title: RCW 46.32.080

text:
(1) The Washington state patrol is responsible for enforcement of safety requirements for commercial motor vehicles including, but not limited to, safety audits and compliance reviews. Those motor carriers that have operations in this state are subject to the patrol's safety audits and compliance review programs. Compliance reviews may result in the initiation of an enforcement action, which may include monetary penalties. The utilities and transportation commission is responsible for adoption and enforcement of safety requirements for vehicles operated by entities holding authority under chapters 81.66, 81.68, 81.70, and 81.77 RCW, and by household goods carriers holding authority under chapter 81.80 RCW.
(2) Motor vehicles owned and operated by farmers in the transportation of their own farm, orchard, or dairy products, including livestock and plant or animal wastes, from point of production to market or disposal, or supplies or commodities to be used on the farm, orchard, or dairy, must have a department of transportation number, as defined in RCW 46.16A.010, but are exempt from safety audits and compliance reviews.
(3) All records and documents required of motor carriers with operations in this state must be available for review and inspection during normal business hours. Duly authorized agents of the state patrol conducting safety audits and compliance reviews may enter the motor carrier's place of business, or any location where records or equipment are located, at reasonable times and without advanced notice. Motor carriers who do not permit duly authorized agents to enter their place of business, or any location where records or equipment are located, for safety audits and compliance reviews are subject to enforcement action, including a monetary penalty.
(4)(a) All motor carriers with a commercial motor vehicle, as defined in RCW 46.16A.010, that operate in this state must apply for a department of transportation number, as defined in RCW 46.16A.010, by January 1, 2008. All entities with authority under chapters 81.66, 81.68, 81.70, and 81.77 RCW, and all household goods carriers with authority under chapter 81.80 RCW, must apply for a department of transportation number by January 1, 2010.
(b) All motor carriers operating in this state who (i) have not applied under (a) of this subsection for a department of transportation number, as defined in RCW 46.16A.010, and (ii) have a commercial motor vehicle that has a gross vehicle weight rating of 7,258 kilograms (16,001 pounds) or more, must apply for a department of transportation number by January 1, 2011.
(c) The state patrol may deny an application if the applicant does not meet the requirements and standards under this chapter. The state patrol shall not issue a department of transportation number to an applicant who at the time of application has been placed out of service by the federal motor carrier safety administration. Commercial motor vehicles must be marked as prescribed by the state patrol. Those applicants with a current United States department of transportation number are exempt from applying for a department of transportation number.
(d) The state patrol may (i) place a motor carrier out of service or (ii) refuse to issue or recognize as valid a department of transportation number to an applicant who: (A) Formerly held a department of transportation number that was placed out of service for cause, and where cause has not been removed; (B) is a subterfuge for the real party in interest whose department of transportation number was placed out of service for cause, and where cause has not been removed; (C) as an individual licensee, or officer, director, owner, or managing employee of a nonindividual licensee, had a department of transportation number and was placed out of service for cause, and where cause has not been removed; or (D) has an unsatisfied debt to the state assessed under this chapter.
(e) Upon a finding by the chief of the state patrol or the chief's designee that a motor carrier is an imminent hazard or danger to the public health, safety, or welfare, the state patrol shall notify the department, and the department shall revoke the registrations for all commercial motor vehicles that are owned by the motor carrier subject to RCW 46.32.080. In determining whether a motor carrier is an imminent hazard or danger to the public health, safety, or welfare, the chief or the chief's designee shall consider safety factors.
[ 2011 c 171 s 77; 2009 c 46 s 1; 2007 c 419 s 10; 1995 c 272 s 1.]
Notes:
Intent—Effective date—2011 c 171: See notes following RCW 4.24.210.
Effective date—2007 c 419 s 10: "Section 10 of this act is necessary for the immediate preservation of the public peace, health, or safety, or support of the state government and its existing public institutions, and takes effect immediately [May 11, 2007]." [ 2007 c 419 s 19.]
Findings—Short title—2007 c 419: See notes following RCW 46.16A.010.
Transfer of powers, duties, and functions: "(1) All powers, duties, and functions of the utilities and transportation commission pertaining to safety inspections of commercial vehicles, including but not limited to terminal safety audits, except for those carriers subject to the economic regulation of the commission, are transferred to the Washington state patrol.
(2)(a) All reports, documents, surveys, books, records, files, papers, or written material in the possession of the utilities and transportation commission pertaining to the powers, functions, and duties transferred shall be delivered to the custody of the Washington state patrol. All cabinets, furniture, office equipment, motor vehicles, and other tangible property employed by the utilities and transportation commission in carrying out the powers, functions, and duties transferred shall be made available to the Washington state patrol. All funds, credits, or other assets held in connection with the powers, functions, and duties transferred shall be assigned to the Washington state patrol.
(b) Any appropriations made to the utilities and transportation commission for carrying out the powers, functions, and duties transferred shall, on January 1, 1996, be transferred and credited to the Washington state patrol.
(c) Whenever any question arises as to the transfer of any personnel, funds, books, documents, records, papers, files, equipment, or other tangible property used or held in the exercise of the powers and the performance of the duties and functions transferred, the director of financial management shall make a determination as to the proper allocation and certify the same to the state agencies concerned.
(3) All employees of the utilities and transportation commission engaged in performing the powers, functions, and duties transferred are transferred to the jurisdiction of the Washington state patrol. All employees classified under chapter 41.06 RCW, the state civil service law, are assigned to the Washington state patrol to perform their usual duties upon the same terms as formerly, without any loss of rights, subject to any action that may be appropriate thereafter in accordance with the laws and rules governing state civil service. These employees will only be transferred upon successful completion of the Washington state patrol background investigation.
(4) All rules and all pending business before the utilities and transportation commission pertaining to the powers, functions, and duties transferred shall be continued and acted upon by the Washington state patrol. All existing contracts and obligations remain in full force and shall be performed by the Washington state patrol.
(5) The transfer of the powers, duties, functions, and personnel of the utilities and transportation commission does not affect the validity of any act performed before January 1, 1996.
(6) If apportionments of budgeted funds are required because of the transfers directed by this section, the director of financial management shall certify the apportionments to the agencies affected, the state auditor, and the state treasurer. Each of these shall make the appropriate transfer and adjustments in funds and appropriation accounts and equipment records in accordance with the certification.
(7) Nothing contained in this section alters an existing collective bargaining unit or the provisions of an existing collective bargaining agreement until the agreement has expired or until the bargaining unit has been modified by action of the personnel board as provided by law." [ 1995 c 272 s 4.]
Effective dates—1995 c 272: "Section 2 of this act becomes effective with motor vehicle registration fees due or to become due January 1, 1996. Sections 1 and 3 through 6 of this act take effect January 1, 1996." [ 1995 c 272 s 7.]

catchline: Commercial motor vehicle safety enforcement—Application for department of transportation number.


doc_type: statute

jurisdiction: wa

title: RCW 46.32.085

text:
(1) The Washington state patrol, in consultation with the department of licensing, shall adopt rules consistent with this chapter to regulate vehicle safety requirements for motor carriers who own, control, manage, or operate a commercial motor vehicle within this state. Except as otherwise provided in this chapter, the rules adopted by the state patrol under this section must be as rigorous as federal regulations governing certain interstate motor carriers at 49 C.F.R. Parts 40 and 380 through 397, which cover the areas of commercial motor carrier driver training, controlled substance and alcohol use and testing, compliance with the federal driver's license requirements and penalties, vehicle equipment and safety standards, hazardous material practices, financial responsibility, driver qualifications, hours of service, vehicle inspection and corrective actions, and assessed penalties for noncompliance. The state patrol shall amend these rules periodically to maintain, to the extent permissible under this chapter, standards as rigorous as the federal regulations governing certain interstate motor carriers. The state patrol shall submit a report to the legislature by December 31st of each year that outlines new rules or rule changes and explains how the state rules compare to the federal regulations.
(2) Motor vehicles operated by entities with authority under chapters 81.66, 81.68, 81.70, and 81.77 RCW, and by household goods carriers operating under chapter 81.80 RCW, must comply with rules regulating vehicle safety adopted by the utilities and transportation commission.
[ 2009 c 46 s 2; 2007 c 419 s 14.]
Notes:
Findings—Short title—2007 c 419: See notes following RCW 46.16A.010.

license: public-domain-government-work

rule_set: Revised Code of Washington

catchline: Rules to regulate commercial motor vehicle safety requirements.

