title: RCW 46.37.310

text:
(1) No person may have for sale, sell, or offer for sale for use upon or as a part of the equipment of a motor vehicle, trailer, or semitrailer, or use upon any such vehicle any head lamp, auxiliary or fog lamp, rear lamp, signal lamp, or reflector, which reflector is required under this chapter, or parts of any of the foregoing which tend to change the original design or performance, unless of a type which has been submitted to the state patrol and conforming to rules adopted by it.
(2) No person may have for sale, sell, or offer for sale for use upon or as a part of the equipment of a motor vehicle, trailer, or semitrailer any lamp or device mentioned in this section conforming to rules adopted by the state patrol unless such lamp or device bears thereon the trademark or name under which it is approved so as to be legible when installed.
(3) No person may use upon any motor vehicle, trailer, or semitrailer any lamps mentioned in this section unless the lamps are mounted, adjusted, and aimed in accordance with instructions of the state patrol.
[ 1987 c 330 s 716; 1986 c 113 s 1; 1961 c 12 s 46.37.310. Prior: 1955 c 269 s 31; prior: 1937 c 189 s 30; RRS s 6360-30; RCW 46.40.180; 1929 c 178 s 12; 1927 c 309 s 35; RRS s 6362-35.]
Notes:
Construction—Application of rules—Severability—1987 c 330: See notes following RCW 28B.12.050.

catchline: Selling or using lamps or equipment.


doc_type: statute

jurisdiction: wa

title: RCW 46.37.320

text:
(1) The chief of the state patrol is hereby authorized to adopt and enforce rules establishing standards and specifications governing the performance of lighting devices and their installation, adjustment, and aiming, when in use on motor vehicles, and other safety equipment, components, or assemblies of a type for which regulation is required in this chapter or in rules adopted by the state patrol. Such rules shall correlate with and, so far as practicable, conform to federal motor vehicle safety standards adopted pursuant to the national traffic and motor vehicle safety act of 1966 (15 U.S.C. Sec. 1381 et seq.) covering the same aspect of performance, or in the absence of such federal standards, to the then current standards and specifications of the society of automotive engineers applicable to such equipment: PROVIDED, That the sale, installation, and use of any headlamp meeting the standards of either the society of automotive engineers or the United Nations agreement concerning motor vehicle equipment and parts done at Geneva on March 20, 1958, or as amended and adopted by the Canadian standards association (CSA standard D106.2), as amended, shall be lawful in this state.
(2) Every manufacturer who sells or offers for sale lighting devices or other safety equipment subject to requirements established by the state patrol shall, if the lighting device or safety equipment is not in conformance with applicable federal motor vehicle safety standards, provide for submission of such lighting device or safety equipment to any recognized organization or agency such as, but not limited to, the American national standards institute, the society of automotive engineers, or the American association of motor vehicle administrators, as the agent of the state patrol. Issuance of a certificate of compliance for any lighting device or item of safety equipment by that agent is deemed to comply with the standards set forth by the state patrol. Such certificate shall be issued by the agent of the state before sale of the product within the state.
(3) The state patrol may at any time request from the manufacturer a copy of the test data showing proof of compliance of any device with the requirements established by the state patrol and additional evidence that due care was exercised in maintaining compliance during production. If the manufacturer fails to provide such proof of compliance within sixty days of notice from the state patrol, the state patrol may prohibit the sale of the device in this state until acceptable proof of compliance is received by the state patrol.
(4) The state patrol or its agent may purchase any lighting device or other safety equipment, component, or assembly subject to this chapter or rules adopted by the state patrol under this chapter, for purposes of testing or retesting the equipment as to its compliance with applicable standards or specifications.
[ 1987 c 330 s 717; 1986 c 113 s 2. Prior: 1977 ex.s. c 355 s 25; 1977 ex.s. c 20 s 1; 1961 c 12 s 46.37.320; prior: 1955 c 269 s 32; prior: 1937 c 189 s 31; RRS s 6360-31; RCW 46.40.190; 1933 c 156 s 4, part; 1929 c 178 s 6, part; 1927 c 309 s 23, part; RRS s 6362-23, part.]
Notes:
Construction—Application of rules—Severability—1987 c 330: See notes following RCW 28B.12.050.
Severability—1977 ex.s. c 355: See note following RCW 46.37.010.

license: public-domain-government-work

rule_set: Revised Code of Washington

catchline: Authority of state patrol regarding lighting devices or other safety equipment.

code: rcw

unit: section

court: Washington State Legislature


title: RCW 46.37.330

text:
(1) When the state patrol has reason to believe that an approved device does not comply with the requirements of this chapter or regulations issued by the state patrol, it may, after giving thirty days' previous notice to the person holding the certificate of approval for such device in this state, conduct a hearing upon the question of compliance of said approved device. After said hearing the state patrol shall determine whether said approved device meets the requirements of this chapter and regulations issued by the state patrol. If said device does not meet the requirements of this chapter or the state patrol's regulations it shall give notice to the one to whom the certificate of approval has been issued of the state patrol's intention to suspend or revoke the certificate of approval for such device in this state.
(2) If at the expiration of ninety days after such notice the person holding the certificate of approval for such device has failed to satisfy the state patrol that said approved device as thereafter to be sold or offered for sale meets the requirements of this chapter or the state patrol's regulations, the state patrol shall suspend or revoke the approval issued therefor and shall require the withdrawal of all such devices from the market and may require that all said devices sold since the notification be replaced with devices that do comply.
(3) When a certificate of approval has been suspended or revoked pursuant to this chapter or regulations by the state patrol, the device shall not be again approved unless and until it has been submitted for reapproval and it has been demonstrated, in the same manner as in an application for an original approval, that the device fully meets the requirements of this chapter or regulations issued by the state patrol. The state patrol may require that all previously approved items are being effectively recalled and removed from the market as a condition of reapproval.
[ 1987 c 330 s 718; 1977 ex.s. c 355 s 26; 1961 c 12 s 46.37.330. Prior: 1955 c 269 s 33; prior: 1937 c 189 s 32; RRS s 6360-32; RCW 46.40.200; 1933 c 156 s 4, part; 1929 c 178 s 6, part; 1927 c 309 s 23, part; RRS s 6362-23, part.]
Notes:
Construction—Application of rules—Severability—1987 c 330: See notes following RCW 28B.12.050.
Severability—1977 ex.s. c 355: See note following RCW 46.37.010.

catchline: Revocation of certificate of approval on devices—Reapproval, conditions.


