPDF 46.61.419Private roads—Speed enforcement.
HTMLPDF 46.61.425Minimum speed regulation—Passing 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 exclusive—Local regulations.
HTMLPDF 46.61.435Local authorities to provide "stop" or "yield" signs at intersections with increased speed highways—Designated as arterials.
HTMLPDF 46.61.440Maximum speed limit when passing school or playground crosswalks—Penalty, disposition of proceeds.
HTMLPDF 46.61.445Due care required.
HTMLPDF 46.61.450Maximum speed, weight, or size in traversing bridges, elevated structures, tunnels, underpasses—Posting 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 permitted—Measured 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 driving—Penalty.
HTMLPDF 46.61.502Driving under the influence.
HTMLPDF 46.61.503Driver under twenty-one consuming alcohol or cannabis—Penalties.
HTMLPDF 46.61.504Physical control of vehicle while under the influence.
HTMLPDF 46.61.5054Alcohol violators—Additional fee—Distribution.
HTMLPDF 46.61.5055Alcohol and drug violators—Penalty schedule.
HTMLPDF 46.61.5056Alcohol and drug violators—Information school—Evaluation and treatment.
HTMLPDF 46.61.50571Alcohol or cannabis violators—Mandatory appearances—Electronic monitoring or alcohol abstinence monitoring.
HTMLPDF 46.61.5058Alcohol violators—Vehicle seizure and forfeiture.
HTMLPDF 46.61.506Persons under influence of intoxicating liquor or drug—Evidence—Tests—Information concerning tests.
HTMLPDF 46.61.5062Driving under the influence—Oral fluid roadside test.
HTMLPDF 46.61.507Arrest upon driving under the influence or being in physical control of vehicle under the influence, notation required if child is present—Arrest 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 46.61.5151Sentences—Intermittent fulfillment—Restrictions.
HTMLPDF 46.61.5152Attendance at program focusing on victims.
HTMLPDF 46.61.516Qualified probation department defined.
HTMLPDF 46.61.517Refusal of tests—Admissibility as evidence.
HTMLPDF 46.61.519Alcoholic beverages—Drinking or open container in vehicle on highway—Exceptions.
HTMLPDF 46.61.5191Local ordinances not prohibited.
HTMLPDF 46.61.5195Disguising alcoholic beverage container.
HTMLPDF 46.61.520Vehicular homicide—Penalty.
HTMLPDF 46.61.522Vehicular assault—Penalty.
HTMLPDF 46.61.524Vehicular homicide, assault—Revocation of driving privilege—Eligibility for reinstatement.
HTMLPDF 46.61.5249Negligent driving—First degree.
HTMLPDF 46.61.525Negligent driving—Second degree.
HTMLPDF 46.61.5259Negligent driving with a vulnerable user victim—First degree—Penalties—Definitions.
HTMLPDF 46.61.526Negligent driving—With a vulnerable user victim—Second degree—Penalties—Definitions.
HTMLPDF 46.61.527Roadway construction zones.
HTMLPDF 46.61.530Racing of vehicles on highways—Reckless driving—Exception.
HTMLPDF 46.61.535Advertising of unlawful speed—Reckless 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 places—Reserving portion of highway prohibited.
HTMLPDF 46.61.575Additional parking regulations—Motorcycle parking.
HTMLPDF 46.61.577Regulations governing parking facilities.
HTMLPDF 46.61.581Parking spaces for persons with disabilities—Indication, access—Failure, penalty.
HTMLPDF 46.61.582Free parking for persons with disabilities—Exceptions.
HTMLPDF 46.61.583Special plate or card issued by another jurisdiction.
HTMLPDF 46.61.585Winter recreational parking areas—Special permit required.
HTMLPDF 46.61.587Winter recreational parking areas—Penalty.
HTMLPDF 46.61.590Unattended motor vehicle—Removal from highway.
MISCELLANEOUS RULES
HTMLPDF 46.61.600Unattended motor vehicle.
HTMLPDF 46.61.605Limitations on backing.
HTMLPDF 46.61.606Driving on sidewalk prohibited—Exception.
HTMLPDF 46.61.608Operating motorcycles on roadways laned for traffic.
HTMLPDF 46.61.610Riding on motorcycles.
HTMLPDF 46.61.611Motorcycles—Maximum height for handlebars.
HTMLPDF 46.61.612Riding on motorcycles—Position of feet.
HTMLPDF 46.61.613Motorcycles—Temporary suspension of restrictions for parades or public demonstrations.
HTMLPDF 46.61.614Riding on motorcycles—Clinging 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 prohibited—Removal.
HTMLPDF 46.61.655Dropping load, other materials—Covering.
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 clearance—Penalty.
HTMLPDF 46.61.685Leaving children unattended in standing vehicle with motor running—Penalty.
HTMLPDF 46.61.687Child restraint system required—Conditions—Exceptions—Penalty for violation—Dismissal—Noncompliance not negligence—Immunity.
HTMLPDF 46.61.6871Child passenger safety technician—Immunity.
HTMLPDF 46.61.688Safety belts, use required—Penalties—Exemptions.
HTMLPDF 46.61.6885Child restraints, seat belts—Educational campaign.
HTMLPDF 46.61.690Violations relating to toll facilities—Exception.
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 bicycles—General requirements and operation.
HTMLPDF 46.61.715Motorized foot scooters and shared scooters—Local authority may regulate—Contracts offered by scooter share programs to scooter share contractors—Written disclosure.
HTMLPDF 46.61.720Mopeds—Safety 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 46.61.734Intelligent speed assistance device—Court shall impose use.
HTMLPDF 46.61.735Ferry queues—Violations—Exemptions.
HTMLPDF 46.61.740Theft of motor vehicle fuel.
HTMLPDF 46.61.745Possessing or consuming cannabis in vehicle on highway—Penalty, exceptions—Definition.
HTMLPDF 46.61.747Illegal racing—Public education campaigns.
HTMLPDF 46.61.748Racing—Impoundment.
OPERATION OF NONMOTORIZED VEHICLES
HTMLPDF 46.61.750Effect of regulations—Penalty.
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.