code: rcw

unit: section

court: Washington State Legislature


title: RCW 46.32.100

text:
(1)(a) In addition to all other penalties provided by law, and except as provided otherwise in (a)(i), (ii), or (iii) of this subsection, a commercial motor vehicle that is subject to compliance reviews under this chapter and an officer, agent, or employee of a company operating a commercial motor vehicle who violates or who procures, aids, or abets in the violation of this title or any order or rule of the state patrol is liable for a penalty of one hundred dollars for each violation.
(i) It is a violation of this chapter for a person operating a commercial motor vehicle to fail to comply with the requirements of 49 C.F.R. Pt. 382, controlled substances and alcohol use and testing, 49 C.F.R. Sec. 391.15, disqualification of drivers, and 49 C.F.R. Sec. 396.9(c)(2), moving a vehicle placed out of service before the out of service defects have been satisfactorily repaired. For each violation the person is liable for a penalty of five hundred dollars.
(ii) The driver of a commercial motor vehicle who is convicted of violating an out-of-service order is liable for a penalty of at least two thousand five hundred dollars for a first violation, and not less than five thousand dollars for a second or subsequent violation.
(iii) An employer who allows the operation of a commercial motor vehicle when there is an out-of-service order is liable for a penalty of at least two thousand seven hundred fifty dollars but not more than twenty-five thousand dollars for each violation.
(iv) Each violation under this subsection (1)(a) is a separate and distinct offense, and in case of a continuing violation every day's continuance is a separate and distinct violation.
(b) In addition to all other penalties provided by law, any motor carrier, company, or any officer or agent of a motor carrier or company operating a commercial motor vehicle subject to compliance reviews under this chapter who refuses entry or to make the required records, documents, and vehicles available to a duly authorized agent of the state patrol is liable for a penalty of at least five thousand dollars as well as an out-of-service order being placed on the department of transportation number, as defined in RCW 46.16A.010, and vehicle registration to operate. Each violation is a separate and distinct offense, and in case of a continuing violation every day's continuance is a separate and distinct violation.
(c) A motor carrier operating a commercial motor vehicle after receiving a final unsatisfactory rating or being placed out of service is liable for a penalty of not more than eleven thousand dollars for each violation. Each violation is a separate and distinct offense, and in case of a continuing violation every day's continuance is a separate and distinct violation.
(d) A high-risk carrier is liable for double the amount of the penalty of a prior violation if the high-risk carrier repeats the same violation during a follow-up compliance review. Each repeat violation is a separate and distinct offense, and in case of a repeat continuing violation every day's continuance is a separate and distinct violation.
(2) The Washington state patrol may place an out-of-service order on a department of transportation number, as defined in RCW 46.16A.010, for violations of this chapter or for nonpayment of any monetary penalties assessed by the state patrol or the utilities and transportation commission, as a result of compliance reviews, or for violations of cease and desist orders issued by the utilities and transportation commission. The state patrol shall notify the department of licensing when an out-of-service order has been placed on a motor carrier's department of transportation number. The state patrol shall notify the motor carrier when there has been an out-of-service order placed on the motor carrier's department of transportation number and the vehicle registrations have been revoked by sending a notice by first-class mail using the last known address for the registered or legal owner or owners, and recording the transmittal on an affidavit of first-class mail. Notices under this section fulfill the requirements of RCW 46.12.550. Motor carriers may not be eligible for a new department of transportation number, vehicle registration, or temporary permits to operate unless the violations that resulted in the out-of-service order have been corrected. The Washington state patrol or other law enforcement agency must confiscate and may recycle or destroy the license plates from a motor carrier who operates a commercial motor vehicle while the vehicle registration is revoked, suspended, or canceled. The confiscation of license plates under this subsection only applies to trucks, truck tractors, and tractors.
(3) Any penalty provided in this section is due and payable when the person incurring it receives a notice in writing from the state patrol describing the violation and advising the person that the penalty is due.
(a)(i) Any motor carrier who incurs a penalty as provided in this section, except for a high-risk carrier that incurs a penalty for a repeat violation during a follow-up compliance review, may, upon written application, request that the state patrol mitigate the penalty. An application for mitigation must be received by the state patrol within twenty days of the receipt of notice.
(ii) The state patrol may decline to consider any application for mitigation.
(b) Any motor carrier who incurs a penalty as provided in this section has a right to an administrative hearing under chapter 34.05 RCW to contest the violation or the penalty imposed, or both. In all such hearings, the procedure and rules of evidence are as specified in chapter 34.05 RCW except as otherwise provided in this chapter. Any request for an administrative hearing must be made in writing and must be received by the state patrol within twenty days after the later of (i) receipt of the notice imposing the penalty, or (ii) disposition of a request for mitigation, or the right to a hearing is waived.
(c) All penalties recovered under this section shall be paid into the state treasury and credited to the state patrol highway account of the motor vehicle fund.
[ 2012 c 70 s 1; 2011 c 227 s 5; 2010 c 161 s 1116; 2009 c 46 s 4; 2007 c 419 s 12; 2005 c 444 s 1; 1998 c 172 s 1; 1995 c 272 s 3.]
Notes:
Effective date—Intent—Legislation to reconcile chapter 161, Laws of 2010 and other amendments made during the 2010 legislative session—2010 c 161: See notes following RCW 46.04.013.
Findings—Short title—2007 c 419: See notes following RCW 46.16A.010.
Effective dates—1995 c 272: See note following RCW 46.32.080.


title: RCW 46.32.110

text:
A person or employer operating as a motor carrier shall comply with the requirements of the United States department of transportation federal motor carrier safety regulations as contained in Title 49 C.F.R. Part 382, controlled substances and alcohol use and testing. A person or employer who begins or conducts commercial motor vehicle operations without having a controlled substance and alcohol testing program that is in compliance with the requirements of Title 49 C.F.R. Part 382 is subject to a penalty, under the process set forth in RCW 46.32.100, of up to one thousand five hundred dollars and up to an additional five hundred dollars for each motor vehicle driver employed by the person or employer who is not in compliance with the motor vehicle driver testing requirements. A person or employer having actual knowledge that a driver has tested positive for controlled substances or alcohol who allows a positively tested person to continue to perform a safety-sensitive function is subject to a penalty, under the process set forth in RCW 46.32.100, of one thousand five hundred dollars.
[ 1999 c 351 s 5.]

catchline: Controlled substances, alcohol.


title: RCW 46.32.120

text:
This chapter does not apply to vehicles exempted from registration by RCW 46.16A.170.
[ 2011 c 171 s 78; 2009 c 46 s 7.]
Notes:
Intent—Effective date—2011 c 171: See notes following RCW 4.24.210.

catchline: Application to state and publicly owned vehicles.


title: RCW 46.32.130

text:
For purposes of 49 C.F.R. Sec. 395.2 (2018) and 49 C.F.R. Sec. 395.1 (2018), relating to the exemption for agricultural transporters, the planting and harvesting seasons are January 1st through December 31st of each year.
[ 2018 c 33 s 1.]

catchline: Agricultural transporter exemption—Planting and harvesting seasons.


title: RCW 46.32.140

text:
(1) During a motor vehicle inspection, an official inspection facility, or licensed private inspection facility, shall check information made available by the national highway traffic safety administration to determine whether the motor vehicle being inspected is subject to an open safety recall. If the vehicle is subject to one or more open safety recalls, the official inspection facility or licensed private inspection facility, shall provide the owner of the motor vehicle, at the time of inspection, written notice of all open safety recalls applicable to the motor vehicle. The recall notice must include the following:
(a) A description of each open safety recall; and
(b) A statement that each open safety recall may be repaired by a motor vehicle dealer approved by the manufacturer of the motor vehicle at no cost to the owner of the motor vehicle, except as provided in 49 U.S.C. Sec. 30120.
(2) Nothing in this section alters the liability of any motor vehicle manufacturer or motor vehicle dealer approved by the manufacturer to repair an open safety recall.
(3)(a) The chief of the Washington state patrol and the chief of the Washington state patrol's designees, for the purposes of discharging their duties pursuant to chapter 440, Laws of 2023 are not liable for any act or omission related to the provision of an open safety recall notice and are immune from any related civil suit or action.
(b) For the purposes of discharging their duties pursuant to chapter 440, Laws of 2023, a private inspection facility or its owner and employees are not liable to any person for any act or omission related to the open safety recall notice provided pursuant to this section, except for cases of gross negligence.
(4) For the purposes of this section, "open safety recall" means a safety-related recall, for which notification by a manufacturer is required to be provided under 49 U.S.C. Secs. 30118 and 30119, that necessitates repairs or modifications to a motor vehicle by an authorized motor vehicle dealer. "Open safety recall" does not include: Recalls related to defects or failures to comply with requirements relating to labeling or notification in a motor vehicle's owner's manual; or recalls where the remedy is for the manufacturer to repurchase the motor vehicle or otherwise provide financial compensation to the owner of the motor vehicle.
[ 2023 c 440 s 2.]
Notes:
Effective date—2023 c 440: "This act takes effect July 1, 2024." [ 2023 c 440 s 4.]
Written notice to owner of motor vehicle from official motor vehicle inspection facility or licensed private inspection facility—Liability of motor vehicle manufacturer or approved motor vehicle dealer may not be altered—2023 c 440: "This act requires an official motor vehicle inspection facility or licensed private inspection facility to provide written notice to the owner of a motor vehicle being inspected for all open safety recalls applicable to the motor vehicle at the time the motor vehicle is inspected. The recall notice must include a description of each open safety recall and a statement that each open safety recall may be repaired by certain motor vehicle dealers at no cost to the owner, except in certain circumstances. This act requires the department of licensing to provide written notice to the owner of a motor vehicle, at the time a vehicle is registered or upon mailing a motor vehicle's registration renewal notice, of all open safety recalls applicable to the motor vehicle. The recall notice is to include a statement that each open safety recall may be repaired by certain motor vehicle dealers at no cost to the owner, except in certain circumstances.
Nothing in this act may alter the liability of any motor vehicle manufacturer or motor vehicle dealer approved by a manufacturer to repair an open safety recall." [ 2023 c 440 s 1.]

catchline: Open safety recalls—Notice—Liability.


title: RCW 46.35.010

text:
The definitions in this section apply throughout this chapter unless the context clearly requires otherwise.
(1) "Owner" means:
(a) A person having all the incidents of ownership, including legal title, of a motor vehicle, whether or not the person lends, rents, or creates a security interest in the motor vehicle;
(b) A person entitled to the possession of a motor vehicle as the purchaser under a security agreement;
(c) A person entitled to possession of a motor vehicle as a lessee pursuant to a written lease agreement for a period of more than three months; or
(d) If a third party requests access to a recording device to investigate a collision, the owner of the motor vehicle at the time the collision occurred.
(2) "Recording device" means an electronic system, and the physical device or mechanism containing the electronic system, that primarily, or incidental to its primary function, preserves or records, in electronic form, data collected by sensors or provided by other systems within a motor vehicle. "Recording device" includes event data recorders, sensing and diagnostic modules, electronic control modules, automatic crash notification systems, geographic information systems, and any other device that records and preserves data that can be accessed related to that motor vehicle. "Recording device" does not include onboard diagnostic systems whose exclusive function is to capture fault codes used to diagnose or service the motor vehicle.
[ 2009 c 485 s 1.]
Notes:
Reviser's note: The definitions in this section have been alphabetized pursuant to RCW 1.08.015(2)(k).
Effective date—2009 c 485: "Sections 1 through 4 and 6 of this act take effect July 1, 2010." [ 2009 c 485 s 8.]

catchline: Definitions.


title: RCW 46.35.020

text:
(1) A manufacturer of a motor vehicle sold or leased in this state, that is equipped with one or more recording devices, shall disclose in the owner's manual that the motor vehicle is equipped with one or more recording devices and, if so, the type of data recorded and whether the recording device or devices have the ability to transmit information to a central communications system or other external device.
(2) If a recording device is used as part of a subscription service, the subscription service agreement must disclose the type of information that the device may record or transmit.
(3) A disclosure made in writing is deemed a disclosure in the owner's manual.
(4) If a recording device is to be installed in a vehicle aftermarket, the manufacturer or distributor of the device shall disclose in the product manual the type of information that the device may record and whether the recording device has the ability to transmit information to a central communications system or other external device.
(5) A disclosure made in writing is deemed a disclosure in the product manual.
[ 2009 c 485 s 2.]
Notes:
Effective date—2009 c 485: See note following RCW 46.35.010.

catchline: Disclosure in owner's manual, subscription service agreement, and product manual.