title: RCW 46.37.340

text:
Every motor vehicle, trailer, semitrailer, and pole trailer, and any combination of such vehicle operating upon a highway within this state shall be equipped with brakes in compliance with the requirements of this chapter.
(1) Service brakes—adequacy. Every such vehicle and combination of vehicles, except special mobile equipment as defined in RCW 46.04.552, shall be equipped with service brakes complying with the performance requirements of RCW 46.37.351 and adequate to control the movement of and to stop and hold such vehicle under all conditions of loading, and on any grade incident to its operation.
(2) Parking brakes—adequacy. Every such vehicle and combination of vehicles shall be equipped with parking brakes adequate to hold the vehicle on any grade on which it is operated, under all conditions of loading, on a surface free from snow, ice, or loose material. The parking brakes shall be capable of being applied in conformance with the foregoing requirements by the driver's muscular effort or by spring action or by equivalent means. Their operation may be assisted by the service brakes or other source of power provided that failure of the service brake actuation system or other power assisting mechanism will not prevent the parking brakes from being applied in conformance with the foregoing requirements. The parking brakes shall be so designed that when once applied they shall remain applied with the required effectiveness despite exhaustion of any source of energy or leakage of any kind. The same brake drums, brake shoes and lining assemblies, brake shoe anchors, and mechanical brake shoe actuation mechanism normally associated with the wheel brake assemblies may be used for both the service brakes and the parking brakes. If the means of applying the parking brakes and the service brakes are connected in any way, they shall be so constructed that failure of any one part shall not leave the vehicle without operative brakes.
(3) Brakes on all wheels. Every vehicle shall be equipped with brakes acting on all wheels except:
(a) Trailers, cargo extensions, semitrailers, or pole trailers of a gross weight not exceeding three thousand pounds, provided that:
(i) The total weight on and including the wheels of the trailer or trailers or cargo extension shall not exceed forty percent of the gross weight of the towing vehicle when connected to the trailer or trailers; and
(ii) The combination of vehicles consisting of the towing vehicle and its total towed load, is capable of complying with the performance requirements of RCW 46.37.351;
(b) Trailers, semitrailers, or pole trailers manufactured and assembled prior to July 1, 1965, shall not be required to be equipped with brakes when the total weight on and including the wheels of the trailer or trailers does not exceed two thousand pounds;
(c) Any vehicle being towed in driveaway or towaway operations, provided the combination of vehicles is capable of complying with the performance requirements of RCW 46.37.351;
(d) Trucks and truck tractors manufactured before July 25, 1980, and having three or more axles need not have brakes on the front wheels, except that when such vehicles are equipped with at least two steerable axles, the wheels of one steerable axle need not have brakes. Trucks and truck tractors manufactured on or after July 25, 1980, and having three or more axles are required to have brakes on the front wheels, except that when such vehicles are equipped with at least two steerable axles, the wheels of one steerable axle need not have brakes. Such trucks and truck tractors may be equipped with an automatic device to reduce the front-wheel braking effort by up to fifty percent of the normal braking force, regardless of whether or not antilock system failure has occurred on any axle, and:
(i) Must not be operable by the driver except upon application of the control that activates the braking system; and
(ii) Must not be operable when the pressure that transmits brake control application force exceeds eighty-five pounds per square inch (psi) on air-mechanical braking systems, or eighty-five percent of the maximum system pressure in vehicles utilizing other than compressed air.
All trucks and truck tractors having three or more axles must be capable of complying with the performance requirements of RCW 46.37.351;
(e) Special mobile equipment as defined in RCW 46.04.552 and all vehicles designed primarily for off-highway use with braking systems which work within the power train rather than directly at each wheel;
(f) Vehicles manufactured prior to January 1, 1930, may have brakes operating on only two wheels;
(g) For a forklift manufactured after January 1, 1970, and being towed, wheels need not have brakes except for those on the rearmost axle so long as such brakes, together with the brakes on the towing vehicle, shall be adequate to stop the combination within the stopping distance requirements of RCW 46.37.351.
(4) Automatic trailer brake application upon breakaway. Every trailer, semitrailer, and pole trailer equipped with air or vacuum actuated brakes and every trailer, semitrailer, and pole trailer with a gross weight in excess of three thousand pounds, manufactured or assembled after January 1, 1964, shall be equipped with brakes acting on all wheels and of such character as to be applied automatically and promptly, and remain applied for at least fifteen minutes, upon breakaway from the towing vehicle.
(5) Tractor brakes protected. Every motor vehicle manufactured or assembled after January 1, 1964, and used to tow a trailer, semitrailer, or pole trailer equipped with brakes, shall be equipped with means for providing that in case of breakaway of the towed vehicle, the towing vehicle will be capable of being stopped by the use of its service brakes.
(6) Trailer air reservoirs safeguarded. Air brake systems installed on trailers manufactured or assembled after January 1, 1964, shall be so designed that the supply reservoir used to provide air for the brakes shall be safeguarded against backflow of air from the reservoir through the supply line.
(7) Two means of emergency brake operation.
(a) Air brakes. After January 1, 1964, every towing vehicle equipped with air controlled brakes, in other than driveaway or towaway operations, and all other vehicles equipped with air controlled brakes, shall be equipped with two means for emergency application of the brakes. One of these means shall apply the brakes automatically in the event of a reduction of the vehicle's air supply to a fixed pressure which shall be not lower than twenty pounds per square inch nor higher than forty-five pounds per square inch. The other means shall be a manually controlled device for applying and releasing the brakes, readily operable by a person seated in the driving seat, and its emergency position or method of operation shall be clearly indicated. In no instance may the manual means be so arranged as to permit its use to prevent operation of the automatic means. The automatic and the manual means required by this section may be, but are not required to be, separate.
(b) Vacuum brakes. After January 1, 1964, every towing vehicle used to tow other vehicles equipped with vacuum brakes, in operations other than driveaway or towaway operations, shall have, in addition to the single control device required by subsection (8) of this section, a second control device which can be used to operate the brakes on towed vehicles in emergencies. The second control shall be independent of brake air, hydraulic, and other pressure, and independent of other controls, unless the braking system be so arranged that failure of the pressure upon which the second control depends will cause the towed vehicle brakes to be applied automatically. The second control is not required to provide modulated braking.
(8) Single control to operate all brakes. After January 1, 1964, every motor vehicle, trailer, semitrailer, and pole trailer, and every combination of such vehicles, equipped with brakes shall have the braking system so arranged that one control device can be used to operate all service brakes. This requirement does not prohibit vehicles from being equipped with an additional control device to be used to operate brakes on the towed vehicles. This regulation does not apply to driveaway or towaway operations unless the brakes on the individual vehicles are designed to be operated by a single control in the towing vehicle.
(9) Reservoir capacity and check valve.
(a) Air brakes. Every bus, truck, or truck tractor with air operated brakes shall be equipped with at least one reservoir sufficient to insure that, when fully charged to the maximum pressure as regulated by the air compressor governor cut-out setting, a full service brake application may be made without lowering such reservoir pressure by more than twenty percent. Each reservoir shall be provided with means for readily draining accumulated oil or water.
(b) Vacuum brakes. After January 1, 1964, every truck with three or more axles equipped with vacuum assistor type brakes and every truck tractor and truck used for towing a vehicle equipped with vacuum brakes shall be equipped with a reserve capacity or a vacuum reservoir sufficient to insure that, with the reserve capacity or reservoir fully charged and with the engine stopped, a full service brake application may be made without depleting the vacuum supply by more than forty percent.
(c) Reservoir safeguarded. All motor vehicles, trailers, semitrailers, and pole trailers, when equipped with air or vacuum reservoirs or reserve capacity as required by this section, shall have such reservoirs or reserve capacity so safeguarded by a check valve or equivalent device that in the event of failure or leakage in its connection to the source of compressed air or vacuum, the stored air or vacuum shall not be depleted by the leak or failure.
(10) Warning devices.
(a) Air brakes. Every bus, truck, or truck tractor using compressed air for the operation of its own brakes or the brakes on any towed vehicle, shall be provided with a warning signal, other than a pressure gauge, readily audible or visible to the driver, which will operate at any time the primary supply air reservoir pressure of the vehicle is below fifty percent of the air compressor governor cut-out pressure. In addition, each such vehicle shall be equipped with a pressure gauge visible to the driver, which indicates in pounds per square inch the pressure available for braking.
(b) Vacuum brakes. After January 1, 1964, every truck tractor and truck used for towing a vehicle equipped with vacuum operated brakes and every truck with three or more axles using vacuum in the operation of its brakes, except those in driveaway or towaway operations, shall be equipped with a warning signal, other than a gauge indicating vacuum, readily audible or visible to the driver, which will operate at any time the vacuum in the vehicle's supply reservoir or reserve capacity is less than eight inches of mercury.
(c) Combination of warning devices. When a vehicle required to be equipped with a warning device is equipped with both air and vacuum power for the operation of its own brakes or the brakes on a towed vehicle, the warning devices may be, but are not required to be, combined into a single device which will serve both purposes. A gauge or gauges indicating pressure or vacuum shall not be deemed to be an adequate means of satisfying this requirement.
[ 2016 c 22 s 5; 1989 c 221 s 1; 1979 c 11 s 1. Prior: 1977 ex.s. c 355 s 27; 1977 ex.s. c 148 s 2; 1965 ex.s. c 170 s 49; 1963 c 154 s 21; 1961 c 12 s 46.37.340; prior: 1955 c 269 s 34; prior: 1937 c 189 s 34, part; RRS s 6360-34, part; RCW 46.36.020, 46.36.030, part; 1929 c 180 s 6; 1927 c 309 s 16; 1923 c 181 s 5; 1921 c 96 s 23; 1915 c 142 s 22; RRS s 6362-16.]
Notes:
Intent—Effective date—2016 c 22: See notes following RCW 46.04.094.
Severability—1977 ex.s. c 355: See note following RCW 46.37.010.

catchline: Braking equipment required.


title: RCW 46.37.351

text:
Every motor vehicle and combination of vehicles, at all times and under all conditions of loading, upon application of the service brakes, shall be capable of:
(1) Developing a braking force that is not less than the percentage of its gross weight tabulated herein for its classification,
(2) Decelerating to a stop from not more than twenty miles per hour at not less than the feet per second per second tabulated herein for its classification, and
(3) Stopping from a speed of twenty miles per hour in not more than the distance tabulated herein for its classification, such distance to be measured from the point at which movement of the service brake pedal or control begins.
Tests for deceleration and stopping distance shall be made on a substantially level (not to exceed plus or minus one percent grade), dry, smooth, hard surface that is free from loose material.
Classification
of vehicles
Braking
force
as a
percent-
age of gross
vehicle or
combination
weight
Deceler-
ation in
feet per
second
per
second
Brake
system
application
and
braking
distance
in feet
from an
initial
speed of
20 m.p.h.
A
Passenger vehicles with
a seating capacity of
10 people or less
including driver, not
having a manufacturer's
gross vehicle weight
rating . . . .
52.8%
17
25
B-1
All motorcycles and
motor-driven cycles . . . .
43.5%
14
30
B-2
Single unit vehicles
with a manufacturer's
gross vehicle weight
rating of 10,000
pounds or less . . . .
43.5%
14
30
C-1
Single unit vehicles
with a manufacturer's
gross weight rating of
more than 10,000
pounds . . . .
43.5%
14
40
C-2
Combinations of a
two-axle towing vehicle
and a trailer with a
gross trailer weight of
3,000 pounds or less . . . .
43.5%
14
40
C-3
Buses, regardless of the
number of axles, not
having a manufacturer's
gross weight rating . . . .
43.5%
14
40
C-4
All combinations of
vehicles in driveaway-
towaway operations . . . .
43.5%
14
40
D
All other vehicles and
combinations of
vehicles . . . .
43.5%
14
50
[ 1963 c 154 s 22.]
Notes:
Effective date—1963 c 154: See note following RCW 46.37.010.
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catchline: Performance ability of brakes.


title: RCW 46.37.360

text:
(1) All brakes shall be maintained in good working order and shall be so adjusted as to operate as equally as practicable with respect to the front and back wheels and to wheels on opposite sides of the vehicle.
(2) All passenger cars manufactured on or after January 1, 1968, and other types of vehicles manufactured on or after September 1, 1975, shall be equipped with brake system failure indicator lamps which shall be maintained in good working order. The brake system shall demonstrate good working order and integrity by the application of a force of one hundred twenty-five pounds to the brake pedal for ten seconds without the occurrence of any of the following:
(i) Illumination of the brake system failure indicator lamp;
(ii) A decrease of more than eighty percent of service brake pedal height as measured from its free position to the floorboard or any other object which restricts service brake pedal travel;
(iii) Failure of any hydraulic line or other part.
(3) Brake hoses shall not be mounted so as to contact the vehicle body or chassis. In addition, brake hoses shall not be cracked, chafed, flattened, abraded, or visibly leaking. Protection devices such as "rub rings" shall not be considered part of the hose or tubing.
(4) Disc and drum condition. If the drum is embossed with a maximum safe diameter dimension or the rotor is embossed with a minimum safety thickness dimension, the drum or disc shall be within the appropriate specifications. These dimensions will be found on motor vehicles manufactured since January 1, 1971, and may be found on vehicles manufactured for several years prior to that time. If the drums and discs are not embossed, the drums and discs shall be within the manufacturer's specifications.
(5) Friction materials. On each brake the thickness of the lining or pad shall not be less than one thirty-second of an inch over the rivet heads, or the brake shoe on bonded linings or pads. Brake linings and pads shall not have cracks or breaks that extend to rivet holes except minor cracks that do not impair attachment. Drum brake linings shall be securely attached to brake shoes. Disc brake pads shall be securely attached to shoe plates.
(6) Backing plates and caliper assemblies shall not be deformed or cracked. System parts shall not be broken, misaligned, missing, binding, or show evidence of severe wear. Automatic adjusters and other parts shall be assembled and installed correctly.
[ 1977 ex.s. c 355 s 28; 1961 c 12 s 46.37.360. Prior: 1955 c 269 s 36; prior: 1951 c 56 s 2, part; 1937 c 189 s 34, part; RRS s 6360-34, part; RCW 46.36.020, 46.36.030, part; 1929 c 180 s 6; 1927 c 309 s 16; 1923 c 181 s 5; 1921 c 96 s 23; 1915 c 142 s 22; RRS s 6362-16.]
Notes:
Severability—1977 ex.s. c 355: See note following RCW 46.37.010.

catchline: Maintenance of brakes—Brake system failure indicator.


