2009 Washington Code
Title 46 - Motor vehicles
Chapter 46.61 - Rules of the road.

OBEDIENCE TO AND EFFECT OF TRAFFIC LAWS

• 46.61.005 - Chapter refers to vehicles upon highways -- Exceptions.
• 46.61.015 - Obedience to police officers, flaggers, or firefighters -- Penalty.
• 46.61.020 - Refusal to give information to or cooperate with officer -- Penalty.
• 46.61.021 - Duty to obey law enforcement officer -- Authority of officer.
• 46.61.022 - Failure to obey officer -- Penalty.
• 46.61.024 - Attempting to elude police vehicle -- Defense -- License revocation.
• 46.61.025 - Persons riding animals or driving animal-drawn vehicles.
• 46.61.030 - Persons working on highway right-of-way -- Exceptions.
• 46.61.035 - Authorized emergency vehicles.

TRAFFIC SIGNS, SIGNALS, AND MARKINGS

• 46.61.050 - Obedience to and required traffic control devices.
• 46.61.055 - Traffic control signal legend.
• 46.61.060 - Pedestrian control signals.
• 46.61.065 - Flashing signals.
• 46.61.070 - Lane-direction-control signals.
• 46.61.072 - Special traffic control signals -- Legend.
• 46.61.075 - Display of unauthorized signs, signals, or markings.
• 46.61.080 - Interference with official traffic-control devices or railroad signs or signals.
• 46.61.085 - Traffic control signals or devices upon city streets forming part of state highways -- Approval by department of transportation.

DRIVING ON RIGHT SIDE OF ROADWAY --

OVERTAKING AND PASSING -- USE OF ROADWAY

• 46.61.100 - Keep right except when passing, etc.
• 46.61.105 - Passing vehicles proceeding in opposite directions.
• 46.61.110 - Overtaking on the left.
• 46.61.115 - When overtaking on the right is permitted.
• 46.61.120 - Limitations on overtaking on the left.
• 46.61.125 - Further limitations on driving to left of center of roadway.
• 46.61.126 - Pedestrians and bicyclists -- Legal duties.
• 46.61.130 - No-passing zones.
• 46.61.135 - One-way roadways and rotary traffic islands.
• 46.61.140 - Driving on roadways laned for traffic.
• 46.61.145 - Following too closely.
• 46.61.150 - Driving on divided highways.
• 46.61.155 - Restricted access.
• 46.61.160 - Restrictions on limited-access highway -- Use by bicyclists.
• 46.61.165 - High occupancy vehicle lanes.

RIGHT-OF-WAY

• 46.61.180 - Vehicle approaching intersection.
• 46.61.183 - Nonfunctioning signal lights.
• 46.61.185 - Vehicle turning left.
• 46.61.190 - Vehicle entering stop or yield intersection.
• 46.61.195 - Arterial highways designated -- Stopping on entering.
• 46.61.200 - Stop intersections other than arterial may be designated.
• 46.61.202 - Stopping when traffic obstructed.
• 46.61.205 - Vehicle entering highway from private road or driveway.
• 46.61.210 - Operation of vehicles on approach of emergency vehicles.
• 46.61.212 - Approaching stationary emergency vehicles, tow trucks, and police vehicles.
• 46.61.215 - Highway construction and maintenance.
• 46.61.220 - Transit vehicles.

PEDESTRIANS' RIGHTS AND DUTIES

• 46.61.230 - Pedestrians subject to traffic regulations.
• 46.61.235 - Crosswalks.
• 46.61.240 - Crossing at other than crosswalks.
• 46.61.245 - Drivers to exercise care.
• 46.61.250 - Pedestrians on roadways.
• 46.61.255 - Pedestrians soliciting rides or business.
• 46.61.260 - Driving through safety zone prohibited.
• 46.61.261 - Sidewalks, crosswalks -- Pedestrians, bicycles.
• 46.61.264 - Pedestrians yield to emergency vehicles.
• 46.61.266 - Pedestrians under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
• 46.61.269 - Passing beyond bridge or grade crossing barrier prohibited.
• 46.61.275 - Reporting of certain speed zone violations -- Subsequent law enforcement investigation.

TURNING AND STARTING AND SIGNALS

ON STOPPING AND TURNING

• 46.61.290 - Required position and method of turning at intersections.
• 46.61.295 - "U" turns.
• 46.61.300 - Starting parked vehicle.
• 46.61.305 - When signals required -- Improper use prohibited.
• 46.61.310 - Signals by hand and arm or signal lamps.
• 46.61.315 - Method of giving hand and arm signals.