title: RCW 46.35.030

text:
(1) Information recorded or transmitted by a recording device may not be retrieved, downloaded, scanned, read, or otherwise accessed by a person other than the owner of the motor vehicle in which the recording device is installed except:
(a) Upon a court order or pursuant to discovery. Any information recorded or transmitted by a recording device and obtained by a court order or pursuant to discovery is private and confidential and is not subject to public disclosure;
(b) With the consent of the owner, given for a specific instance of access, for any purpose;
(c) For improving motor vehicle safety, including medical research on the human body's reaction to motor vehicle collisions, if the identity of the motor vehicle or the owner or driver of the motor vehicle is not disclosed in connection with the retrieved information;
(d) For determining the need for or facilitating emergency medical response if a motor vehicle collision occurs, provided that the information retrieved is used solely for medical purposes; or
(e) For subscription services pursuant to an agreement in which disclosure required under RCW 46.35.020 has been made, provided that the information retrieved is used solely for the purposes of fulfilling the subscription service.
(2) For the purposes of subsection (1)(c) of this section:
(a) The disclosure of a motor vehicle's vehicle identification number with the last six digits deleted or redacted is not a disclosure of the identity of the owner or driver; and
(b) Retrieved information may only be disclosed to a data processor.
(3) Information that can be associated with an individual and that is recorded or transmitted by a recording device may not be sold to a third party unless the owner of the information explicitly grants permission for the sale.
(4) Any person who violates this section is guilty of a misdemeanor.
[ 2009 c 485 s 3.]
Notes:
Effective date—2009 c 485: See note following RCW 46.35.010.


title: RCW 46.35.040

text:
A manufacturer of a motor vehicle sold or leased in this state that is equipped with a recording device shall ensure by licensing agreement or other means that a tool or tools are available that are capable of accessing and retrieving the information stored in a recording device. The tool or tools must be commercially available no later than ninety days after July 26, 2009.
[ 2009 c 485 s 5.]

catchline: Tools available to access and retrieve information—When.


title: RCW 46.35.050

text:
The legislature finds that the practices covered by this chapter are matters vitally affecting the public interest for the purpose of applying chapter 19.86 RCW. A violation of this chapter is not reasonable in relation to the development and preservation of business and is an unfair or deceptive act in trade or commerce and an unfair method of competition for the purpose of applying chapter 19.86 RCW.
[ 2009 c 485 s 4.]
Notes:
Effective date—2009 c 485: See note following RCW 46.35.010.

catchline: Application of consumer protection act.


title: RCW 46.37.005

text:
In addition to those powers and duties elsewhere granted, the chief of the Washington state patrol shall have the power and the duty to adopt, apply, and enforce such reasonable rules and regulations (1) relating to proper types of vehicles or combinations thereof for hauling passengers, commodities, freight, and supplies, (2) relating to vehicle equipment, and (3) relating to the enforcement of the provisions of this title with regard to vehicle equipment, as may be deemed necessary for the public welfare and safety in addition to but not inconsistent with the provisions of this title.
The chief of the Washington state patrol is authorized to adopt by regulation, federal standards relating to motor vehicles and vehicle equipment, issued pursuant to the National Traffic and Motor Vehicle Safety Act of 1966, or any amendment to said act, notwithstanding any provision in Title 46 RCW inconsistent with such standards. Federal standards adopted pursuant to this section shall be applicable only to vehicles manufactured in a model year following the adoption of such standards.
[ 1987 c 330 s 706; 1985 c 165 s 1; 1982 c 106 s 1; 1967 ex.s. c 145 s 56; 1967 c 32 s 49; 1961 c 12 s 46.37.005. Prior: 1943 c 133 s 1; 1937 c 189 s 6; Rem. Supp. 1943 s 6360-6; 1927 c 309 s 14, part; RRS s 6362-14, part. Formerly RCW 46.36.010.]
Notes:
Construction—Application of rules—Severability—1987 c 330: See notes following RCW 28B.12.050.
Towing operators, appointment of: RCW 46.55.115.

catchline: State patrol—Additional powers and duties.


title: RCW 46.37.010

text:
(1) It is a traffic infraction for any person to drive or move, or for a vehicle owner to cause or knowingly permit to be driven or moved, on any highway any vehicle or combination of vehicles that:
(a) Is in such unsafe condition as to endanger any person;
(b) Is not at all times equipped with such lamps and other equipment in proper working condition and adjustment as required by this chapter or by rules issued by the Washington state patrol;
(c) Contains any parts in violation of this chapter or rules issued by the Washington state patrol.
(2) It is a traffic infraction for any person to do any act forbidden or fail to perform any act required under this chapter or rules issued by the Washington state patrol.
(3) Nothing contained in this chapter or the state patrol's regulations shall be construed to prohibit the use of additional parts and accessories on any vehicle not inconsistent with the provisions of this chapter or the state patrol's regulations.
(4) The provisions of the chapter and the state patrol's regulations with respect to equipment on vehicles shall not apply to implements of husbandry, road machinery, road rollers, or farm tractors except as herein made applicable.
(5) No owner or operator of a farm tractor, self-propelled unit of farm equipment, or implement of husbandry shall be guilty of a crime or subject to penalty for violation of RCW 46.37.160 as now or hereafter amended unless such violation occurs on a public highway.
(6) It is a traffic infraction for any person to sell or offer for sale vehicle equipment which is required to be approved by the state patrol as prescribed in RCW 46.37.005 unless it has been approved by the state patrol.
(7) The provisions of this chapter with respect to equipment required on vehicles shall not apply to:
(a) Motorcycles or motor-driven cycles except as herein made applicable;
(b) Golf carts, as defined in RCW 46.04.1945, operating within a designated golf cart zone as described in RCW 46.08.175, except as provided in RCW 46.08.175(8).
(8) This chapter does not apply to off-road vehicles used on nonhighway roads or used on streets, roads, or highways as authorized under RCW 46.09.360.
(9) This chapter does not apply to vehicles used by the state parks and recreation commission exclusively for park maintenance and operations upon public highways within state parks.
(10) Notices of traffic infraction issued to commercial drivers under the provisions of this chapter with respect to equipment required on commercial motor vehicles shall not be considered for driver improvement purposes under chapter 46.20 RCW.
(11) Whenever a traffic infraction is chargeable to the owner or lessee of a vehicle under subsection (1) of this section, the driver shall not be arrested or issued a notice of traffic infraction unless the vehicle is registered in a jurisdiction other than Washington state, or unless the infraction is for an offense that is clearly within the responsibility of the driver.
(12) Whenever the owner or lessee is issued a notice of traffic infraction under this section the court may, on the request of the owner or lessee, take appropriate steps to make the driver of the vehicle, or any other person who directs the loading, maintenance, or operation of the vehicle, a codefendant. If the codefendant is held solely responsible and is found to have committed the traffic infraction, the court may dismiss the notice against the owner or lessee.
[ 2011 c 171 s 79; 2010 c 217 s 6. Prior: 2006 c 306 s 1; 2006 c 212 s 5; 2005 c 213 s 7; 1997 c 241 s 14; 1989 c 178 s 22; 1987 c 330 s 707; 1979 ex.s. c 136 s 69; 1977 ex.s. c 355 s 1; 1963 c 154 s 1; 1961 c 12 s 46.37.010; prior: 1955 c 269 s 1; prior: 1937 c 189 s 14, part; RRS s 6360-14, part; RCW 46.40.010, part; 1929 c 178 s 2; 1927 c 309 s 19; 1921 c 96 s 22, part; 1919 c 59 s 10, part; 1917 c 155 s 15, part; 1915 c 142 s 21, part; RRS s 6362-19.]
Notes:
Rules of court: Monetary penalty schedule—IRLJ 6.2.
Intent—Effective date—2011 c 171: See notes following RCW 4.24.210.
Findings—Construction—Effective date—2005 c 213: See notes following RCW 46.09.300.
Effective dates—1989 c 178: See RCW 46.25.901.
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: "If any provision of this 1977 amendatory 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." [ 1977 ex.s. c 355 s 57.]
Effective date—1963 c 154: "This act shall take effect on January 1, 1964." [ 1963 c 154 s 32.]
Moving defective vehicle: RCW 46.32.060.

catchline: Scope and effect of regulations—General penalty.


title: RCW 46.37.020

text:
Every vehicle upon a highway within this state at any time from a half hour after sunset to a half hour before sunrise and at any other time when, due to insufficient light or unfavorable atmospheric conditions, persons and vehicles on the highway are not clearly discernible at a distance of one thousand feet ahead shall display lighted headlights, other lights, and illuminating devices as hereinafter respectively required for different classes of vehicles, subject to exceptions with respect to parked vehicles, and such stop lights, turn signals, and other signaling devices shall be lighted as prescribed for the use of such devices.
[ 1977 ex.s. c 355 s 2; 1974 ex.s. c 124 s 2; 1963 c 154 s 2; 1961 c 12 s 46.37.020. Prior: 1955 c 269 s 2; prior: 1937 c 189 s 14, part; RRS s 6360-14, part; RCW 46.40.010, part; 1929 c 178 s 2; 1927 c 309 s 19; 1921 c 96 s 22, part; 1919 c 59 s 10, part; 1917 c 155 s 15, part; 1915 c 142 s 21, part; RRS s 6362-19.]
Notes:
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.
Local twenty-four hour headlight policy: RCW 47.04.180.
Motorcycles and motor-driven cycles—When headlamps and tail lamps to be lighted: RCW 46.37.522.

catchline: When lighted lamps and signaling devices are required.


title: RCW 46.37.030

text:
(1) Whenever requirement is hereinafter declared as to distance from which certain lamps and devices shall render objects visible or within which such lamps or devices shall be visible, said provisions shall apply during the times stated in RCW 46.37.020 in respect to a vehicle without load when upon a straight, level, unlighted highway under normal atmospheric conditions unless a different time or condition is expressly stated.
(2) Whenever requirement is hereinafter declared as to the mounted height of lamps or devices it shall mean from the center of such lamp or device to the level ground upon which the vehicle stands when such vehicle is without a load.
(3) No additional lamp, reflective device, or other motor vehicle equipment shall be added which impairs the effectiveness of this standard.
[ 1977 ex.s. c 355 s 3; 1961 c 12 s 46.37.030. Prior: 1955 c 269 s 3; prior: 1937 c 189 s 14, part; RRS s 6360-14, part; RCW 46.40.010, part.]
Notes:
Severability—1977 ex.s. c 355: See note following RCW 46.37.010.

catchline: Visibility distance and mounted height of lamps.


title: RCW 46.37.040

text:
(1) Every motor vehicle shall be equipped with at least two head lamps with at least one on each side of the front of the motor vehicle, which head lamps shall comply with the requirements and limitations set forth in this chapter.
(2) Every head lamp upon every motor vehicle shall be located at a height measured from the center of the head lamp 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).
[ 1977 ex.s. c 355 s 4; 1961 c 12 s 46.37.040. Prior: 1955 c 269 s 4; prior: 1937 c 189 s 15; RRS s 6360-15; RCW 46.40.020; 1933 c 156 s 1, part; 1929 c 178 s 3, part; 1927 c 309 ss 20, part, 24; 1921 c 96 s 22, part; 1919 c 59 s 10, part; 1917 c 155 s 15, part; 1915 c 142 s 21, part; RRS ss 6362-20, part, 6362-24.]
Notes:
Severability—1977 ex.s. c 355: See note following RCW 46.37.010.