title: RCW 46.37.365

text:
(1) The term "hydraulic brake fluid" as used in this section shall mean the liquid medium through which force is transmitted to the brakes in the hydraulic brake system of a vehicle.
(2) Hydraulic brake fluid shall be distributed and serviced with due regard for the safety of the occupants of the vehicle and the public.
(3) The chief of the Washington state patrol shall, in compliance with the provisions of chapter 34.05 RCW, the administrative procedure act, which govern the adoption of rules, adopt and enforce regulations for the administration of this section and shall adopt and publish standards and specifications for hydraulic brake fluid which shall correlate with, and so far as practicable conform to, the then current standards and specifications of the society of automotive engineers applicable to such fluid.
(4) No person shall distribute, have for sale, offer for sale, or sell any hydraulic brake fluid unless it complies with the requirements of this section and the standard specifications adopted by the state patrol. No person shall service any vehicle with brake fluid unless it complies with the requirements of this section and the standards and specifications adopted by the state patrol.
(5) Subsections (3) and (4) of this section shall not apply to petroleum base fluids in vehicles with brake systems designed to use them.
[ 1987 c 330 s 719; 1977 ex.s. c 355 s 29; 1963 c 154 s 24.]
Notes:
Construction—Application of rules—Severability—1987 c 330: See notes following RCW 28B.12.050.
Severability—1977 ex.s. c 355: See note following RCW 46.37.010.
Effective date—1963 c 154: See note following RCW 46.37.010.

catchline: Hydraulic brake fluid—Defined—Standards and specifications.


title: RCW 46.37.369

text:
(1) No vehicle shall be equipped with wheel nuts, hub caps, or wheel discs extending outside the body of the vehicle when viewed from directly above which:
(a) Incorporate winged projections; or
(b) Constitute a hazard to pedestrians and cyclists.
For the purposes of this section, a wheel nut is defined as an exposed nut which is mounted at the center or hub of a wheel, and is not one of the ordinary hexagonal nuts which secure a wheel to an axle and are normally covered by a hub cap or wheel disc.
(2) Tire rims and wheel discs shall have no visible cracks, elongated bolt holes, or indications of repair by welding. In addition, the lateral and radial runout of each rim bead area shall not exceed one-eighth of an inch of total indicated runout.
(3) King pins or ball joints shall not be worn to the extent that front wheels tip in or out more than one-quarter of an inch at the lower edge of the tire.
[ 1977 ex.s. c 355 s 30.]
Notes:
Severability—1977 ex.s. c 355: See note following RCW 46.37.010.
Lowering vehicle below legal clearance: RCW 46.61.680.

catchline: Wheels and front suspension.


title: RCW 46.37.375

text:
(1) Construction of steering control system. The steering control system shall be constructed and maintained so that no components or attachments, including horn activating mechanism and trim hardware, can catch the driver's clothing or jewelry during normal driving maneuvers.
(2) Maintenance of steering control system. System play, lash, or free play in the steering system shall not exceed the values tabulated herein.
Steering wheel diameter
(inches)
Lash
(inches)
16 or less . . . .2
18 . . . .2-1/4
20 . . . .2-1/2
22 . . . .2-3/4
(3) Linkage play. Free play in the steering linkage shall not exceed one-quarter of an inch.
(4) Other components of the steering system such as the power steering belt, tie rods, or idler arms or Pitman arms shall not be broken, worn out, or show signs of breakage.
(5) Suspension condition. Ball joint seals shall not be cut or cracked. Structural parts shall not be bent or damaged. Stabilizer bars shall be connected. Springs shall not be broken, or extended by spacers. Shock absorber mountings, shackles, and U-bolts shall be securely attached. Rubber bushings shall not be cracked, or extruded out or missing from suspension joints. Radius rods shall not be missing or damaged.
(6) Shock absorber system. Shock absorbers shall not be loose from mountings, leak, or be inoperative.
(7) Alignment. Toe-in and toe-out measurements shall not be greater than one and one-half times the value listed in the vehicle manufacturer's service specification for alignment setting.
[ 1977 ex.s. c 355 s 31.]
Notes:
Severability—1977 ex.s. c 355: See note following RCW 46.37.010.
Lowering vehicle below legal clearance: RCW 46.61.680.

catchline: Steering and suspension systems.


title: RCW 46.37.380

text:
(1) Every motor vehicle when operated upon a highway shall be equipped with a horn in good working order and capable of emitting sound audible under normal conditions from a distance of not less than 200 feet, but no horn or other warning device may emit an unreasonably loud or harsh sound or a whistle. The driver of a motor vehicle shall when reasonably necessary to insure safe operation give audible warning with his or her horn but shall not otherwise use such horn when upon a highway.
(2) No vehicle may be equipped with nor may any person use upon a vehicle any siren, whistle, or bell, except as otherwise permitted in this section.
(3) It is permissible for any vehicle to be equipped with a theft alarm signal device so long as it is so arranged that it cannot be used by the driver as an ordinary warning signal. Such a theft alarm signal device may use a whistle, bell, horn, or other audible signal but shall not use a siren.
(4) Any authorized emergency vehicle may be equipped with a siren, whistle, or bell capable of emitting sound audible under normal conditions from a distance of not less than 500 feet and of a type conforming to rules adopted by the state patrol, but the siren shall not be used except when the vehicle is operated in response to an emergency call or in the immediate pursuit of an actual or suspected violator of the law, in which latter events the driver of the vehicle shall sound the siren when reasonably necessary to warn pedestrians and other drivers of its approach.
(5) Any organ transport vehicle may be equipped with a siren, whistle, or bell capable of emitting sound audible under normal conditions from a distance of not less than 500 feet and of a type conforming to rules adopted by the state patrol, but the siren shall not be used except when the vehicle is transporting a time urgent organ as defined in RCW 68.64.010, in which case the driver of the vehicle shall sound the siren when reasonably necessary to warn pedestrians and other drivers of its approach.
[ 2023 c 290 s 4; 2010 c 8 s 9052; 1987 c 330 s 720; 1986 c 113 s 3; 1977 ex.s. c 355 s 32; 1961 c 12 s 46.37.380. Prior: 1955 c 269 s 38; prior: 1937 c 189 s 35; RRS s 6360-35; RCW 46.36.040.]
Notes:
Construction—Application of rules—Severability—1987 c 330: See notes following RCW 28B.12.050.
Severability—1977 ex.s. c 355: See note following RCW 46.37.010.
Motorcycles and motor-driven cycles—Additional requirements and limitations: RCW 46.37.539.

catchline: Horns, warning devices, and theft alarms.


title: RCW 46.37.390

text:
(1) Every motor vehicle shall at all times be equipped with a muffler in good working order and in constant operation to prevent excessive or unusual noise, and no person shall use a muffler cut-out, bypass, or similar device upon a motor vehicle on a highway.
(2)(a) No motor vehicle first sold and registered as a new motor vehicle on or after January 1, 1971, shall discharge into the atmosphere at elevations of less than three thousand feet any air contaminant for a period of more than ten seconds which is:
(i) As dark as or darker than the shade designated as No. 1 on the Ringelmann chart, as published by the United States bureau of mines; or
(ii) Of such opacity as to obscure an observer's view to a degree equal to or greater than does smoke described in subsection (a)(i) above.
(b) No motor vehicle first sold and registered prior to January 1, 1971, shall discharge into the atmosphere at elevations of less than three thousand feet any air contaminant for a period of more than ten seconds which is:
(i) As dark as or darker than the shade designated as No. 2 on the Ringelmann chart, as published by the United States bureau of mines; or
(ii) Of such opacity as to obscure an observer's view to a degree equal to or greater than does smoke described in subsection (b)(i) above.
(c) For the purposes of this subsection the following definitions shall apply:
(i) "Opacity" means the degree to which an emission reduces the transmission of light and obscures the view of an object in the background;
(ii) "Ringelmann chart" means the Ringelmann smoke chart with instructions for use as published by the United States bureau of mines in May 1967 and as thereafter amended, information circular 7718.
(3) No person shall modify the exhaust system of a motor vehicle in a manner which will amplify or increase the noise emitted by the engine of such vehicle above that emitted by the muffler originally installed on the vehicle, and it shall be unlawful for any person to operate a motor vehicle not equipped as required by this subsection, or which has been amplified as prohibited by this subsection. A court may dismiss an infraction notice for a violation of this subsection if there is reasonable grounds to believe that the vehicle was not operated in violation of this subsection.
This subsection (3) does not apply to vehicles twenty-five or more years old or to passenger vehicles being operated off the highways in an organized racing or competitive event conducted by a recognized sanctioning body.
[ 2006 c 306 s 4; 2001 c 293 s 1; 1977 ex.s. c 355 s 33; 1972 ex.s. c 135 s 1; 1967 c 232 s 3; 1961 c 12 s 46.37.390. Prior: 1955 c 269 s 39; prior: 1937 c 189 s 36; RRS s 6360-36; RCW 46.36.050; 1927 c 309 s 17; 1921 c 96 s 21; 1915 c 142 s 20; RRS s 6362-17.]
Notes:
Rules of court: Monetary penalty schedule—IRLJ 6.2.
Severability—1977 ex.s. c 355: See note following RCW 46.37.010.
Motorcycles and motor-driven cycles—Additional requirements and limitations: RCW 46.37.539.

catchline: Mufflers required—Smoke and air contaminant standards—Definitions—Penalty, exception.


title: RCW 46.37.395

text:
(1) This section applies to all motor vehicles with a gross vehicle weight rating of 4,536 kilograms or more (10,001 pounds or more), registered and domiciled in Washington state, operated on public roads and equipped with engine compression brake devices. An engine compression brake device is any device that uses the engine and transmission to impede the forward motion of the motor vehicle by compression of the engine.
(2) The driver of a motor vehicle equipped with a device that uses the compression of the motor vehicle engine shall not use the device unless: The motor vehicle is equipped with an operational muffler and exhaust system to prevent excess noise. A muffler is part of an engine exhaust system which acts as a noise dissipative device. A turbocharger is not permitted to be used as a muffler or a noise dissipative device.
(3) The monetary penalty for violating subsection (2) of this section is: (a) Two hundred fifty dollars for the first violation; (b) five hundred dollars for the second violation; and (c) seven hundred fifty dollars for each violation thereafter.
(4) All medium and heavy trucks must comply with federal code 205 - transportation equipment noise emission controls, subpart B.
(5) Nothing in this section prohibits a local jurisdiction from implementing an ordinance that is more restrictive than the state law and Washington state patrol rules regarding the use of compression brakes.
[ 2006 c 50 s 3; 2005 c 320 s 1.]

catchline: Compression brakes (Jake brakes).