SPECIAL STOPS REQUIRED

• 46.61.340 - Approaching train signal.
• 46.61.345 - All vehicles must stop at certain railroad grade crossings.
• 46.61.350 - Certain vehicles must stop at all railroad grade crossings -- Exceptions (as amended by 2010 c 8).
• 46.61.350 - Certain vehicles must stop at all railroad grade crossings -- Exemptions -- Definition (as amended by 2010 c 15).
• 46.61.355 - Moving heavy equipment at railroad grade crossings -- Notice of intended crossing.
• 46.61.365 - Emerging from alley, driveway, or building.
• 46.61.370 - Overtaking or meeting school bus -- Duties of bus driver.
• 46.61.371 - School bus stop sign violators -- Identification by vehicle owner.
• 46.61.372 - School bus stop sign violators -- Report by bus driver -- Law enforcement investigation.
• 46.61.375 - Overtaking or meeting private carrier bus -- Duties of bus driver.
• 46.61.380 - Rules for design, marking, and mode of operating school buses.
• 46.61.385 - School patrol -- Appointment -- Authority -- Finance -- Insurance.

SPEED RESTRICTIONS

• 46.61.400 - Basic rule and maximum limits.
• 46.61.405 - Decreases by secretary of transportation.
• 46.61.410 - Increases by secretary of transportation -- Maximum speed limit for trucks -- Auto stages -- Signs and notices.
• 46.61.415 - When local authorities may alter maximum limits.
• 46.61.419 - Private roads -- Speed enforcement.
• 46.61.425 - Minimum speed regulation -- Passing slow moving vehicle.
• 46.61.427 - Slow-moving vehicle to pull off roadway.
• 46.61.428 - Slow-moving vehicle driving on shoulders, when.
• 46.61.430 - Authority of secretary of transportation to fix speed limits on limited access facilities exclusive -- Local regulations.
• 46.61.435 - Local authorities to provide "stop" or "yield" signs at intersections with increased speed highways -- Designated as arterials.
• 46.61.440 - Maximum speed limit when passing school or playground crosswalks -- Penalty, disposition of proceeds.
• 46.61.445 - Due care required.
• 46.61.450 - Maximum speed, weight, or size in traversing bridges, elevated structures, tunnels, underpasses -- Posting limits.
• 46.61.455 - Vehicles with solid or hollow cushion tires.
• 46.61.460 - Special speed limitation on motor-driven cycle.
• 46.61.465 - Exceeding speed limit evidence of reckless driving.
• 46.61.470 - Speed traps defined, certain types permitted -- Measured courses, speed measuring devices, timing from aircraft.
• 46.61.480 - Determination of maximum speed on nonlimited access state highways within tribal reservation boundaries.

RECKLESS DRIVING, DRIVING UNDER THE INFLUENCE,

VEHICULAR HOMICIDE AND ASSAULT

• 46.61.500 - Reckless driving -- Penalty.
• 46.61.502 - Driving under the influence.
• 46.61.503 - Driver under twenty-one consuming alcohol -- Penalties.
• 46.61.504 - Physical control of vehicle under the influence.
• 46.61.5054 - Alcohol violators -- Additional fee -- Distribution.
• 46.61.5055 - Alcohol violators -- Penalty schedule.
• 46.61.5056 - Alcohol violators -- Information school -- Evaluation and treatment.
• 46.61.50571 - Alcohol violators -- Mandatory appearances.
• 46.61.5058 - Alcohol violators -- Vehicle seizure and forfeiture.
• 46.61.506 - Persons under influence of intoxicating liquor or drug -- Evidence -- Tests -- Information concerning tests.
• 46.61.507 - 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.
• 46.61.508 - Liability of medical personnel withdrawing blood.
• 46.61.513 - Criminal history and driving record.
• 46.61.5151 - Sentences -- Intermittent fulfillment -- Restrictions.
• 46.61.5152 - Attendance at program focusing on victims.
• 46.61.516 - Qualified probation department defined.
• 46.61.517 - Refusal of test -- Admissibility as evidence.
• 46.61.519 - Alcoholic beverages -- Drinking or open container in vehicle on highway -- Exceptions.
• 46.61.5191 - Local ordinances not prohibited.
• 46.61.5195 - Disguising alcoholic beverage container.
• 46.61.520 - Vehicular homicide -- Penalty.
• 46.61.522 - Vehicular assault -- Penalty.
• 46.61.524 - Vehicular homicide, assault -- Revocation of driving privilege -- Eligibility for reinstatement.
• 46.61.5249 - Negligent driving -- First degree.
• 46.61.525 - Negligent driving -- Second degree.
• 46.61.527 - Roadway construction zones.
• 46.61.530 - Racing of vehicles on highways -- Reckless driving -- Exception.
• 46.61.535 - Advertising of unlawful speed -- Reckless driving.
• 46.61.540 - "Drugs," what included.