catchline: Head lamps on motor vehicles.


title: RCW 46.37.050

text:
(1) After January 1, 1964, every motor vehicle, trailer, cargo extension, semitrailer, and pole trailer, and any other vehicle which is being drawn at the end of a combination of vehicles, shall be equipped with at least two tail lamps mounted on the rear, which, when lighted as required in RCW 46.37.020, shall emit a red light plainly visible from a distance of one thousand feet to the rear, except that passenger cars manufactured or assembled prior to January 1, 1939, shall have at least one tail lamp. On a combination of vehicles only the tail lamps on the rearmost vehicle need actually be seen from the distance specified. On vehicles equipped with more than one tail lamp, the lamps shall be mounted on the same level and as widely spaced laterally as practicable.
(2) Every tail lamp upon every vehicle shall be located at a height of not more than seventy-two inches nor less than fifteen inches.
(3) 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.
[ 2016 c 22 s 4; 1977 ex.s. c 355 s 5; 1963 c 154 s 3; 1961 c 12 s 46.37.050. Prior: 1955 c 269 s 5; prior: 1947 c 267 s 2, part; 1937 c 189 s 16, part; Rem. Supp. 1947 s 6360-16, part; RCW 46.40.030, part; 1929 c 178 s 7; 1927 c 309 s 27; RRS s 6362-27; 1921 c 96 s 22, part; 1919 c 59 s 10, part; 1917 c 155 s 15, part; 1915 c 142 s 21, part.]
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.
Effective date—1963 c 154: See note following RCW 46.37.010.

catchline: Tail lamps.


title: RCW 46.37.060

text:
(1) Every motor vehicle, trailer, semitrailer, and pole trailer shall carry on the rear, either as a part of the tail lamps or separately, two or more red reflectors meeting the requirements of this section: PROVIDED, HOWEVER, That vehicles of the types mentioned in RCW 46.37.090 shall be equipped with reflectors meeting the requirements of RCW 46.37.110 and 46.37.120.
(2) Every such reflector shall be mounted on the vehicle at a height not less than fifteen inches nor more than seventy-two inches measured as set forth in RCW 46.37.030(2), and shall be of such size and characteristics and so mounted as to be visible at night from all distances within six hundred feet to one hundred feet from such vehicle when directly in front of lawful upper beams of head lamps, except that reflectors on vehicles manufactured or assembled prior to January 1, 1970, shall be visible at night from all distances within three hundred and fifty feet to one hundred feet when directly in front of lawful upper beams of head lamps.
[ 1977 ex.s. c 355 s 6; 1963 c 154 s 4; 1961 c 12 s 46.37.060. Prior: 1955 c 269 s 6; prior: 1947 c 267 s 2, part; 1937 c 189 s 16, part; Rem. Supp. 1947 s 6360-16, part; RCW 46.40.030, part.]
Notes:
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: Reflectors.


title: RCW 46.37.070

text:
(1) After January 1, 1964, every motor vehicle, trailer, semitrailer, and pole trailer shall be equipped with two or more stop lamps meeting the requirements of RCW 46.37.200, except that passenger cars manufactured or assembled prior to January 1, 1964, shall be equipped with at least one such stop lamp. On a combination of vehicles, only the stop lamps on the rearmost vehicle need actually be seen from the distance specified in RCW 46.37.200(1).
(2) After January 1, 1960, every motor vehicle, trailer, semitrailer and pole trailer shall be equipped with electric turn signal lamps meeting the requirements of RCW 46.37.200(2), except that passenger cars, trailers, semitrailers, pole trailers, and trucks less than eighty inches in width, manufactured or assembled prior to January 1, 1953, need not be equipped with electric turn signal lamps.
(3) Every passenger car manufactured or assembled after September 1, 1985; and every passenger truck, passenger van, or passenger sports [sport] utility vehicle manufactured or assembled after September 1, 1993, must be equipped with a rear center high-mounted stop lamp meeting the requirements of RCW 46.37.200(3).
[ 2006 c 306 s 2; 1977 ex.s. c 355 s 7; 1963 c 154 s 5; 1961 c 12 s 46.37.070. Prior: 1959 c 319 s 32; 1955 c 269 s 7; prior: 1953 c 248 s 2, part; 1947 c 267 s 4, part; 1937 c 189 s 23, part; Rem. Supp. 1947 s 6360-23, part; RCW 46.40.090, part; 1929 c 178 s 1, part; 1927 c 309 s 15, part; RRS s 6362-15, part.]
Notes:
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: Stop lamps and electric turn signals required.


title: RCW 46.37.080

text:
Those sections of this chapter which follow immediately, including RCW 46.37.090, 46.37.100, 46.37.110, 46.37.120, and 46.37.130, relating to clearance lamps, marker lamps, and reflectors, shall apply as stated in said sections to vehicles of the type therein enumerated, namely buses, trucks, truck tractors, and trailers, semitrailers, and pole trailers, respectively, when operated upon any highway, and said vehicles shall be equipped as required and all lamp equipment required shall be lighted at the times mentioned in RCW 46.37.020. For purposes of the sections enumerated above, a camper, when mounted upon a motor vehicle, shall be considered part of the permanent structure of that motor vehicle.
[ 1977 ex.s. c 355 s 8; 1963 c 154 s 6; 1961 c 12 s 46.37.080. Prior: 1955 c 269 s 8; prior: 1947 c 267 s 3, part; 1937 c 189 s 17, part; Rem. Supp. 1947 s 6360-17, part; RCW 46.40.040, part.]
Notes:
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: Application of succeeding sections.


title: RCW 46.37.090

text:
In addition to other equipment required in RCW 46.37.040, 46.37.050, 46.37.060, and 46.37.070, the following vehicles shall be equipped as herein stated under the conditions stated in RCW 46.37.080, and in addition, the reflectors elsewhere enumerated for such vehicles shall conform to the requirements of RCW 46.37.120(1).
(1) Buses, trucks, motor homes, and motor vehicles with mounted campers eighty inches or more in over-all width:
(a) On the front, two clearance lamps, one at each side, and on vehicles manufactured or assembled after January 1, 1964, three identification lamps meeting the specifications of subdivision (6) [subsection (7)] of this section;
(b) On the rear, two clearance lamps, one at each side, and after January 1, 1964, three identification lamps meeting the specifications of subdivision (6) [subsection (7)] of this section;
(c) On each side, two side marker lamps, one at or near the front and one at or near the rear;
(d) On each side, two reflectors, one at or near the front and one at or near the rear.
(2) Trailers and semitrailers eighty inches or more in over-all width:
(a) On the front, two clearance lamps, one at each side;
(b) On the rear, two clearance lamps, one at each side, and after January 1, 1964, three identification lamps meeting the specifications of subdivision (6) [subsection (7)] of this section;
(c) On each side, two side marker lamps, one at or near the front and one at or near the rear;
(d) On each side, two reflectors, one at or near the front and one at or near the rear: PROVIDED, That a mobile home as defined by RCW 46.04.302 need not be equipped with two side marker lamps or two side reflectors as required by subsection (2) (c) and (d) of this section [(c) and (d) of this subsection] while operated under the terms of a special permit authorized by RCW 46.44.090.
(3) Truck tractors:
On the front, two cab clearance lamps, one at each side, and on vehicles manufactured or assembled after January 1, 1964, three identification lamps meeting the specifications of subdivision (6) [subsection (7)] of this section.
(4) Trailers, semitrailers, and pole trailers thirty feet or more in over-all length:
On each side, one amber side marker lamp and one amber reflector, centrally located with respect to the length of the vehicle: PROVIDED, That a mobile home as defined by RCW 46.04.302 need not be equipped with such side marker lamp or reflector while operated under the terms of a special permit authorized by RCW 46.44.090.
(5) Pole trailers:
(a) On each side, one amber side marker lamp at or near the front of the load;
(b) One amber reflector at or near the front of the load;
(c) On the rearmost support for the load, one combination marker lamp showing amber to the front and red to the rear and side, mounted to indicate maximum width of the pole trailer.
(6) Boat trailers eighty inches or more in overall width:
(a) One on each side, at or near the midpoint, one clearance lamp performing the function of both a front and rear clearance lamp;
(b) On the rear, after June 1, 1978, three identification lamps meeting the specifications of subsection (7) of this section;
(c) One on each side, two side marker lamps, one at or near the front and one at or near the rear;
(d) On each side, two reflectors, one at or near the front and one at or near the rear.
(7) Whenever required or permitted by this chapter, identification lamps shall be grouped in a horizontal row, with lamp centers spaced not less than six nor more than twelve inches apart, and mounted on the permanent structure of the vehicle as close as practicable to the vertical centerline: PROVIDED, HOWEVER, That where the cab of a vehicle is not more than forty-two inches wide at the front roofline, a single identification lamp at the center of the cab shall be deemed to comply with the requirements for front identification lamps.
[ 1977 ex.s. c 355 s 9; 1963 c 154 s 7; 1961 c 12 s 46.37.090. Prior: 1955 c 269 s 9; prior: 1947 c 267 s 3, part; 1937 c 189 s 17, part; Rem. Supp. 1947 s 6360-17, part; RCW 46.40.040, part; 1933 c 156 ss 5, part, 6, part; 1929 c 178 ss 7, part, 8, part; 1927 c 309 ss 27, part, 28, part; RRS ss 6362-27, part, 6362-28, part; 1921 c 96 s 22, part; 1919 c 59 s 10, part; 1917 c 155 s 15, part.]
Notes:
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: Additional equipment required on certain vehicles.


title: RCW 46.37.100

text:
(1) Front clearance lamps and those marker lamps and reflectors mounted on the front or on the side near the front of a vehicle shall display or reflect an amber color.
(2) Rear clearance lamps and those marker lamps and reflectors mounted on the rear or on the sides near the rear of a vehicle shall display or reflect a red color.
(3) All lighting devices and reflectors mounted on the rear of any vehicle shall display or reflect a red color, except the stop lamp or other signal device, which may be red, amber, or yellow, and except that on any vehicle forty or more years old, or on any motorcycle regardless of age, the taillight may also contain a blue or purple insert of not more than one inch in diameter, and except that the light illuminating the license plate shall be white and the light emitted by a backup lamp shall be white or amber. However, for commercial motor vehicles defined in RCW 46.32.005, stop lamps must be red and other signal devices must be red or amber.
[ 2019 c 321 s 1; 2002 c 196 s 1; 1992 c 46 s 1; 1961 c 12 s 46.37.100. Prior: 1955 c 269 s 10; prior: 1947 c 267 s 3, part; 1937 c 189 s 17, part; Rem. Supp. 1947 s 6360-17, part; RCW 46.40.040, part; 1933 c 156 ss 5, part, 6, part; 1929 c 178 ss 7, part, 8, part; 1927 c 309 ss 27, part, 28, part; RRS ss 6362-27, part, 6362-28, part; 1921 c 96 s 22, part; 1919 c 59 s 10, part; 1917 c 155 s 15, part; 1915 c 142 s 21, part.]