title: RCW 46.37.400

text:
(1) Every motor vehicle shall be equipped with a mirror mounted on the left side of the vehicle and so located to reflect to the driver a view of the highway for a distance of at least two hundred feet to the rear of such vehicle.
(2) Every motor vehicle shall be equipped with an additional mirror mounted either inside the vehicle approximately in the center or outside the vehicle on the right side and so located as to reflect to the driver a view of the highway for a distance of at least two hundred feet to the rear of such vehicle.
(3) Every truck registered or based in Washington that is equipped with a cube-style, walk-in cargo box up to eighteen feet long used in the commercial delivery of goods and services must be equipped with a rear crossview mirror or backup device to alert the driver that a person or object is behind the truck.
(4) All mirrors and backup devices required by this section shall be maintained in good condition. Rear crossview mirrors and backup devices will be of a type approved by the Washington state patrol.
[ 1998 c 2 s 1; 1977 ex.s. c 355 s 34; 1963 c 154 s 25; 1961 c 12 s 46.37.400. Prior: 1955 c 269 s 40; prior: 1937 c 189 s 37; RRS s 6360-37; RCW 46.36.060.]
Notes:
Effective date—1998 c 2: "This act takes effect September 30, 1998." [ 1998 c 2 s 2.]
Severability—1977 ex.s. c 355: See note following RCW 46.37.010.
Effective date—1963 c 154: See note following RCW 46.37.010.
Motorcycles and motor-driven cycles—Additional requirements and limitations: RCW 46.37.539.

catchline: Mirrors, backup devices.


title: RCW 46.37.410

text:
(1) All motor vehicles operated on the public highways of this state shall be equipped with a front windshield manufactured of safety glazing materials for use in motor vehicles in accordance with RCW 46.37.430, except, however, on such vehicles not so equipped or where windshields are not in use, the operators of such vehicles shall wear glasses, goggles, or face shields pursuant to RCW 46.37.530(1)(b).
(2) No person shall drive any motor vehicle with any sign, poster, or other nontransparent material upon the front windshield, side wings, or side or rear windows of such vehicle which obstructs the driver's clear view of the highway or any intersecting highway.
(3) The windshield on every motor vehicle shall be equipped with a device for cleaning rain, snow, or other moisture from the windshield, which device shall be so constructed as to be controlled or operated by the driver of the vehicle. After January 1, 1938, it shall be unlawful for any person to operate a new motor vehicle first sold or delivered after that date which is not equipped with such device or devices in good working order capable of cleaning the windshield thereof over two separate arcs, one each on the left and right side of the windshield, each capable of cleaning a surface of not less than one hundred twenty square inches, or other device or devices capable of accomplishing substantially the same result.
(4) Every windshield wiper upon a motor vehicle shall be maintained in good working order.
[ 1977 ex.s. c 355 s 35; 1961 c 12 s 46.37.410. Prior: 1955 c 269 s 41; prior: (i) 1937 c 189 s 38; RRS s 6360-38; RCW 46.36.070. (ii) 1937 c 189 s 39; RRS s 6360-39; RCW 46.36.080.]
Notes:
Severability—1977 ex.s. c 355: See note following RCW 46.37.010.

catchline: Windshields required, exception—Must be unobstructed and equipped with wipers.


title: RCW 46.37.420

text:
(1) It is unlawful to operate a vehicle upon the public highways of this state unless it is completely equipped with pneumatic rubber tires except vehicles equipped with temporary-use spare tires that meet federal standards that are installed and used in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions.
(2) No tire on a vehicle moved on a highway may have on its periphery any block, flange, cleat, or spike or any other protuberance of any material other than rubber which projects beyond the tread of the traction surface of the tire, except that it is permissible to use farm machinery equipped with pneumatic tires or solid rubber tracks having protuberances that will not injure the highway, and except also that it is permissible to use tire chains, alternative traction devices, or metal studs imbedded within the tire of reasonable proportions and of a type conforming to rules adopted by the state patrol, upon any vehicle when required for safety because of snow, ice, or other conditions tending to cause a vehicle to skid. It is unlawful to use metal studs imbedded within the tire between April 1st and November 1st, except that a vehicle may be equipped year-round with tires that have retractable studs if: (a) The studs retract pneumatically or mechanically to below the wear bar of the tire when not in use; and (b) the retractable studs are engaged only between November 1st and April 1st. Retractable studs may be made of metal or other material and are not subject to the lightweight stud weight requirements under RCW 46.04.272. The state department of transportation may, from time to time, determine additional periods in which the use of tires with metal studs imbedded therein is lawful.
(3) The state department of transportation and local authorities in their respective jurisdictions may issue special permits authorizing the operation upon a highway of traction engines or tractors having movable tracks with transverse corrugations upon the periphery of the movable tracks or farm tractors or other farm machinery, the operation of which upon a highway would otherwise be prohibited under this section.
(4) Tires with metal studs imbedded therein may be used between November 1st and April 1st upon school buses and fire department vehicles, any law or regulation to the contrary notwithstanding.
[ 2012 c 75 s 1; 2007 c 140 s 2; 1999 c 208 s 1; 1990 c 105 s 1; 1987 c 330 s 721; 1986 c 113 s 4; 1984 c 7 s 50; 1971 ex.s. c 32 s 1; 1969 ex.s. c 7 s 1; 1961 c 12 s 46.37.420. Prior: 1955 c 269 s 42; prior: (i) 1937 c 189 s 41; RRS s 6360-41; RCW 46.36.100. (ii) 1937 c 189 s 42; RRS s 6360-42; RCW 46.36.120; 1929 c 180 s 7; 1927 c 309 s 46; RRS s 6362-46.]
Notes:
Construction—Application of rules—Severability—1987 c 330: See notes following RCW 28B.12.050.
Dangerous road conditions requiring special tires, chains, metal studs: RCW 47.36.250.
Motorcycles and motor-driven cycles—Additional requirements and limitations: RCW 46.37.539.

catchline: Tires—Restrictions.


title: RCW 46.37.4215

text:
Beginning January 1, 2000, a person offering to sell to a tire dealer conducting business in the state of Washington, a metal flange or cleat intended for installation as a stud in a vehicle tire shall certify that the studs are: (1) Lightweight studs as defined in RCW 46.04.272; or (2) retractable studs that are exempt from the requirements of RCW 46.04.272. Certification must be accomplished by clearly marking the boxes or containers used to ship and store studs with the designation "lightweight." This section does not apply to tires or studs in a wholesaler's existing inventory as of January 1, 2000.
[ 2007 c 140 s 3; 1999 c 219 s 2.]

catchline: Lightweight and retractable studs—Certification by sellers.


title: RCW 46.37.4216

text:
Beginning July 1, 2001, a person may not sell a studded tire or sell a stud for installation in a tire unless the stud qualifies as a: (1) Lightweight stud under RCW 46.04.272; or (2) retractable stud that is exempt from the requirements of RCW 46.04.272.
[ 2007 c 140 s 4; 1999 c 219 s 3.]

catchline: Lightweight and retractable studs—Sale of tires containing.


title: RCW 46.37.423

text:
No person, firm, or corporation shall sell or offer for sale for use on the public highways of this state any new pneumatic passenger car tire which does not meet the standards established by federal motor vehicle safety standard No. 109, as promulgated by the United States department of transportation under authority of the National Traffic and Motor Vehicle Safety Act of 1966 (80 Stat. 719, 728; 15 U.S.C. 1392, 1407).
The applicable standard shall be the version of standard No. 109 in effect at the time of manufacture of the tire.
It is a traffic infraction for any person, firm, or corporation to sell or offer for sale any new pneumatic passenger car tire which does not meet the standards prescribed in this section unless such tires are sold for off-highway use, as evidenced by a statement signed by the purchaser at the time of sale certifying that he or she is not purchasing such tires for use on the public highways of this state.
[ 2010 c 8 s 9053; 1979 ex.s. c 136 s 71; 1971 c 77 s 1.]
Notes:
Effective date—Severability—1979 ex.s. c 136: See notes following RCW 46.63.010.

catchline: Pneumatic passenger car tires—Standards—Exception for off-highway use—Penalty.


title: RCW 46.37.424

text:
No person, firm, or corporation shall sell or offer for sale any regrooved tire or shall regroove any tire for use on the public highways of this state which does not meet the standard established by federal motor vehicle standard part 569—regrooved tires, as promulgated by the United States department of transportation under authority of the National Traffic and Motor Vehicle Safety Act of 1966 (80 Stat. 719, 728; 15 U.S.C. 1392, 1407).
The applicable standard shall be the version of the federal regrooved tire standard in effect at the time of regrooving.
It is a traffic infraction for any person, firm, or corporation to sell or offer for sale any regrooved tire or shall regroove any tire which does not meet the standards prescribed in this section unless such tires are sold or regrooved for off-highway use, as evidenced by a statement signed by the purchaser or regroover at the time of sale or regrooving certifying that he or she is not purchasing or regrooving such tires for use on the public highways of this state.
[ 2010 c 8 s 9054; 1979 ex.s. c 136 s 72; 1977 ex.s. c 355 s 36; 1971 c 77 s 2.]
Notes:
Effective date—Severability—1979 ex.s. c 136: See notes following RCW 46.63.010.
Severability—1977 ex.s. c 355: See note following RCW 46.37.010.

catchline: Regrooved tires—Standards—Exception for off-highway use—Penalty.


title: RCW 46.37.425

text:
No person shall drive or move or cause to be driven or moved any vehicle, the tires of which have contact with the driving surface of the road, subject to registration in this state, upon the public highways of this state unless such vehicle is equipped with tires in safe operating condition in accordance with requirements established by this section or by the state patrol.
The state patrol shall promulgate rules and regulations setting forth requirements of safe operating condition of tires capable of being employed by a law enforcement officer by visual inspection of tires mounted on vehicles including visual comparison with simple measuring gauges. These rules shall include effects of tread wear and depth of tread.
A tire shall be considered unsafe if it has:
(1) Any ply or cord exposed either to the naked eye or when cuts or abrasions on the tire are probed; or
(2) Any bump, bulge, or knot, affecting the tire structure; or
(3) Any break repaired with a boot; or
(4) A tread depth of less than 2/32 of an inch measured in any two major tread grooves at three locations equally spaced around the circumference of the tire, or for those tires with tread wear indicators, a tire shall be considered unsafe if it is worn to the point that the tread wear indicators contact the road in any two major tread grooves at three locations equally spaced around the circumference of the tire; or
(5) A legend which indicates the tire is not intended for use on public highways such as, "not for highway use" or "for racing purposes only"; or
(6) Such condition as may be reasonably demonstrated to render it unsafe; or
(7) If not matched in tire size designation, construction, and profile to the other tire and/or tires on the same axle, except for temporary-use spare tires that meet federal standards that are installed and used in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions.
No person, firm, or corporation shall sell any vehicle for use on the public highways of this state unless the vehicle is equipped with tires that are in compliance with the provisions of this section. If the tires are found to be in violation of the provisions of this section, the person, firm, or corporation selling the vehicle shall cause such tires to be removed from the vehicle and shall equip the vehicle with tires that are in compliance with the provisions of this section.
It is a traffic infraction for any person to operate a vehicle on the public highways of this state, or to sell a vehicle for use on the public highways of this state, which is equipped with a tire or tires in violation of the provisions of this section or the rules and regulations promulgated by the state patrol hereunder: PROVIDED, HOWEVER, That if the violation relates to items (1) to (7) inclusive of this section then the condition or defect must be such that it can be detected by a visual inspection of tires mounted on vehicles, including visual comparison with simple measuring gauges.
[ 1990 c 105 s 2; 1987 c 330 s 722; 1979 ex.s. c 136 s 73; 1977 ex.s. c 355 s 37; 1971 c 77 s 3.]
Notes:
Construction—Application of rules—Severability—1987 c 330: See notes following RCW 28B.12.050.
Effective date—Severability—1979 ex.s. c 136: See notes following RCW 46.63.010.
Severability—1977 ex.s. c 355: See note following RCW 46.37.010.
Effective date—1971 c 77: "The provisions of RCW 46.37.425 shall have an effective date of January 1, 1972, but the state commission on equipment shall have the authority to proceed with the promulgation of the rules and regulations provided for in RCW 46.37.425 so the rules and regulations may have an effective date of January 1, 1972." [ 1971 c 77 s 4.]