STOPPING, STANDING, AND PARKING

• 46.61.560 - Stopping, standing, or parking outside business or residence districts.
• 46.61.570 - Stopping, standing, or parking prohibited in specified places -- Reserving portion of highway prohibited.
• 46.61.575 - Additional parking regulations.
• 46.61.577 - Regulations governing parking facilities.
• 46.61.581 - Parking spaces for persons with disabilities -- Indication, access -- Failure, penalty.
• 46.61.582 - Free parking for persons with disabilities.
• 46.61.583 - Special plate or card issued by another jurisdiction.
• 46.61.585 - Winter recreational parking areas -- Special permit required.
• 46.61.587 - Winter recreational parking areas -- Penalty.
• 46.61.590 - Unattended motor vehicle -- Removal from highway.

MISCELLANEOUS RULES

• 46.61.600 - Unattended motor vehicle.
• 46.61.605 - Limitations on backing.
• 46.61.606 - Driving on sidewalk prohibited -- Exception.
• 46.61.608 - Operating motorcycles on roadways laned for traffic.
• 46.61.610 - Riding on motorcycles.
• 46.61.611 - Motorcycles -- Maximum height for handlebars.
• 46.61.612 - Riding on motorcycles -- Position of feet.
• 46.61.613 - Motorcycles -- Temporary suspension of restrictions for parades or public demonstrations.
• 46.61.614 - Riding on motorcycles -- Clinging to other vehicles.
• 46.61.615 - Obstructions to driver's view or driving mechanism.
• 46.61.620 - Opening and closing vehicle doors.
• 46.61.625 - Riding in trailers or towed vehicles.
• 46.61.630 - Coasting prohibited.
• 46.61.635 - Following fire apparatus prohibited.
• 46.61.640 - Crossing fire hose.
• 46.61.645 - Throwing materials on highway prohibited -- Removal.
• 46.61.655 - Dropping load, other materials -- Covering.
• 46.61.660 - Carrying persons or animals on outside part of vehicle.
• 46.61.665 - Embracing another while driving.
• 46.61.667 - Using a wireless communications device while driving.
• 46.61.668 - Sending, reading, or writing a text message while driving.
• 46.61.670 - Driving with wheels off roadway.
• 46.61.675 - Causing or permitting vehicle to be unlawfully operated.
• 46.61.680 - Lowering passenger vehicle below legal clearance -- Penalty.
• 46.61.685 - Leaving children unattended in standing vehicle with motor running -- Penalty.
• 46.61.687 - Child passenger restraint required -- Conditions -- Exceptions -- Penalty for violation -- Dismissal -- Noncompliance not negligence -- Immunity.
• 46.61.6871 - Child passenger safety technician -- Immunity.
• 46.61.688 - Safety belts, use required -- Penalties -- Exemptions.
• 46.61.6885 - Child restraints, seatbelts -- Educational campaign.
• 46.61.690 - Violations relating to toll facilities.
• 46.61.700 - Parent or guardian shall not authorize or permit violation by a child or ward.
• 46.61.710 - Mopeds, EPAMDs, electric-assisted bicycles, motorized foot scooters -- General requirements and operation.
• 46.61.720 - Mopeds -- Safety standards.
• 46.61.723 - Medium-speed electric vehicles.
• 46.61.725 - Neighborhood electric vehicles.
• 46.61.730 - Wheelchair conveyances.
• 46.61.735 - Ferry queues -- Violations -- Exemptions.
• 46.61.740 - Theft of motor vehicle fuel.

OPERATION OF NONMOTORIZED VEHICLES

• 46.61.750 - Effect of regulations -- Penalty.
• 46.61.755 - Traffic laws apply to persons riding bicycles.
• 46.61.758 - Hand signals.
• 46.61.760 - Riding on bicycles.
• 46.61.765 - Clinging to vehicles.
• 46.61.770 - Riding on roadways and bicycle paths.
• 46.61.775 - Carrying articles.
• 46.61.780 - Lamps and other equipment on bicycles.
• 46.61.790 - Intoxicated bicyclists.
• 46.61.990 - Recodification of sections -- Organization of chapter -- Construction.
• 46.61.991 - Severability -- 1965 ex.s. c 155.