catchline: Color of clearance lamps, side marker lamps, backup lamps, and reflectors.


title: RCW 46.37.110

text:
(1) Reflectors when required by RCW 46.37.090 shall be mounted at a height not less than twenty-four inches and not higher than sixty inches above the ground on which the vehicle stands, except that if the highest part of the permanent structure of the vehicle is less than twenty-four inches the reflector at such point shall be mounted as high as that part of the permanent structure will permit.
The rear reflectors on a pole trailer may be mounted on each side of the bolster or load.
Any required red reflector on the rear of a vehicle may be incorporated with the tail lamp, but such reflector shall meet all the other reflector requirements of this chapter.
(2) Clearance lamps shall be mounted on the permanent structure of the vehicle in such a manner as to indicate the extreme height and width of the vehicle. When rear identification lamps are required and are mounted as high as is practicable, rear clearance lamps may be mounted at optional height, and when the mounting of front clearance lamps results in such lamps failing to indicate the extreme width of the trailer, such lamps may be mounted at optional height but must indicate, as near as practicable, the extreme width of the trailer. Clearance lamps on truck tractors shall be located so as to indicate the extreme width of the truck tractor cab. Clearance lamps and side marker lamps may be mounted in combination provided illumination is given as required herein with reference to both: PROVIDED, That no rear clearance lamp may be combined in any shell or housing with any tail lamp or identification lamp.
[ 1977 ex.s. c 355 s 10; 1961 c 12 s 46.37.110. Prior: 1955 c 269 s 11; prior: 1947 c 267 s 3, part; 1937 c 189 s 17, part; Rem. Supp. 1947 s 6360-17, part; RCW 46.40.040, part; 1933 c 156 ss 5, part, 6, part; 1929 c 178 ss 7, part, 8, part; 1927 c 309 ss 27, part, 28, part; RRS ss 6362-27, part, 6362-28, part; 1921 c 96 s 22, part; 1919 c 59 s 10, part; 1917 c 155 s 15, part.]
Notes:
Severability—1977 ex.s. c 355: See note following RCW 46.37.010.

catchline: Mounting of reflectors, clearance lamps, identification lamps, and side marker lamps.


title: RCW 46.37.120

text:
(1) Every reflector upon any vehicle referred to in RCW 46.37.090 shall be of such size and characteristics and so maintained as to be readily visible at nighttime from all distances within six hundred feet to one hundred feet from the vehicle when directly in front of lawful lower beams of head lamps, except that the visibility for reflectors on vehicles manufactured or assembled prior to January 1, 1970, shall be measured in front of the lawful upper beams of headlamps. Reflectors required to be mounted on the sides of the vehicle shall reflect the required color of light to the sides, and those mounted on the rear shall reflect a red color to the rear.
(2) Front and rear clearance lamps and identification lamps shall be capable of being seen and distinguished under normal atmospheric conditions at the times lights are required at all distances between five hundred feet and fifty feet from the front and rear, respectively, of the vehicle.
(3) Side marker lamps shall be capable of being seen and distinguished under normal atmospheric conditions at the times lights are required at all distances between five hundred feet and fifty feet from the side of the vehicle on which mounted.
[ 1977 ex.s. c 355 s 11; 1963 c 154 s 8; 1961 c 12 s 46.37.120. Prior: 1955 c 269 s 12; prior: 1947 c 267 s 3, part; 1937 c 189 s 17, part; Rem. Supp. 1947 s 6360-17, part; RCW 46.40.040, part; 1933 c 156 ss 5, part, 6, part; 1929 c 178 ss 7, part, 8, part; 1927 c 309 ss 27, part, 28, part; RRS ss 6362-27, part, 6362-28, part; 1921 c 96 s 22, part; 1919 c 59 s 10, part; 1917 c 155 s 15, part.]
Notes:
Severability—1977 ex.s. c 355: See note following RCW 46.37.010.
Effective date—1969 ex.s. c 281: "This 1969 amendatory act is necessary for the immediate preservation of the public peace, health and safety, the support of the state government and its existing public institutions, and except for sections 32 and 54 of this 1969 amendatory act shall take effect immediately. Sections 32 and 54 of this 1969 amendatory act shall take effect January 1, 1970." [ 1969 ex.s. c 281 s 63.]
Effective date—1963 c 154: See note following RCW 46.37.010.

catchline: Visibility of reflectors, clearance lamps, identification lamps, and side marker lamps.


title: RCW 46.37.130

text:
Whenever motor and other vehicles are operated in combination during the time that lights are required, any lamp (except tail lamps) need not be lighted which, by reason of its location on a vehicle of the combination, would be obscured by another vehicle of the combination, but this shall not affect the requirement that lighted clearance lamps be displayed on the front of the foremost vehicle required to have clearance lamps, nor that all lights required on the rear of the rearmost vehicle of any combination shall be lighted.
[ 1961 c 12 s 46.37.130. Prior: 1955 c 269 s 13.]

catchline: Obstructed lights not required.


title: RCW 46.37.140

text:
(1) On any vehicle having a load that extends more than four inches beyond its sides or more than four feet beyond its rear, there must be displayed red or orange fluorescent warning flags, not less than eighteen inches square, marking the extremities of such loads.
(2) Whenever the load upon any vehicle extends to the rear four feet or more beyond the bed or body of the vehicle, there must be displayed at the extreme rear end of the load at the times specified in RCW 46.37.020:
(a) Two red lamps, visible from a distance of at least five hundred feet to the rear;
(b) Two red reflectors, visible at night from all distances within six hundred feet to one hundred feet to the rear when directly in front of lawful lower beams of headlamps, and located so as to indicate maximum width; and
(c) A red lamp on each side, visible from a distance of at least five hundred feet to the side, and located so as to indicate maximum overhang.
[ 2014 c 154 s 1; 1977 ex.s. c 355 s 12; 1963 c 154 s 9; 1961 c 12 s 46.37.140. Prior: 1955 c 269 s 14; prior: 1937 c 189 s 18; RRS s 6360-18; RCW 46.40.050; 1929 c 178 s 11, part; 1927 c 309 s 32, part, RRS s 6362-32, part; 1921 c 96 s 22, part; 1919 c 59 s 10, part; 1917 c 155 s 15, part.]
Notes:
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: Lamps, reflectors, and flags on projecting load.


title: RCW 46.37.150

text:
(1) Every vehicle shall be equipped with one or more lamps, which, when lighted, shall display a white or amber light visible from a distance of one thousand feet to the front of the vehicle, and a red light visible from a distance of one thousand feet to the rear of the vehicle. The location of said lamp or lamps shall always be such that at least one lamp or combination of lamps meeting the requirements of this section is installed as near as practicable to the side of the vehicle which is closest to passing traffic.
(2) Whenever a vehicle is lawfully parked upon a street or highway during the hours between a half hour after sunset and a half hour before sunrise and in the event there is sufficient light to reveal any person or object within a distance of one thousand feet upon such street or highway, no lights need be displayed upon such parked vehicle.
(3) Whenever a vehicle is parked or stopped upon a roadway or shoulder adjacent thereto, outside an incorporated city or town, whether attended or unattended, during the hours between a half hour after sunset and a half hour before sunrise and there is insufficient light to reveal any person or object within a distance of one thousand feet upon such highway, such vehicle so parked or stopped shall be equipped with and shall display lamps meeting the requirements of subsection (1) of this section.
(4) Any lighted head lamps upon a parked vehicle shall be depressed or dimmed.
[ 1977 ex.s. c 355 s 13; 1963 c 154 s 10; 1961 c 12 s 46.37.150. Prior: 1955 c 269 s 15; prior: 1937 c 189 s 19; RRS s 6360-19; RCW 46.40.060; 1933 c 156 s 8; 1929 c 178 s 10; 1927 c 309 s 31; RRS s 6362-31.]
Notes:
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: Lamps on vehicles—Parked or stopped vehicles, lighting requirements.


title: RCW 46.37.160

text:
(1) Every farm tractor and every self-propelled unit of farm equipment or implement of husbandry manufactured or assembled after January 1, 1970, shall be equipped with vehicular hazard warning lights of the type described in RCW 46.37.215 visible from a distance of not less than one thousand feet to the front and rear in normal sunlight, which shall be displayed whenever any such vehicle is operated upon a highway.
(2) Every self-propelled unit of farm equipment or implement of husbandry manufactured or assembled after January 1, 1970, shall at all times, and every other motor vehicle shall at times mentioned in RCW 46.37.020, be equipped with lamps and reflectors as follows:
(a) At least two headlamps meeting the requirements of RCW 46.37.220, 46.37.240, or 46.37.260;
(b) At least one red lamp visible when lighted from a distance of not less than one thousand feet to the rear mounted as far to the left of center of vehicle as practicable;
(c) At least two red reflectors visible from all distances within six hundred to one hundred feet to the rear when directly in front of lawful lower beams of headlamps.
(3) Every combination of farm tractor and towed farm equipment or towed implement of husbandry shall at all times mentioned in RCW 46.37.020 be equipped with lamps and reflectors as follows:
(a) The farm tractor element of every such combination shall be equipped as required in subsections (1) and (2) of this section;
(b) The towed unit of farm equipment or implement of husbandry element of such combination shall be equipped on the rear with two red lamps visible when lighted from a distance of not less than one thousand feet to the rear, and two red reflectors visible to the rear from all distances within six hundred feet to one hundred feet to the rear when directly in front of lawful upper beams of head lamps. One reflector shall be so positioned to indicate, as nearly as practicable, the extreme left projection of the towed unit;
(c) If the towed unit or its load obscures either of the vehicle hazard warning lights on the tractor, the towed unit shall be equipped with vehicle hazard warning lights described in subsection (1) of this section.
(4) The two red lamps and the two red reflectors required in the foregoing subsections of this section on a self-propelled unit of farm equipment or implement of husbandry or combination of farm tractor and towed farm equipment shall be so positioned as to show from the rear as nearly as practicable the extreme width of the vehicle or combination carrying them: PROVIDED, That if all other requirements are met, reflective tape or paint may be used in lieu of reflectors required by subsection (3) of this section.
(5) After January 1, 1970, every farm tractor and every self-propelled unit of farm equipment or implement of husbandry designed for operation at speeds not in excess of twenty-five miles per hour shall at all times be equipped with a slow moving vehicle emblem mounted on the rear except as provided in subsection (6) of this section.
(6) After January 1, 1970, every combination of farm tractor and towed farm equipment or towed implement of husbandry normally operating at speeds not in excess of twenty-five miles per hour shall at all times be equipped with a slow moving vehicle emblem as follows:
(a) Where the towed unit is sufficiently large to obscure the slow moving vehicle emblem on the farm tractor, the towed unit shall be equipped with a slow moving vehicle emblem. In such cases, the towing vehicle need not display the emblem;
(b) Where the slow moving vehicle emblem on the farm tractor unit is not obscured by the towed unit, then either or both may be equipped with the required emblem but it shall be sufficient if either has it.
(7) The emblem required by subsections (5) and (6) of this section shall comply with current standards and specifications as promulgated by the Washington state patrol.
[ 1987 c 330 s 708; 1977 ex.s. c 355 s 14; 1969 ex.s. c 281 s 22; 1963 c 154 s 11; 1961 c 12 s 46.37.160. Prior: 1955 c 269 s 16.]
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: Hazard warning lights and reflectors on farm equipment—Slow-moving vehicle emblem.