title: RCW 46.37.427

text:
Beginning July 1, 2016:
(1)(a) In addition to all other fees imposed on the retail sale of tires, a five dollar fee is imposed on the retail sale of each new tire sold that contains studs. For the purposes of this subsection, "new tire sold that contains studs" means a tire that is manufactured for vehicle purposes and contains metal studs, and does not include bicycle tires or retreaded vehicle tires.
(b) The five dollar fee must be paid by the buyer to the seller, and each seller must collect from the buyer the full amount of the fee. The fee collected from the buyer by the seller must be paid to the department of revenue in accordance with RCW 82.32.045; however, the seller retains ten percent of the fee collected.
(c) The portion of the fee paid to the department of revenue under (b) of this subsection must be deposited in the motor vehicle fund created under RCW 46.68.070.
(2) The fee to be collected by the seller, less the ten percent that the seller retains as specified in subsection (1)(b) of this section, must be held in trust by the seller until paid to the department of revenue, and any seller who appropriates or converts the fee collected to any use other than the payment of the fee on the due date is guilty of a gross misdemeanor.
(3) Any seller that fails to collect the fee imposed under this section or, having collected the fee, fails to pay it to the department of revenue by the date due, whether such failure is the result of the seller or the result of acts or conditions beyond the seller's control, is personally liable to the state for the amount of the fee.
(4) The amount of the fee, until paid by the buyer to the seller or to the department of revenue, constitutes a debt from the buyer to the seller. Any seller who fails or refuses to collect the fee as required with the intent to violate this section or to gain some advantage or benefit and any buyer who refuses to pay the fee due is guilty of a misdemeanor.
(5) The department of revenue must collect on the business excise tax return from the businesses selling new tires that contain studs at retail the number of tires sold and the fee imposed under this section. The department of revenue must incorporate into its audit cycle a reconciliation of the number of tires sold and the amount of revenue collected by the businesses selling new tires that contain studs.
(6) All other applicable provisions of chapter 82.32 RCW have full force and application with respect to the fee imposed under this section.
(7) The department of revenue must administer this section.
[ 2015 3rd sp.s. c 44 s 210.]
Notes:
Effective date—2015 3rd sp.s. c 44: See note following RCW 46.68.395.

catchline: Studded tire fee.


title: RCW 46.37.430

text:
(1)(a) No person may sell any motor vehicle as specified in this title, nor may any motor vehicle as specified in this title be registered unless such vehicle is equipped with safety glazing material of a type that meets or exceeds federal standards under 49 C.F.R. Sec. 571.205.
(b) The foregoing provisions apply to all passenger-type motor vehicles, including passenger buses and school buses, but in respect to trucks, including truck tractors, the requirements as to safety glazing material apply to all glazing material used in doors, windows, and windshields in the drivers' compartments of such vehicles except as provided by subsection (4) of this section.
(c) The safety glazing material that is manufactured and installed in accordance with federal standards shall not be etched or otherwise permanently altered if the safety glazing material is installed in the windshield or any other window located in the motor vehicle passenger compartment, except for the etching of the vehicle identification number if:
(i) The maximum height of the letters or numbers do not exceed one-half inch; and
(ii) The etched vehicle identification number is not located in a position that interferes with the vision of any occupant of the motor vehicle.
(2) For the purposes of this section:
(a) "Light transmission" means the ratio of the amount of total visible light, expressed in percentages, that is allowed to pass through the sunscreening or coloring material to the amount of total visible light falling on the motor vehicle window.
(b) "Net film screening" means the total sunscreening or coloring material applied to the window that includes both the material applied by the manufacturer during the safety glazing and any film sunscreening or coloring material applied after the vehicle is manufactured.
(c) "Reflectance" means the ratio of the amount of total light, expressed in percentages, that is reflected outward by the sunscreening or coloring material to the amount of total light falling on the motor vehicle window.
(d) "Safety glazing materials" means glazing materials so constructed, treated, or combined with other materials as to reduce substantially, in comparison with ordinary sheet glass or plate glass, the likelihood of injury to persons by objects from exterior sources or by these safety glazing materials when they may be cracked or broken.
(3) The director of licensing shall not register any motor vehicle which is subject to the provisions of this section unless it is equipped with an approved type of safety glazing material, and he or she shall suspend the registration of any motor vehicle so subject to this section which the director finds is not so equipped until it is made to conform to the requirements of this section.
(4) No person may sell or offer for sale, nor may any person operate a motor vehicle registered in this state which is equipped with, any camper manufactured after May 23, 1969, unless such camper is equipped with safety glazing material of a type conforming to rules adopted under 49 C.F.R. Sec. 571.205 wherever glazing materials are used in outside windows and doors.
(5) No film sunscreening or coloring material that reduces light transmittance to any degree may be applied to the surface of the safety glazing material in a motor vehicle unless it meets the following standards for such material:
(a) The maximum level of net film sunscreening to be applied to any window, except the windshield, shall have a total reflectance of thirty-five percent or less, and a light transmission of twenty-four percent or more, where the vehicle is equipped with outside rearview mirrors on both the right and left. Installation of more than a single sheet of film sunscreening material to any window is prohibited.
(b) Hearses, collector vehicles, limousines and passenger buses used to transport persons for compensation, ambulances, rescue squad vehicles, any other emergency medical vehicle licensed under RCW 18.73.130 that is used to transport patients, and any vehicle identified by the manufacturer as a truck, motor home, or multipurpose passenger vehicle as defined in 49 C.F.R. Sec. 571.3, may have net film sunscreening applied on any window to the rear of the driver that has less than twenty-four percent light transmittance, if the light reflectance is thirty-five percent or less and the vehicle is equipped with outside rearview mirrors on both the right and left.
(c) A person or business tinting windows for profit who tints windows within restricted areas of the glazing system shall supply a sticker to be affixed to the driver's door post, in the area adjacent to the manufacturer's identification tag. Installation of this sticker certifies that the glazing application meets this chapter's standards for light transmission, reflectance, and placement requirements. Stickers must be no smaller than three-quarters of an inch by one and one-half inches, and no larger than two inches by two and one-half inches. The stickers must be of sufficient quality to endure exposure to harsh climate conditions. The business name and state tax identification number of the installer must be clearly visible on the sticker.
(d) A greater degree of light reduction is permitted on all windows and the top six inches of windshields of a vehicle operated by or carrying as a passenger a person who possesses a written verification from a licensed physician that the operator or passenger must be protected from exposure to sunlight for physical or medical reasons.
(e) A greater degree of light reduction is permitted along the top edge of the windshield as long as the product is transparent and does not extend into the AS-1 portion of the windshield or extend more than six inches from the top of the windshield. Clear film sunscreening material that reduces or eliminates ultraviolet light may be applied to windshields.
(f) When film sunscreening material is applied to any window except the windshield, outside mirrors on both the left and right sides shall be located so as to reflect to the driver a view of the roadway, through each mirror, a distance of at least two hundred feet to the rear of the vehicle.
(g) The following types of film sunscreening material are not permitted:
(i) Mirror finish products;
(ii) Red, gold, yellow, or black material; or
(iii) Film sunscreening material that is in liquid preapplication form and brushed or sprayed on.
(6) Subsection (5) of this section does not prohibit:
(a) The use of shaded or heat-absorbing safety glazing material in which the shading or heat-absorbing characteristics have been applied at the time of manufacture of the safety glazing material and which meet federal standards for such safety glazing materials.
(b) The use and placement of federal, state, or local certificates or decals on any window as required by applicable laws or regulations. However, any such certificate or decal must be of a size and placed on the motor vehicle so as not to impair the ability of the driver to safely operate the motor vehicle.
(c) Sunscreening devices to be applied to any window behind the driver provided that the devices reduce the driver's area of vision uniformly and by no more than fifty percent, as measured on a horizontal plane. If sunscreening devices are applied to the rear window, the vehicle must be equipped with outside rearview mirrors on both the left and right.
(d) Recreational products, such as toys, cartoon characters, stuffed animals, signs, and any other vision-reducing article or material to be applied to or placed in windows behind the driver provided that they do not interfere, in their size or position, with the driver's ability to see other vehicles, persons, or objects.
(7) It is a traffic infraction for any person to operate a vehicle for use on the public highways of this state, if the vehicle is equipped with film sunscreening or coloring material in violation of this section.
(8) Owners of vehicles with film sunscreening material applied to windows to the rear of the driver, prior to June 7, 1990, must comply with the requirements of this section and RCW 46.37.435 by July 1, 1993.
(9) The side and rear windows of law enforcement vehicles are exempt from the requirements of subsection (5) of this section. However, when law enforcement vehicles are sold to private individuals the film sunscreening or coloring material must comply with the requirements of subsection (5) of this section or documentation must be provided to the buyer stating that the vehicle windows must comply with the requirements of subsection (5) of this section before operation of the vehicle.
[ 2009 c 142 s 1; 2007 c 168 s 1; 1993 c 384 s 1; 1990 c 95 s 1; 1989 c 210 s 1; 1987 c 330 s 723; 1986 c 113 s 5; 1985 c 304 s 1; 1979 c 158 s 157; 1969 ex.s. c 281 s 47; 1961 c 12 s 46.37.430. Prior: 1955 c 269 s 43; prior: 1947 c 220 s 1; 1937 c 189 s 40; Rem. Supp. 1947 s 6360-40; RCW 46.36.090.]
Notes:
Construction—Application of rules—Severability—1987 c 330: See notes following RCW 28B.12.050.

catchline: Safety glazing—Sunscreening or coloring.


title: RCW 46.37.435

text:
(1) A person is guilty of unlawful installation of safety glazing or film sunscreening material if he or she knowingly installs safety glazing or film sunscreening material in violation of RCW 46.37.430. Installation includes both the original application of safety glazing or film sunscreening material and the installation of vehicle windows which have already had safety glazing or film sunscreening material applied. Unlawful installation of safety glazing or film sunscreening material is a misdemeanor.
(2) A person is guilty of unlawful purchase or sale of safety glazing or film sunscreening material installation services if he or she provides or receives compensation with the knowledge that such compensation is for the purpose of installing safety glazing or film sunscreening material in violation of RCW 46.37.430. Installation includes both the original application of safety glazing or film sunscreening material and the installation of vehicle windows which have already had safety glazing or film sunscreening material applied. Unlawful purchase or sale of safety glazing or film sunscreening material installation services is a gross misdemeanor.
[ 2019 c 438 s 1; 1990 c 95 s 2.]

catchline: Unlawful installation of safety glazing or film sunscreening material, penalty—Unlawful purchase or sale of safety glazing or film sunscreening material installation services, penalty.


title: RCW 46.37.440

text:
(1) No person may operate any motor truck, passenger bus, truck tractor, motor home, or travel trailer over eighty inches in overall width upon any highway outside the corporate limits of municipalities at any time unless there is carried in such vehicle the following equipment except as provided in subsection (2) of this section:
(a) At least three flares or three red electric lanterns or three portable red emergency reflectors, each of which shall be capable of being seen and distinguished at a distance of not less than six hundred feet under normal atmospheric conditions at nighttime.
No flare, fusee, electric lantern, or cloth warning flag may be used for the purpose of compliance with this section unless such equipment is of a type which has been submitted to the state patrol and conforms to rules adopted by it. No portable reflector unit may be used for the purpose of compliance with the requirements of this section unless it is so designed and constructed as to be capable of reflecting red light clearly visible from all distances within six hundred feet to one hundred feet under normal atmospheric conditions at night when directly in front of lawful upper beams of head lamps, and unless it is of a type which has been submitted to the state patrol and conforms to rules adopted by it;
(b) At least three red-burning fusees unless red electric lanterns or red portable emergency reflectors are carried;
(c) At least two red-cloth flags, not less than twelve inches square, with standards to support such flags.
(2) No person may operate at the time and under conditions stated in subsection (1) of this section any motor vehicle used for the transportation of explosives, any cargo tank truck used for the transportation of flammable liquids or compressed gases or liquefied gases, or any motor vehicle using compressed gas as a fuel unless there is carried in such vehicle three red electric lanterns or three portable red emergency reflectors meeting the requirements of subsection (1) of this section, and there shall not be carried in any said vehicle any flares, fusees, or signal produced by flame.
[ 1987 c 330 s 724; 1986 c 113 s 6; 1977 ex.s. c 355 s 38; 1971 ex.s. c 97 s 1; 1961 c 12 s 46.37.440. Prior: 1955 c 269 s 44; prior: 1947 c 267 s 7, part; Rem. Supp. 1947 s 6360-32a, part; RCW 46.40.210, part.]
Notes:
Construction—Application of rules—Severability—1987 c 330: See notes following RCW 28B.12.050.
Severability—1977 ex.s. c 355: See note following RCW 46.37.010.

catchline: Flares or other warning devices required on certain vehicles.


title: RCW 46.37.450

text:
(1) Whenever any motor truck, passenger bus, truck tractor over eighty inches in overall width, trailer, semitrailer, or pole trailer is disabled upon the traveled portion of any highway or the shoulder thereof outside any municipality at any time when lighted lamps are required on vehicles, the driver of such vehicle shall display the following warning devices upon the highway during the time the vehicle is so disabled on the highway except as provided in subsection (2) of this section:
(a) A lighted fusee, a lighted red electric lantern, or a portable red emergency reflector shall be immediately placed at the traffic side of the vehicle in the direction of the nearest approaching traffic.
(b) As soon thereafter as possible but in any event within the burning period of the fusee (fifteen minutes), the driver shall place three liquid-burning flares (pot torches), three lighted red electric lanterns, or three portable red emergency reflectors on the traveled portion of the highway in the following order:
(i) One, approximately one hundred feet from the disabled vehicle in the center of the lane occupied by such vehicle and toward traffic approaching in that lane.
(ii) One, approximately one hundred feet in the opposite direction from the disabled vehicle and in the center of the traffic lane occupied by such vehicle.
(iii) One at the traffic side of the disabled vehicle not less than ten feet rearward or forward thereof in the direction of the nearest approaching traffic. If a lighted red electric lantern or a red portable emergency reflector has been placed at the traffic side of the vehicle in accordance with subdivision (a) of this subsection, it may be used for this purpose.
(2) Whenever any vehicle referred to in this section is disabled within five hundred feet of a curve, hillcrest, or other obstruction to view, the warning signal in that direction shall be so placed as to afford ample warning to other users of the highway, but in no case less than five hundred feet from the disabled vehicle.
(3) Whenever any vehicle of a type referred to in this section is disabled upon any roadway of a divided highway during the time that lights are required, the appropriate warning devices prescribed in subsections (1) and (5) of this section shall be placed as follows:
One at a distance of approximately two hundred feet from the vehicle in the center of the lane occupied by the stopped vehicle and in the direction of traffic approaching in that lane; one at a distance of approximately one hundred feet from the vehicle, in the center of the lane occupied by the vehicle and in the direction of traffic approaching in that lane; and one at the traffic side of the vehicle and approximately ten feet from the vehicle in the direction of the nearest approaching traffic.
(4) Whenever any vehicle of a type referred to in this section is disabled upon the traveled portion of a highway or the shoulder thereof outside any municipality at any time when the display of fusees, flares, red electric lanterns, or portable red emergency reflectors is not required, the driver of the vehicle shall display two red flags upon the roadway in the lane of traffic occupied by the disabled vehicle, one at a distance of approximately one hundred feet in advance of the vehicle, and one at a distance of approximately one hundred feet to the rear of the vehicle.
(5) Whenever any motor vehicle used in the transportation of explosives or any cargo tank truck used for the transportation of any flammable liquid or compressed flammable gas, or any motor vehicle using compressed gas as a fuel, is disabled upon a highway of this state at any time or place mentioned in subsection (1) of this section, the driver of such vehicle shall immediately display the following warning devices: One red electric lantern or portable red emergency reflector placed on the roadway at the traffic side of the vehicle, and two red electric lanterns or portable red reflectors, one placed approximately one hundred feet to the front and one placed approximately one hundred feet to the rear of this disabled vehicle in the center of the traffic lane occupied by such vehicle. Flares, fusees, or signals produced by flame shall not be used as warning devices for disabled vehicles of the type mentioned in this subsection.
(6) Whenever any vehicle, other than those described in subsection (1) of this section, is disabled upon the traveled portion of any highway or shoulder thereof outside any municipality, the state patrol or the county sheriff shall, upon discovery of the disabled vehicle, place a reflectorized warning device on the vehicle. The warning device and its placement shall be in accordance with rules adopted by the state patrol. Neither the standards for, placement or use of, nor the lack of placement or use of a warning device under this subsection gives rise to any civil liability on the part of the state of Washington, the state patrol, any county, or any law enforcement agency or officer.
(7) The flares, fusees, red electric lanterns, portable red emergency reflectors, and flags to be displayed as required in this section shall conform with the requirements of RCW 46.37.440 applicable thereto.
[ 1987 c 330 s 725; 1987 c 226 s 1; 1984 c 119 s 1; 1961 c 12 s 46.37.450. Prior: 1955 c 269 s 45; prior: 1947 c 267 s 7, part; Rem. Supp. 1947 s 6360-32a, part; RCW 46.40.210, part.]
Notes:
Reviser's note: This section was amended by 1987 c 226 s 1 and by 1987 c 330 s 725, each without reference to the other. Both amendments are incorporated in the publication of this section under RCW 1.12.025(2). For rule of construction, see RCW 1.12.025(1).
Construction—Application of rules—Severability—1987 c 330: See notes following RCW 28B.12.050.

catchline: Disabled vehicle—Display of warning devices.


title: RCW 46.37.465

text:
(1) The fuel system shall be manufactured, installed, and maintained with due regard for the safety of the occupants of the vehicle and the public. Fuel tanks shall be equipped with approved caps.
(2) There shall be no signs of leakage from the carburetor or the fuel pump or the fuel hoses in the engine compartment or between the fuel tank and the engine compartment.
(3) No person shall operate any motor vehicle upon the public highways of this state unless the fuel tank is securely attached and so located that another vehicle would not be exposed to direct contact with the fuel tank in the event of a rear end collision.
[ 1977 ex.s. c 355 s 39.]
Notes:
Severability—1977 ex.s. c 355: See note following RCW 46.37.010.

catchline: Fuel system.


title: RCW 46.37.467

text:
(1) Every automobile, truck, motorcycle, motor home, or off-road vehicle that is fueled by an alternative fuel source must bear a reflective placard issued by the national fire protection association indicating that the vehicle is so fueled. Violation of this subsection is a traffic infraction.
(2) As used in this section "alternative fuel source" includes propane, compressed natural gas, liquefied natural gas, liquid petroleum gas, or any chemically similar gas but does not include gasoline or diesel fuel.
(3) If a placard for a specific alternative fuel source has not been issued by the national fire protection association, a placard issued by the chief of the Washington state patrol, through the director of fire protection, is required. The chief of the Washington state patrol, through the director of fire protection, must develop rules for the design, size, and placement of the placard which remains effective until a specific placard is issued by the national fire protection association.
[ 2014 c 216 s 208; 1995 c 369 s 23; 1986 c 266 s 88; 1984 c 145 s 1; 1983 c 237 s 2.]
Notes:
Effective date—Findings—Tax preference performance statement—2014 c 216: See notes following RCW 82.38.030.
Effective date—1995 c 369: See note following RCW 43.43.930.
Severability—1986 c 266: See note following RCW 38.52.005.
Legislative finding—1983 c 237: "The legislature finds that vehicles using alternative fuel sources such as propane, compressed natural gas, liquid petroleum gas, or other hydrocarbon gas fuels require firefighters to use a different technique if the vehicles catch fire. A reflective placard on such vehicles would warn firefighters of the danger so they could react properly." [ 1983 c 237 s 1.]

catchline: Alternative fuel source—Placard required.