title: RCW 46.37.170

text:
(1) Every vehicle, including animal-drawn vehicles and vehicles referred to in *RCW 46.37.010(3), not specifically required by the provisions of RCW 46.37.020 through 46.37.330 to be equipped with lamps, or other lighting devices, shall at all times specified in RCW 46.37.020 be equipped with at least one lamp displaying a white light visible from a distance of not less than one thousand feet to the front of said vehicle, and shall also be equipped with two lamps displaying red light visible from a distance of not less than one thousand feet to the rear of said vehicle, or as an alternative, one lamp displaying a red light visible from a distance of not less than one thousand feet to the rear and two red reflectors visible from all distances of six hundred to one hundred feet to the rear when illuminated by the lawful lower beams of head lamps.
(2) After June 1, 1978, every animal-drawn vehicle shall at all times be equipped with a slow-moving vehicle emblem complying with RCW 46.37.160(7).
[ 1977 ex.s. c 355 s 15; 1963 c 154 s 12; 1961 c 12 s 46.37.170. Prior: 1955 c 269 s 17; prior: 1937 c 189 s 21; RRS s 6360-21; RCW 46.40.080; 1927 c 309 s 34; 1921 c 96 s 22, part; 1917 c 40 s 1; RRS s 6362-34.]
Notes:
*Reviser's note: RCW 46.37.010 was amended by 2006 c 306 s 1, changing subsection (3) to subsection (4).
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: Lamps and reflectors on other vehicles and equipment—Slow-moving vehicle emblem on animal-drawn vehicles.


title: RCW 46.37.180

text:
(1) Spot lamps. Any motor vehicle may be equipped with not to exceed two spot lamps and every lighted spot lamp shall be so aimed and used that no part of the high intensity portion of the beam will strike the windshield, or any windows, mirror, or occupant of another vehicle in use.
(2) Fog lamps. Any motor vehicle may be equipped with not to exceed two fog lamps mounted on the front at a height of not less than twelve inches nor more than thirty inches above the level surface upon which the vehicle stands and so aimed that when the vehicle is not loaded none of the high intensity portion of the light to the left of the center of the vehicle shall at a distance of twenty-five feet ahead project higher than a level of four inches below the level of the center of the lamp from which it comes. Lighted fog lamps meeting the above requirements may be used with lower head lamp beams as specified in RCW 46.37.220.
(3) Auxiliary passing lamps. Any motor vehicle may be equipped with not to exceed two auxiliary passing lamps mounted on the front at a height not less than twenty-four inches nor more than forty-two inches above the level surface upon which the vehicle stands. The provisions of RCW 46.37.220 shall apply to any combinations of head lamps and auxiliary passing lamps.
(4) Auxiliary driving lamps. Any motor vehicle may be equipped with not to exceed two auxiliary driving lamps mounted on the front at a height not less than sixteen inches nor more than forty-two inches above the level surface upon which the vehicle stands. The provisions of RCW 46.37.220 shall apply to any combination of head lamps and auxiliary driving lamps.
[ 1963 c 154 s 13; 1961 c 12 s 46.37.180. Prior: 1955 c 269 s 18; prior: 1949 c 157 s 1; Rem. Supp. 1949 s 6360-22a; RCW 46.40.110, 46.40.120.]
Notes:
Effective date—1963 c 154: See note following RCW 46.37.010.

catchline: Spot lamps and auxiliary lamps.


title: RCW 46.37.184

text:
All fire department vehicles in service shall be identified by red lights of an intermittent flashing type, visible from both front and rear for a distance of 500 feet under normal atmospheric conditions. Such red flashing lights shall be well separated from the headlights so that they will not black out when headlights are on. Such red flashing lights shall be in operation at all times when such vehicle is on emergency status. Fire department vehicles may also operate rear-facing blue lights. The combination of red and blue lights shall only be used at the scene of the emergency.
[ 2022 c 279 s 1; 1961 c 12 s 46.37.184. Prior: 1953 c 161 s 1. Formerly RCW 46.40.220.]

catchline: Red flashing lights on fire department vehicles—Rear-facing blue lights—Combination.


title: RCW 46.37.185

text:
Firefighters, when approved by the chief of their respective service, shall be authorized to use a green light on the front of their private cars when on emergency duty only. Such green light shall be visible for a distance of two hundred feet under normal atmospheric conditions and shall be of a type and mounting approved by the Washington state patrol. The use of the green light shall only be for the purpose of identification and the operator of a vehicle so equipped shall not be entitled to any of the privileges provided in RCW 46.61.035 for the operators of authorized emergency vehicles.
[ 2007 c 218 s 73; 1987 c 330 s 709; 1971 ex.s. c 92 s 3; 1961 c 12 s 46.37.185. Prior: 1953 c 161 s 2. Formerly RCW 46.40.230.]
Notes:
Intent—Finding—2007 c 218: See note following RCW 41.08.020.
Construction—Application of rules—Severability—1987 c 330: See notes following RCW 28B.12.050.

catchline: Green light on firefighters' private cars.


title: RCW 46.37.186

text:
(1) No private vehicle, bearing a sign or plate indicating a fire department connection, shall be driven or operated on any public highway, except when the owner thereof is a bona fide member of a fire department.
(2) Any sign or plate indicating fire department connection on a private car of any member of a fire department shall include the name of the municipality or fire department organization to which the owner belongs.
[ 1961 c 12 s 46.37.186. Prior: 1953 c 161 s 3. Formerly RCW 46.40.240.]

catchline: Fire department sign or plate on private car.


title: RCW 46.37.187

text:
Any individual displaying a green light as authorized in RCW 46.37.185, or a sign or plate as authorized in RCW 46.37.186, shall also carry attached to a convenient location on the private vehicle to which the green light or sign or plate is attached, an identification card showing the name of the owner of said vehicle, the organization to which he or she belongs and bearing the signature of the chief of the service involved.
[ 1971 ex.s. c 92 s 2; 1961 c 12 s 46.37.187. Prior: 1953 c 161 s 4. Formerly RCW 46.40.250.]

catchline: Green light, sign or plate—Identification card required.


title: RCW 46.37.188

text:
Every violation of RCW 46.37.184, 46.37.185, 46.37.186, or 46.37.187 is a traffic infraction.
[ 1979 ex.s. c 136 s 70; 1961 c 12 s 46.37.188. Prior: 1953 c 161 s 5. Formerly RCW 46.40.260.]
Notes:
Effective date—Severability—1979 ex.s. c 136: See notes following RCW 46.63.010.

catchline: Penalty for violation of RCW 46.37.184 through 46.37.188.


title: RCW 46.37.190

text:
(1) Every authorized emergency vehicle and organ transport vehicle shall, in addition to any other equipment and distinctive marking required by this chapter, be equipped with at least one lamp capable of displaying a red light visible from at least 500 feet in normal sunlight and a siren capable of giving an audible signal.
(2) Every school bus and private carrier bus shall, in addition to any other equipment and distinctive markings required by this chapter, be equipped with a "stop" signal upon a background not less than 14 by 18 inches displaying the word "stop" in letters of distinctly contrasting colors not less than five and nine-tenths inches high, and shall further be equipped with signal lamps mounted as high and as widely spaced laterally as practicable, which shall be capable of displaying to the front two alternately flashing red lights located at the same level and to the rear two alternately flashing red lights located at the same level and these lights shall have sufficient intensity to be visible at 500 feet in normal sunlight.
(3) Vehicles operated by public agencies whose law enforcement duties include the authority to stop and detain motor vehicles on the public highways of the state may be equipped with a siren and lights of a color and type designated by the state patrol for that purpose. The state patrol may prohibit the use of these sirens and lights on vehicles other than the vehicles described in this subsection.
(4) The lights described in this section shall not be mounted nor used on any vehicle other than a school bus, a private carrier bus, an authorized emergency or law enforcement vehicle, or an organ transport vehicle.
(5) The use of the signal equipment described in this section and RCW 46.37.670, except the signal preemption devices used by public transit vehicles and department of transportation, city, or county maintenance vehicles that are not used in conjunction with emergency equipment, shall impose upon drivers of other vehicles the obligation to yield right-of-way and stop as prescribed in RCW 46.61.210, 46.61.370, and 46.61.350.
[ 2023 c 290 s 3; 2020 c 95 s 1; 2005 c 183 s 8; 1993 c 401 s 2; 1987 c 330 s 710; 1985 c 331 s 1; 1982 c 101 s 1; 1971 ex.s. c 92 s 1; 1970 ex.s. c 100 s 5; 1965 ex.s. c 155 s 53; 1963 c 154 s 14; 1961 c 12 s 46.37.190. Prior: 1957 c 66 s 1; 1955 c 269 s 19.]
Notes:
Rules of court: Monetary penalty schedule—IRLJ 6.2.
Construction—Application of rules—Severability—1987 c 330: See notes following RCW 28B.12.050.

catchline: Warning devices on vehicles—Other drivers yield and stop.


title: RCW 46.37.191

text:
The state patrol shall adopt rules to implement RCW 46.37.190.
[ 1993 c 401 s 3.]

catchline: Implementing rules.