title: RCW 46.37.470

text:
(1) "Air conditioning equipment," as used or referred to in this section, means mechanical vapor compression refrigeration equipment that is used to cool the driver's or passenger compartment of any motor vehicle.
(2) Air conditioning equipment must be manufactured, installed, and maintained with due regard for the safety of the occupants of the vehicle and the public. Air conditioning equipment may not contain any refrigerant that is toxic to persons or that is flammable, unless the refrigerant is allowed under the department of ecology's motor vehicle emission standards adopted under RCW 70A.30.010.
(3) The state patrol may enforce safety requirements, regulations, and specifications consistent with the requirements of this section applicable to air conditioning equipment which must correlate with and, so far as possible, conform to the current recommended practice or standard applicable to air conditioning equipment approved by the society of automotive engineers.
(4) A person may not sell or equip, for use in this state, a new motor vehicle with any air conditioning equipment unless it complies with the requirements of this section.
(5) A person may not register or license for use on any highway any new motor vehicle equipped with any air conditioning equipment unless the equipment complies with the requirements of this section.
[ 2021 c 65 s 51; 2011 c 224 s 1; 2009 c 256 s 1; 1987 c 330 s 726; 1961 c 12 s 46.37.470. Prior: 1955 c 269 s 47.]
Notes:
Explanatory statement—2021 c 65: See note following RCW 53.54.030.
Construction—Application of rules—Severability—1987 c 330: See notes following RCW 28B.12.050.

catchline: Air conditioning equipment.


title: RCW 46.37.480

text:
(1) No person shall operate any motor vehicle on a public highway while wearing any headset or earphones connected to any electronic device capable of receiving a radio broadcast or playing a sound recording for the purpose of transmitting a sound to the human auditory senses and which headset or earphones muffle or exclude other sounds. This subsection does not apply to students and instructors participating in a Washington state motorcycle safety program.
(2) This section does not apply to authorized emergency vehicles, motorcyclists wearing a helmet with built-in headsets or earphones as approved by the Washington state patrol, or motorists using hands-free, wireless communications systems, as approved by the equipment section of the Washington state patrol.
[ 2021 c 193 s 2; 2011 c 368 s 1; 1996 c 34 s 1; 1991 c 95 s 1; 1988 c 227 s 6; 1987 c 176 s 1; 1977 ex.s. c 355 s 40; 1961 c 12 s 46.37.480. Prior: 1949 c 196 s 11; Rem. Supp. 1949 s 6360-98d. Formerly RCW 46.36.150.]
Notes:
Severability—1977 ex.s. c 355: See note following RCW 46.37.010.

catchline: Headsets, earphones.


title: RCW 46.37.490

text:
It shall be unlawful to operate any vehicle upon the public highways of this state without having the load thereon securely fastened and protected by safety chains or other device. The chief of the Washington state patrol is hereby authorized to adopt and enforce reasonable rules and regulations as to what shall constitute adequate and safe chains or other devices for the fastening and protection of loads upon vehicles.
[ 1987 c 330 s 727; 1961 c 12 s 46.37.490. Prior: 1937 c 189 s 43; RRS s 6360-43; 1927 c 309 s 18; RRS s 6362-18. Formerly RCW 46.36.110.]
Notes:
Construction—Application of rules—Severability—1987 c 330: See notes following RCW 28B.12.050.

catchline: Safety load chains and devices required.


title: RCW 46.37.495

text:
(1) "Safety chains" means flexible tension members connected from the front portion of the towed vehicle to the rear portion of the towing vehicle for the purpose of retaining connection between towed and towing vehicle in the event of failure of the connection provided by the primary connecting system, as prescribed by rule of the Washington state patrol.
(2) The term "safety chains" includes chains, cables, or wire ropes, or an equivalent flexible member meeting the strength requirements prescribed by rule of the Washington state patrol.
(3) A tow truck towing a vehicle and a vehicle towing a trailer must use safety chains. Failure to comply with this section is a class 1 civil infraction punishable under RCW 7.80.120.
[ 1995 c 360 s 1.]
Notes:
Tow trucks: Chapter 46.55 RCW.

catchline: Safety chains for towing.


title: RCW 46.37.500

text:
(1) Except as authorized under subsection (2) of this section, no person may operate any motor vehicle, trailer, cargo extension, or semitrailer that is not equipped with fenders, covers, flaps, or splash aprons adequate for minimizing the spray or splash of water or mud from the roadway to the rear of the vehicle. All such devices shall be as wide as the tires behind which they are mounted and extend downward at least to the center of the axle.
(2) A motor vehicle that is not less than forty years old or a street rod vehicle that is owned and operated primarily as a collector's item need not be equipped with fenders when the vehicle is used and driven during fair weather on well-maintained, hard-surfaced roads.
[ 2016 c 22 s 6; 1999 c 58 s 2; 1988 c 15 s 2; 1977 ex.s. c 355 s 41; 1961 c 12 s 46.37.500. Prior: 1947 c 200 s 3, part; 1937 c 189 s 44, part; Rem. Supp. 1947 s 6360-44, part. Formerly RCW 46.36.130 (second paragraph).]
Notes:
Intent—Effective date—2016 c 22: See notes following RCW 46.04.094.
Severability—1977 ex.s. c 355: See note following RCW 46.37.010.

catchline: Fenders or splash aprons.


title: RCW 46.37.505

text:
The state patrol shall adopt standards for the performance, design, and installation of passenger restraint systems for children less than five years old and shall approve those systems which meet its standards.
[ 1987 c 330 s 728; 1983 c 215 s 1.]
Notes:
Construction—Application of rules—Severability—1987 c 330: See notes following RCW 28B.12.050.
Severability—1983 c 215: "If any provision of this act or its application to any person or circumstance is held invalid, the remainder of the act or the application of the provision to other persons or circumstances is not affected." [ 1983 c 215 s 3.]
Child passenger restraint required: RCW 46.61.687.

catchline: Child passenger restraint systems.


title: RCW 46.37.510

text:
(1) No person may sell any automobile manufactured or assembled after January 1, 1964, nor may any owner cause such vehicle to be registered thereafter under the provisions of chapter 46.12 RCW unless such motor car or automobile is equipped with automobile seat belts installed for use on the front seats thereof which are of a type and installed in a manner conforming to rules adopted by the state patrol. Where registration is for transfer from an out-of-state license, the applicant shall be informed of this section by the issuing agent and has thirty days to comply. The state patrol shall adopt and enforce standards as to what constitutes adequate and safe seat belts and for the fastening and installation of them. Such standards shall not be below those specified as minimum requirements by the Society of Automotive Engineers on June 13, 1963.
(2) Every passenger car manufactured or assembled after January 1, 1965, shall be equipped with at least two lap-type safety belt assemblies for use in the front seating positions.
(3) Every passenger car manufactured or assembled after January 1, 1968, shall be equipped with a lap-type safety belt assembly for each permanent passenger seating position. This requirement shall not apply to police vehicles.
(4) Every passenger car manufactured or assembled after January 1, 1968, shall be equipped with at least two shoulder harness-type safety belt assemblies for use in the front seating positions.
(5) The state patrol shall excuse specified types of motor vehicles or seating positions within any motor vehicle from the requirements imposed by subsections (1), (2), and (3) of this section when compliance would be impractical.
(6) No person may distribute, have for sale, offer for sale, or sell any safety belt or shoulder harness for use in motor vehicles unless it meets current minimum standards and specifications conforming to rules adopted by the state patrol or the United States department of transportation.
[ 1987 c 330 s 729; 1986 c 113 s 7; 1977 ex.s. c 355 s 42; 1963 c 117 s 1.]
Notes:
Construction—Application of rules—Severability—1987 c 330: See notes following RCW 28B.12.050.
Severability—1977 ex.s. c 355: See note following RCW 46.37.010.
Safety belts, use required: RCW 46.61.688.

catchline: Seat belts and shoulder harnesses.


title: RCW 46.37.513

text:
When any motor vehicle was originally equipped with bumpers or any other collision energy absorption or attenuation system, that system shall be maintained in good operational condition, and no person shall remove or disconnect, and no owner shall cause or knowingly permit the removal or disconnection of, any part of that system except temporarily in order to make repairs, replacements, or adjustments.
[ 1977 ex.s. c 355 s 43.]
Notes:
Severability—1977 ex.s. c 355: See note following RCW 46.37.010.

catchline: Bumpers.


title: RCW 46.37.517

text:
(1) The body, fenders, and bumpers shall be maintained without protrusions which could be hazardous to pedestrians. In addition, the bumpers shall be so attached and maintained so as to not protrude beyond the original bumper line.
(2) The hood, hood latches, hood fastenings, doors, and door latches shall be maintained in a condition sufficient to ensure proper working equal to that at the time of original vehicle manufacture.
[ 1977 ex.s. c 355 s 44.]
Notes:
Severability—1977 ex.s. c 355: See note following RCW 46.37.010.
Lowering vehicle below legal clearance: RCW 46.61.680.

catchline: Body and body hardware.


title: RCW 46.37.518

text:
Notwithstanding the requirements of this chapter, hoods and bumpers are optional equipment on street rod vehicles, custom vehicles, and kit vehicles. Street rod vehicles, custom vehicles, and kit vehicles must comply with fender requirements under RCW 46.37.500(2) and the windshield requirement of RCW 46.37.410(1).
[ 2011 c 114 s 9; 1996 c 225 s 12.]
Notes:
Effective date—2011 c 114: See note following RCW 46.04.572.
Finding—1996 c 225: See note following RCW 46.04.125.

catchline: Street rod, custom, and kit vehicles—Optional and required equipment.


title: RCW 46.37.5185

text:
A street rod or custom vehicle may use blue dot taillights for stop lamps, rear turning indicator lamps, rear hazard lamps, and rear reflectors. For the purposes of this section, "blue dot taillight" means a red lamp installed in the rear of a motor vehicle containing a blue or purple insert that is not more than one inch in diameter.
[ 2011 c 114 s 8.]
Notes:
Effective date—2011 c 114: See note following RCW 46.04.572.

catchline: Street rod and custom vehicles—Blue dot taillights.


title: RCW 46.37.519

text:
(1) For the purposes of this section:
(a) "Kit vehicle" means a passenger car or light truck assembled from a manufactured kit, and is either (i) a kit consisting of a prefabricated body and chassis used to construct a complete vehicle, or (ii) a kit consisting of a prefabricated body to be mounted on an existing vehicle chassis and drivetrain, commonly referred to as a donor vehicle. "Kit vehicle" does not include a vehicle that has been assembled by a manufacturer.
(b) "Major component part" includes at least each of the following vehicle parts: (i) Engines and short blocks; (ii) frame; (iii) transmission or transfer case; (iv) cab; (v) door; (vi) front or rear differential; (vii) front or rear clip; (viii) quarter panel; (ix) truck bed or box; (x) seat; (xi) hood; (xii) bumper; (xiii) fender; and (xiv) airbag.
(2) A kit vehicle must, prior to inspection, contain the following components:
(a) Brakes on all wheels. The service brakes, upon application, must be capable of stopping the vehicle within a twelve-foot lane and (i) developing an average tire to road retardation force of not less than 52.8 percent of the gross vehicle weight, (ii) decelerating the vehicle at a rate of not less than seventeen feet per second, or (iii) stopping the vehicle within a distance of twenty-five feet from a speed of twenty miles per hour. Tests must be made on a level, dry, concrete or asphalt surface free from loose material;
(b) Brake hoses that comply with 49 C.F.R. Sec. 571.106;
(c) Brake fluids that comply with 49 C.F.R. Sec. 571.119;
(d) A parking brake that must operate on at least two wheels on the same axle, and when applied, must be capable of holding the vehicle on any grade on which the vehicle is operated. The parking brake must be separately actuated so that failure of any part of the service brake actuation system will not diminish the vehicle's parking brake holding capability;
(e) Lighting equipment that complies with 49 C.F.R. Sec. 571.108;
(f) Pneumatic tires that comply with 49 C.F.R. Sec. 571.109;
(g) Glazing material that complies with 49 C.F.R. Sec. 571.205. The driver must be provided with a windshield and side windows or opening that allows an outward horizontal vision capability, ninety degrees each side of a vertical plane passing through the fore and aft centerline of the vehicle. This range of vision must not be interrupted by window framing not exceeding four inches in width at each side location;
(h) Seat belt assemblies that comply with 49 C.F.R. Sec. 571.209;
(i) Defroster and defogging devices capable of defogging and defrosting the windshield area, except vehicles or exact replicas of vehicles manufactured prior to January 1938 are exempt from this requirement;
(j) Door latches that firmly and automatically secure the door when pushed closed and that allow each door to be opened both from the inside and outside, if the vehicle is enclosed with side doors leading directly into a compartment that contains one or more seating accommodations;
(k) A floor plan that is capable of supporting the weight of the number of occupants that the vehicle is designed to carry;
(l) If an enclosed kit vehicle powered by an internal combustion engine, a passenger compartment that must be constructed to prevent the entry of exhaust fumes into the passenger compartment;
(m) Fenders that must be installed on all wheels and cover the entire tread width that comes in contact with the road surface. Coverage of the tire tread circumference must be from at least fifteen degrees in front and to at least seventy-five degrees to the rear of the vertical centerline at each wheel measured from the center of the wheel rotation. The tire must not come in contact with the body, fender, chassis, or suspension of the vehicle. Kit vehicles that are more than forty years old and are owned and operated primarily as collector's vehicles are exempt from this fender requirement if the vehicle is used and driven during fair weather on well-maintained, hard-surfaced roads;
(n) A speedometer that is calibrated to indicate miles per hour, and may also indicate kilometers per hour;
(o) Mirrors as outlined in RCW 46.37.400. Mirror mountings must provide for mirror adjustment by tilting both horizontally and vertically;
(p) An accelerator control system that, in accordance with 49 C.F.R. Sec. 571.124, contains a double spring that returns engine throttle to an idle position when the driver removes the actuating force from the accelerator control. The geometry of the throttle linkage must be designed so that the throttle will not lock in an open position. A vehicle equipped with cruise control is exempt when the cruise control is actuated;
(q) A fuel system that, in accordance with 49 C.F.R. Secs. 571.301 and 571.302, is securely fastened to the vehicle so as not to interfere with the vehicle's operation. The components, such as tank, tubing, hoses, and pump, must be of leak proof design and be securely attached with fasteners designed for that purpose. All fuel system vent lines must extend outside of the passenger compartment and be positioned as not to be in contact with the high temperature surfaces or moving components. If the vehicle is fueled using alternative measures, it must be installed in accordance with any applicable standards set by the United States department of transportation;
(r) A steering wheel as outlined in RCW 46.37.375 and WAC 204-10-034;
(s) A suspension as outlined in WAC 204-10-036;
(t) An exhaust system as outlined in WAC 204-10-038; and
(u) A horn that is capable of emitting sound audible under normal conditions from a distance of not less than two hundred feet. The horn or another warning device must not emit an unreasonably loud or harsh sound or whistle. A bell or siren must not be used as a warning device. The device used to actuate the horn must be easily accessible to the driver when operating the vehicle.
(3) A kit vehicle may also be equipped with hoods and bumpers. If this equipment is present, it must meet the following requirements:
(a) Hood latches must be equipped with a primary and secondary latching system to hold the hood in a closed position if the hood is a front opening hood; and
(b) Bumpers must be 4.5 inches in vertical height, centered on the vehicle's centerline, and extend no less than the width of the respective wheel track distances. Bumpers must be horizontal load veering and attach to the frame to effectively transfer energy when impacted. The bumper must be installed in accordance with the bumper heights outlined in WAC 204-10-022.
[ 2009 c 284 s 3.]

catchline: Kit vehicles.


title: RCW 46.37.520

text:
It shall be unlawful for any person to lease for hire or permit the use of any vehicle with soft tires commonly used upon the beach and referred to as a dune buggy unless such vehicle has been inspected by and approved by the state patrol, which may charge a reasonable fee therefor to go into the motor vehicle fund.
[ 1987 c 330 s 730; 1971 ex.s. c 91 s 4; 1965 ex.s. c 170 s 61.]
Notes:
Construction—Application of rules—Severability—1987 c 330: See notes following RCW 28B.12.050.

catchline: Beach vehicles with soft tires—"Dune buggies"—Inspection and approval required—Fee.


title: RCW 46.37.522

text:
Every motorcycle and motor-driven cycle shall have its head lamps and tail lamps lighted whenever such vehicle is in motion upon a highway.
[ 1977 ex.s. c 355 s 45.]
Notes:
Rules of court: Monetary penalty schedule—IRLJ 6.2.
Severability—1977 ex.s. c 355: See note following RCW 46.37.010.

catchline: Motorcycles and motor-driven cycles—When head lamps and tail lamps to be lighted.


title: RCW 46.37.523

text:
(1) Every motorcycle and every motor-driven cycle shall be equipped with at least one lamp which shall comply with the requirements and limitations of this section.
(2) Every head lamp upon every motorcycle and motor-driven cycle shall be located at a height of not more than fifty-four inches nor less than twenty-four inches to be measured as set forth in RCW 46.37.030(2).
(3) Every motorcycle other than a motor-driven cycle shall be equipped with multiple-beam road-lighting equipment.
(4) Such equipment shall:
(a) Reveal persons and vehicles at a distance of at least three hundred feet ahead when the uppermost distribution of light is selected;
(b) Reveal persons and vehicles at a distance of at least one hundred fifty feet ahead when the lowermost distribution of light is selected, and on a straight, level road under any condition of loading none of the high intensity portion of the beam shall be directed to strike the eyes of an approaching driver.
[ 1977 ex.s. c 355 s 46.]
Notes:
Rules of court: Monetary penalty schedule—IRLJ 6.2.
Severability—1977 ex.s. c 355: See note following RCW 46.37.010.

catchline: Motorcycles and motor-driven cycles—Head lamps.


title: RCW 46.37.524

text:
The head lamp or head lamps upon every motor-driven cycle may be of the single-beam or multiple-beam type but in either event shall comply with the requirements and limitations as follows:
(1) Every such head lamp or head lamps on a motor-driven cycle shall be of a sufficient intensity to reveal a person or a vehicle at a distance of not less than one hundred feet when the motor-driven cycle is operated at any speed less than twenty-five miles per hour and at a distance of not less than two hundred feet when the motor-driven cycle is operated at a speed of twenty-five or more miles per hour, and at a distance of not less than three hundred feet when the motor-driven cycle is operated at a speed of thirty-five or more miles per hour;
(2) In the event the motor-driven cycle is equipped with a multiple-beam head lamp or head lamps the upper beam shall meet the minimum requirements set forth above and shall not exceed the limitations set forth in RCW 46.37.220(1), and the lowermost beam shall meet the requirements applicable to a lowermost distribution of light as set forth in RCW 46.37.220;
(3) In the event the motor-driven cycle is equipped with a single-beam lamp or lamps, such lamp or lamps shall be so aimed that when the vehicle is loaded none of the high-intensity portion of light, at a distance of twenty-five feet ahead, shall project higher than the level of the center of the lamp from which it comes.
[ 1977 ex.s. c 355 s 47.]
Notes:
Rules of court: Monetary penalty schedule—IRLJ 6.2.
Severability—1977 ex.s. c 355: See note following RCW 46.37.010.

catchline: Motor-driven cycles—Head lamps.


title: RCW 46.37.525

text:
(1) Every motorcycle and motor-driven cycle shall have at least one tail lamp which shall be located at a height of not more than seventy-two nor less than fifteen inches.
(2) Either a tail lamp or a separate lamp shall be so constructed and placed as to illuminate with a white light the rear registration plate and render it clearly legible from a distance of fifty feet to the rear. Any tail lamp or tail lamps, together with any separate lamp or lamps for illuminating the rear registration plate, shall be so wired as to be lighted whenever the head lamps or auxiliary driving lamps are lighted.
(3) Every motorcycle and motor-driven cycle shall carry on the rear, either as part of the tail lamp or separately, at least one red reflector meeting the requirements of RCW 46.37.060.
(4) Every motorcycle and motor-driven cycle shall be equipped with at least one stop lamp meeting the requirements of RCW 46.37.070.
[ 1977 ex.s. c 355 s 48.]
Notes:
Rules of court: Monetary penalty schedule—IRLJ 6.2.
Severability—1977 ex.s. c 355: See note following RCW 46.37.010.

catchline: Motorcycles and motor-driven cycles—Tail lamps, reflectors, and stop lamps.


title: RCW 46.37.527

text:
Every motorcycle and motor-driven cycle must comply with the provisions of RCW 46.37.351, except that:
(1) Motorcycles and motor-driven cycles need not be equipped with parking brakes;
(2) The wheel of a sidecar attached to a motorcycle or to a motor-driven cycle, and the front wheel of a motor-driven cycle need not be equipped with brakes, if such motorcycle or motor-driven cycle is otherwise capable of complying with the braking performance requirements of RCW 46.37.528 and 46.37.529;
(3) Motorcycles shall be equipped with brakes operating on both the front and rear wheels unless the vehicle was originally manufactured without both front and rear brakes: PROVIDED, That a front brake shall not be required on any motorcycle over twenty-five years old which was originally manufactured without a front brake and which has been restored to its original condition and is being ridden to or from or otherwise in conjunction with an antique or classic motorcycle contest, show or other such assemblage: PROVIDED FURTHER, That no front brake shall be required on any motorcycle manufactured prior to January 1, 1931.
[ 1982 c 77 s 6; 1977 ex.s. c 355 s 49.]
Notes:
Rules of court: Monetary penalty schedule—IRLJ 6.2.
Severability—1982 c 77: See note following RCW 46.20.500.
Severability—1977 ex.s. c 355: See note following RCW 46.37.010.

catchline: Motorcycles and motor-driven cycles—Brake requirements.