title: RCW 46.37.193

text:
Every school bus and private carrier bus, in addition to any other equipment or distinctive markings required by this chapter, shall bear upon the front and rear thereof, above the windows thereof, plainly visible signs containing only the words "school bus" on a school bus and only the words "private carrier bus" on a private carrier bus in letters not less than eight inches in height, and in addition shall be equipped with visual signals meeting the requirements of RCW 46.37.190. School districts may affix signs designed according to RCW 46.61.380 informing motorists of the monetary penalty for failure to stop for a school bus when the visual signals are activated.
However, a private carrier bus that regularly transports children to and from a private school or in connection with school activities may display the words "school bus" in a manner provided in this section and need not comply with the requirements set forth in the most recent edition of "Specifications for School Buses" published by the superintendent of public instruction.
[ 1997 c 80 s 3; 1995 c 141 s 2; 1990 c 241 s 10.]
Notes:
School bus markings: RCW 46.61.380.

catchline: Signs on buses.


title: RCW 46.37.194

text:
The state patrol may make rules and regulations relating to authorized emergency vehicles and shall test and approve sirens and emergency vehicle lamps to be used on such vehicles. The equipment and standards review unit shall require a record check of all applicants and drivers for an authorized emergency vehicle permit through the Washington state patrol criminal identification section pursuant to RCW 10.97.050 and through the federal bureau of investigation before issuing an authorized emergency vehicle permit. The record check shall include a fingerprint check using a complete Washington state criminal identification fingerprint card. When necessary, applicants and drivers may be employed on a conditional basis pending completion of the investigation. Pursuant to RCW 43.43.742, the applicant, driver, or employer shall pay costs associated with the record check.
[ 2006 c 27 s 1; 1987 c 330 s 711; 1961 c 12 s 46.37.194. Prior: 1957 c 66 s 3.]
Notes:
Construction—Application of rules—Severability—1987 c 330: See notes following RCW 28B.12.050.

catchline: Authorized emergency vehicles—State patrol authority, maintenance, and applicant and driver screening.


title: RCW 46.37.195

text:
(1) Except as provided in subsection (2) of this section, a public agency, business, entity, or person shall not sell or give emergency vehicle lighting equipment or other equipment to a person who may not lawfully operate the lighting equipment or other equipment on the public streets and highways. Prior to selling or giving an emergency vehicle to a person or entity that is not a public law enforcement or emergency agency within or outside the state, public law enforcement or emergency agency in another country, or private ambulance business within or outside the state, the seller or donor must remove all emergency lighting as defined in rules by the Washington state patrol, radios, and any other emergency equipment from the vehicle, except for reflective stripes and paint on fire trucks, that was not originally installed by the original vehicle manufacturer and that visibly identifies the vehicle as an emergency vehicle from the exterior, including spotlights and confinement or rear seat safety cages. If the equipment is not retained or transferred to another public law enforcement or emergency agency within or outside the state, public law enforcement or emergency agency in another country, or private ambulance business within or outside the state, the equipment must be dismantled with the individual parts being recycled or destroyed prior to being disposed of. The agency must also remove all decals, state and local designated law enforcement colors, and stripes that were not installed by the original vehicle manufacturer.
(2) The sale or donation to a broker specializing in the resale of emergency vehicles, or a charitable organization, intending to deliver the vehicle or equipment to a public law enforcement or emergency agency within or outside the state, public law enforcement or emergency agency in another country, or private ambulance business within or outside the state, is allowed with the emergency equipment still installed and intact. If the broker or charitable organization sells or donates the emergency vehicle to a person or entity that is not a public law enforcement or emergency agency, or private ambulance business, the broker or charitable organization must remove the equipment and designations and is accountable and responsible for the removal of the equipment and designations not installed on the vehicle by the original vehicle manufacturer. Equipment not sold or donated to a public law enforcement or emergency agency, or a private ambulance business, must be removed and transferred, destroyed, or recycled in accordance with subsection (1) of this section.
[ 2010 c 117 s 2; 1990 c 94 s 2.]
Notes:
Intent—2010 c 117: "It is the intent of the legislature to protect the public to ensure that only federal, state, and local law enforcement and emergency personnel, public or private, or other entities authorized by law to use emergency equipment have access to emergency equipment and vehicles." [ 2010 c 117 s 1.]
Legislative finding—1990 c 94: "The legislature declares that public agencies should not engage in activity that leads or abets a person to engage in conduct that is not lawful. The legislature finds that some public agencies sell emergency vehicle lighting equipment at public auctions to persons who may not lawfully use the equipment. The legislature further finds that this practice misleads well-intentioned citizens and also benefits malevolent individuals." [ 1990 c 94 s 1.]

catchline: Sale of emergency vehicle lighting equipment restricted—Removal of emergency vehicle equipment, when required—Exception.


title: RCW 46.37.196

text:
All emergency tow trucks shall be identified by an intermittent or revolving red light capable of 360 degree visibility at a distance of 500 feet under normal atmospheric conditions. The emergency tow trucks may also operate rear facing blue lights for use only at the scene of an emergency or accident. The red lights may be used when the tow truck is reentering the roadway from the scene of an emergency or accident for a reasonable distance to reach operating speed from the scene, and the combination of red and blue lights may be used only at the scene of an emergency or accident. It is unlawful to use the combination of lights when traveling to or from the scene of an accident or for any other purpose.
[ 2023 c 33 s 2; 1977 ex.s. c 355 s 16.]
Notes:
Short title—2023 c 33: "This act may be known and cited as the Arthur Anderson and Raymond Mitchell tow operators safety act." [ 2023 c 33 s 1.]
Severability—1977 ex.s. c 355: See note following RCW 46.37.010.

catchline: Red lights on emergency tow trucks—Rear facing blue lights.


title: RCW 46.37.200

text:
(1) Any vehicle may be equipped and when required under this chapter shall be equipped with a stop lamp or lamps on the rear of the vehicle which shall display a red or amber light, or any shade of color between red and amber, visible from a distance of not less than one hundred feet and on any vehicle manufactured or assembled after January 1, 1964, three hundred feet to the rear in normal sunlight, and which shall be actuated upon application of a service brake, and which may but need not be incorporated with one or more other rear lamps. However, for commercial motor vehicles defined in RCW 46.32.005, stop lamps must be red.
(2) Any vehicle may be equipped and when required under RCW 46.37.070(2) shall be equipped with electric turn signals which shall indicate an intention to turn by flashing lights showing to the front and rear of a vehicle or on a combination of vehicles on the side of the vehicle or combination toward which the turn is to be made. The lamps showing to the front shall be mounted on the same level and as widely spaced laterally as practicable and, when signaling, shall emit amber light: PROVIDED, That on any vehicle manufactured prior to January 1, 1969, the lamps showing to the front may emit white or amber light, or any shade of light between white and amber. The lamp showing to the rear shall be mounted on the same level and as widely spaced laterally as practicable, and, when signaling, shall emit a red or amber light, or any shade of color between red and amber. Turn signal lamps shall be visible from a distance of not less than five hundred feet to the front and rear in normal sunlight. Turn signal lamps may, but need not be, incorporated in other lamps on the vehicle.
(3) Any vehicle may be equipped and when required under this chapter shall be equipped with a center high-mounted stop lamp mounted on the center line of the rear of the vehicle. These stop lamps shall display a red light visible from a distance of not less than three hundred feet to the rear in normal sunlight, and shall be actuated upon application of a service brake, and may not be incorporated with any other rear lamps.
[ 2019 c 321 s 2; 2006 c 306 s 3; 1977 ex.s. c 355 s 17; 1963 c 154 s 15; 1961 c 12 s 46.37.200. Prior: 1955 c 269 s 20; prior: 1953 c 248 s 2, part; 1947 c 267 s 4, part; 1937 c 189 s 23, part; Rem. Supp. 1947 s 6360-23, part; RCW 46.40.090, part; 1929 c 178 s 1, part; 1927 c 309 s 15, part; RRS s 6362-15.]
Notes:
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: Stop lamps and electric turn signals displayed.


title: RCW 46.37.210

text:
(1) Any motor vehicle may be equipped with not more than two side cowl or fender lamps which shall emit an amber or white light without glare.
(2) Any motor vehicle may be equipped with not more than one running-board courtesy lamp on each side thereof which shall emit a white or amber light without glare.
(3) Any motor vehicle may be equipped with one or more backup lamps either separately or in combination with other lamps, but any such backup lamp or lamps shall not be lighted when the motor vehicle is in forward motion.
(4) Any vehicle may be equipped with one or more side marker lamps, and any such lamp may be flashed in conjunction with turn or vehicular hazard warning signals. Side marker lamps located toward the front of a vehicle shall be amber, and side marker lamps located toward the rear shall be red.
(5) Any vehicle eighty inches or more in over-all width, if not otherwise required by RCW 46.37.090, may be equipped with not more than three identification lamps showing to the front which shall emit an amber light without glare and not more than three identification lamps showing to the rear which shall emit a red light without glare. Such lamps shall be mounted as specified in RCW 46.37.090(7).
(6)(a) Every motor vehicle, trailer, semitrailer, truck tractor, and pole trailer used in the state of Washington may be equipped with an auxiliary lighting system consisting of:
(i) One green light to be activated when the accelerator of the motor vehicle is depressed;
(ii) Not more than two amber lights to be activated when the motor vehicle is moving forward, or standing and idling, but is not under the power of the engine.
(b) Such auxiliary system shall not interfere with the operation of vehicle stop lamps or turn signals, as required by RCW 46.37.070. Such system, however, may operate in conjunction with such stop lamps or turn signals.
(c) Only one color of the system may be illuminated at any one time, and at all times either the green light, or amber light or lights shall be illuminated when the stop lamps of the vehicle are not illuminated.
(d) The green light, and the amber light or lights, when illuminated shall be plainly visible at a distance of one thousand feet to the rear.
(e) Only one such system may be mounted on a motor vehicle, trailer, semitrailer, truck tractor, or pole trailer; and such system shall be rear mounted in a horizontal fashion, at a height of not more than seventy-two inches, nor less than twenty inches, as provided by RCW 46.37.050.
(f) On a combination of vehicles, only the lights of the rearmost vehicle need actually be seen and distinguished as provided in subparagraph (d) of this subsection.
(g) Each manufacturer's model of such a system as described in this subsection shall be approved by the state patrol as provided for in RCW 46.37.005 and 46.37.320, before it may be sold or offered for sale in the state of Washington.
[ 1987 c 330 s 712; 1977 ex.s. c 355 s 18; 1975 1st ex.s. c 242 s 1; 1963 c 154 s 16; 1961 c 12 s 46.37.210. Prior: 1955 c 269 s 21; prior: 1937 c 189 s 24; RRS s 6360-24; RCW 46.40.100.]
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: Additional lighting equipment.


title: RCW 46.37.215

text:
(1) Any vehicle may be equipped with lamps for the purpose of warning other operators of other vehicles of the presence of a vehicular traffic hazard requiring the exercise of unusual care in approaching, overtaking, or passing.
(2) After June 1, 1978, every motor home, bus, truck, truck tractor, trailer, semitrailer, or pole trailer eighty inches or more in overall width or thirty feet or more in overall length shall be equipped with lamps meeting the requirements of this section.
(3) Vehicular hazard warning signal lamps used to display such warning to the front shall be mounted at the same level and as widely spaced laterally as practicable, and shall display simultaneously flashing amber light: PROVIDED, That on any vehicle manufactured prior to January 1, 1969, the lamps showing to the front may display simultaneously flashing white or amber lights, or any shade of color between white and amber. The lamps used to display such warning to the rear shall be mounted at the same level and as widely spaced laterally as practicable, and shall show simultaneously flashing amber or red lights, or any shade of color between amber and red. These warning lights shall be visible from a distance of not less than five hundred feet in normal sunlight.
[ 1977 ex.s. c 355 s 19.]
Notes:
Severability—1977 ex.s. c 355: See note following RCW 46.37.010.

catchline: Hazard warning lamps.


title: RCW 46.37.220

text:
Except as hereinafter provided, the head lamps or the auxiliary driving lamp or the auxiliary passing lamp or combination thereof on motor vehicles shall be so arranged that the driver may select at will between distributions of light projected to different elevations, and such lamps may be so arranged that such selection can be made automatically subject to the following limitations:
(1) There shall be an uppermost distribution of light, or composite beam, so aimed and of such intensity as to reveal persons and vehicles at a distance of four hundred fifty feet ahead for all conditions of loading;
(2) There shall be a lowermost distribution of light, or composite beam, so aimed and of sufficient intensity to reveal persons and vehicles at a distance of one hundred fifty feet ahead; and on a straight level road under any conditions of loading none of the high intensity portion of the beam shall be directed to strike the eyes of an approaching driver;
(3) Every new motor vehicle registered in this state after January 1, 1948, which has multiple-beam road-lighting equipment shall be equipped with a beam indicator, which shall be lighted whenever the uppermost distribution of light from the head lamps is in use, and shall not otherwise be lighted. Said indicator shall be so designed and located that when lighted it will be readily visible without glare to the driver of the vehicle so equipped.
[ 1977 ex.s. c 355 s 20; 1961 c 12 s 46.37.220. Prior: 1955 c 269 s 22; prior: 1947 c 267 s 5, part; Rem. Supp. 1947 s 6360-25a, part; RCW 46.40.140, part; 1933 c 156 s 3, part; 1929 c 178 s 5, part; 1927 c 309 s 22, part; RRS s 6362-22, part.]
Notes:
Severability—1977 ex.s. c 355: See note following RCW 46.37.010.

catchline: Multiple-beam road-lighting equipment.


title: RCW 46.37.230

text:
(1) Whenever a motor vehicle is being operated on a roadway or shoulder adjacent thereto during the times specified in RCW 46.37.020, the driver shall use a distribution of light, or composite beam, directed high enough and of sufficient intensity to reveal persons and vehicles at a safe distance in advance of the vehicle, subject to the following requirements and limitations:
(2) Whenever a driver of a vehicle approaches an oncoming vehicle within five hundred feet, such driver shall use a distribution of light, or composite beam, so aimed that the glaring rays are not projected into the eyes of the oncoming driver. The lowermost distribution of light, or composite beam, specified in RCW 46.37.220(2) shall be deemed to avoid glare at all times, regardless of road contour and loading.
(3) Whenever the driver of a vehicle approaches another vehicle from the rear within three hundred feet such driver shall use a distribution of light permissible under this chapter other than the uppermost distribution of light specified in RCW 46.37.220(1).
[ 1963 c 154 s 17; 1961 c 12 s 46.37.230. Prior: 1955 c 269 s 23; prior: 1947 c 267 s 5, part; Rem. Supp. 1947 s 6360-25a, part; RCW 46.40.140, part; 1933 c 156 s 3, part; 1929 c 178 s 5, part; 1927 c 309 s 22, part; RRS s 6362-22, part.]
Notes:
Effective date—1963 c 154: See note following RCW 46.37.010.

catchline: Use of multiple-beam road-lighting equipment.


title: RCW 46.37.240

text:
Head lamp systems which provide only a single distribution of light shall be permitted on all farm tractors regardless of date of manufacture, and on all other motor vehicles manufactured and sold prior to one year after March 18, 1955, in lieu of multiple-beam road-lighting equipment herein specified if the single distribution of light complies with the following requirements and limitations:
(1) The head lamps shall be so aimed that when the vehicle is not loaded none of the high intensity portion of the light shall at a distance of twenty-five feet ahead project higher than a level of five inches below the level of the center of the lamp from which it comes, and in no case higher than forty-two inches above the level on which the vehicle stands at a distance of seventy-five feet ahead;
(2) The intensity shall be sufficient to reveal persons and vehicles at a distance of at least two hundred feet.
[ 1977 ex.s. c 355 s 21; 1963 c 154 s 18; 1961 c 12 s 46.37.240. Prior: 1955 c 269 s 24; prior: 1947 c 267 s 5, part; Rem. Supp. 1947 s 6360-25a, part; RCW 46.40.140, part; 1933 c 156 s 3, part; 1929 c 178 s 5, part; 1927 c 309 s 22, part; RRS s 6362-22, part.]
Notes:
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: Single-beam road-lighting equipment.


title: RCW 46.37.260

text:
Any motor vehicle may be operated under the conditions specified in RCW 46.37.020 when equipped with two lighted lamps upon the front thereof capable of revealing persons and objects one hundred feet ahead in lieu of lamps required in RCW 46.37.220 or 46.37.240: PROVIDED, HOWEVER, That at no time shall it be operated at a speed in excess of twenty miles per hour.
[ 1977 ex.s. c 355 s 22; 1961 c 12 s 46.37.260. Prior: 1955 c 269 s 26; prior: 1937 c 189 s 27; RRS s 6360-27; RCW 46.40.150.]
Notes:
Severability—1977 ex.s. c 355: See note following RCW 46.37.010.

catchline: Alternate road lighting equipment.


title: RCW 46.37.270

text:
(1) At all times specified in RCW 46.37.020, at least two lighted lamps shall be displayed, one on each side at the front of every motor vehicle, except when such vehicle is parked subject to the regulations governing lights on parked vehicles.
(2) Whenever a motor vehicle equipped with head lamps as herein required is also equipped with any auxiliary lamps or a spot lamp or any other lamp on the front thereof projecting a beam of intensity greater than three hundred candlepower, not more than a total of two of any such additional lamps on the front of a vehicle shall be lighted at any one time when upon a highway.
[ 1977 ex.s. c 355 s 23; 1961 c 12 s 46.37.270. Prior: 1955 c 269 s 27; prior: 1937 c 189 s 28; RRS s 6360-28; RCW 46.40.160; 1929 c 178 s 2; 1927 c 309 s 19; 1921 c 96 s 22, part; 1919 c 59 s 10, part; 1917 c 155 s 15, part; 1915 c 142 s 21, part; RRS s 6362-19.]
Notes:
Severability—1977 ex.s. c 355: See note following RCW 46.37.010.

catchline: Number of lamps required—Number of additional lamps permitted.


title: RCW 46.37.280

text:
(1) During the times specified in RCW 46.37.020, any lighted lamp or illuminating device upon a motor vehicle, other than head lamps, spot lamps, auxiliary lamps, flashing turn signals, emergency vehicle warning lamps, warning lamps authorized by the state patrol and school bus warning lamps, which projects a beam of light of an intensity greater than three hundred candlepower shall be so directed that no part of the high intensity portion of the beam will strike the level of the roadway on which the vehicle stands at a distance of more than seventy-five feet from the vehicle.
(2) Except as required in RCW 46.37.190 no person shall drive or move any vehicle or equipment upon any highway with any lamp or device thereon displaying a red light visible from directly in front of the center thereof.
(3) Flashing lights are prohibited except as required in RCW 46.37.190, 46.37.200, 46.37.210, 46.37.215, and 46.37.300, warning lamps authorized by the state patrol, and light-emitting diode flashing taillights on bicycles.
[ 1998 c 165 s 16; 1987 c 330 s 713; 1977 ex.s. c 355 s 24; 1963 c 154 s 19; 1961 c 12 s 46.37.280. Prior: 1955 c 269 s 28; prior: 1949 c 157 s 2; 1947 c 267 s 6; 1947 c 200 s 2; 1937 c 189 s 29; Rem. Supp. 1949 s 6360-29; RCW 46.40.170; 1927 c 309 s 33; RRS s 6362-33.]
Notes:
Short title—1998 c 165: See note following RCW 43.59.010.
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: Special restrictions on lamps.


title: RCW 46.37.290

text:
The chief of the Washington state patrol is authorized to adopt standards and specifications applicable to lighting equipment on and special warning devices to be carried by school buses and private carrier buses consistent with the provisions of this chapter, but supplemental thereto. Such standards and specifications shall correlate with and, so far as possible, conform to the specifications then current as approved by the society of automotive engineers.
[ 1987 c 330 s 714; 1977 c 45 s 1; 1970 ex.s. c 100 s 6; 1961 c 12 s 46.37.290. Prior: 1955 c 269 s 29; prior: 1937 c 189 s 25, part; RRS s 6360-25, part; RCW 46.40.130, part; 1929 c 178 s 3, part; 1927 c 309 s 20, part; RRS s 6362-20, part.]
Notes:
Construction—Application of rules—Severability—1987 c 330: See notes following RCW 28B.12.050.
School buses—Crossing arms: RCW 46.37.620.

catchline: Special lighting equipment on school buses and private carrier buses.


title: RCW 46.37.300

text:
(1) The state patrol shall adopt standards and specifications applicable to head lamps, clearance lamps, identification and other lamps on snow-removal and other highway maintenance and service equipment when operated on the highways of this state in lieu of the lamps otherwise required on motor vehicles by this chapter. Such standards and specifications may permit the use of flashing lights for purposes of identification on snow-removal and other highway maintenance and service equipment when in service upon the highways. The standards and specifications for lamps referred to in this section shall correlate with and, so far as possible, conform with those approved by the American association of state highway officials.
(2) It shall be unlawful to operate any snow-removal and other highway maintenance and service equipment on any highway unless the lamps thereon comply with and are lighted when and as required by the standards and specifications adopted as provided in this section.
[ 1987 c 330 s 715; 1963 c 154 s 20; 1961 c 12 s 46.37.300. Prior: 1955 c 269 s 30.]
Notes:
Construction—Application of rules—Severability—1987 c 330: See notes following RCW 28B.12.050.
Effective date—1963 c 154: See note following RCW 46.37.010.

catchline: Standards for lights on snow-removal or highway maintenance and service equipment.