reglab/statecodes huggingface dataset:
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 46 - Motor Vehicles › Chapter 46.18 - Special License Plates. › 46.18.255 - Horseless carriage license plates.

RCW 46.18.255
Horseless carriage license plates.
(1) A registered owner may apply to the department, county auditor or other agent, or subagent appointed by the director for a horseless carriage license plate for a motor vehicle that is at least forty years old. The motor vehicle must be operated primarily as a collector vehicle and be in good running order. The applicant for the horseless carriage license plate shall:
(a) Purchase a registration for the motor vehicle as required under chapters 46.16A and 46.17 RCW; and
(b) Pay the special license plate fee established under RCW 46.17.220(11), in addition to any other fees or taxes required by law.
(2) Horseless carriage license plates:
(a) Are valid for the life of the motor vehicle;
(b) Are not required to be renewed;
(c) Are not transferable to any other motor vehicle; and
(d) Must be displayed on the rear of the motor vehicle.
[ 2020 c 18 § 15; 2011 c 171 § 71; 2010 c 161 § 623.]
NOTES:
Explanatory statement—2020 c 18: See note following RCW 43.79A.040.
Intent—Effective date—2011 c 171: See notes following RCW 4.24.210.
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.
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 46 - Motor Vehicles › Chapter 46.18 - Special License Plates. › 46.18.265 - Military affiliate radio system license plates.

RCW 46.18.265
Military affiliate radio system license plates.
(1) A registered owner who has a valid military affiliate radio system station license may apply to the department for special license plates for use on only one motor vehicle owned by the qualified applicant. The applicant must:
(a) Be a resident of this state;
(b) Provide a copy of the current official military affiliate radio system station license authorized by the department of defense and issued by the United States army, air force, navy, or marine corps;
(c) Be recorded as the registered owner of the motor vehicle on which the military affiliate radio system license plates will be displayed; and
(d) Pay the military affiliate radio system license plate fee required under RCW 46.17.220(14), in addition to any other fees or taxes required by law.
(2) A person who has been issued military affiliate radio system license plates as provided in this section must:
(a) Notify the department if the military affiliate radio system station license assigned is canceled or expires; and
(b) Provide a copy of the renewed military affiliate radio system station license to the department when it is renewed.
(3) Military affiliate radio system license plates:
(a) Are not available for motorcycles; and
(b) May be transferred from one motor vehicle to another motor vehicle owned by the military affiliate radio system operator upon application to the department, county auditor or other agent, or subagent appointed by the director.
[ 2020 c 18 § 16; 2010 c 161 § 624.]
NOTES:
Explanatory statement—2020 c 18: See note following RCW 43.79A.040.
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.
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 46 - Motor Vehicles › Chapter 46.18 - Special License Plates. › 46.18.270 - Pearl Harbor survivor license plates.

RCW 46.18.270
Pearl Harbor survivor license plates.
(1) A registered owner who has survived the attack on Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941, may apply to the department for special license plates for use on only one motor vehicle required to display one or two license plates, excluding vehicles registered under chapter 46.87 RCW, upon terms and conditions established by the department, and owned by the qualified applicant. The applicant must:
(a) Be a resident of this state;
(b) Have been a member of the United States armed forces on December 7, 1941;
(c) Have been on station on December 7, 1941, between the hours of 7:55 a.m. and 9:45 a.m. Hawaii time at Pearl Harbor, the island of Oahu, or offshore at a distance not to exceed three miles;
(d) Have received an honorable discharge from the United States armed forces;
(e) Provide certification by a Washington state chapter of the Pearl Harbor survivors association showing that qualifications in (c) of this subsection have been met;
(f) Be recorded as the registered owner of the motor vehicle on which the Pearl Harbor survivor license plate or plates will be displayed; and
(g) Pay all fees and taxes required by law for registering the motor vehicle.
(2) Pearl Harbor survivor license plates must be issued without the payment of any license plate fee.
(3) Pearl Harbor survivor license plates must be replaced, free of charge, if the license plates have become lost, stolen, damaged, defaced, or destroyed.
(4) Pearl Harbor survivor license plates may be issued to the surviving spouse or domestic partner of a Pearl Harbor survivor who met the requirements in subsection (1) of this section. The surviving spouse or domestic partner must be a resident of this state. If the surviving spouse remarries or the surviving domestic partner marries or enters into a new domestic partnership, he or she must return the special license plates to the department within fifteen days and apply for regular license plates or another type of special license plate.
(5) A Pearl Harbor survivor license plate or plates may be transferred from one motor vehicle to another motor vehicle owned by the Pearl Harbor survivor or the surviving spouse or domestic partner as described in subsection (4) of this section upon application to the department, county auditor or other agent, or subagent appointed by the director.
[ 2011 c 332 § 7; 2010 c 161 § 625.]
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.
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 46 - Motor Vehicles › Chapter 46.18 - Special License Plates. › 46.18.275 - Personalized license plates.

RCW 46.18.275
Personalized license plates.
(1) A registered owner may apply to the department for a personalized license plate for any vehicle required to display one or two vehicle license plates, excluding vehicles registered under chapter 46.87 RCW, upon terms and conditions established by the department. The application for personalized license plates must contain the combination of letters or numbers, or both, requested by the registered owner.
(2) Personalized license plates must:
(a) Be the same design as standard issue license plates;
(b) Consist of numbers or letters or any combination of numbers or letters;
(c) Not exceed seven positions unless proposed by the department and approved by the Washington state patrol; and
(d) Not contain less than one character.
(3) A person who purchased personalized license plates containing three letters and three digits on or between the dates of August 9, 1971, and November 6, 1973, is not required to pay the additional annual renewal fee described in RCW 46.17.210.
(4) The department shall not issue or may refuse to issue personalized license plates that:
(a) Duplicate or conflict with an existing or projected vehicle license plate series or other numbering systems for records kept by the department; or
(b) May carry connotations offensive to good taste and decency or which would be misleading.
(5) Personalized license plates must be issued only to the registered owner of the vehicle on which they are to be displayed. The registered owner must:
(a) Pay the personalized license plate fee required under RCW 46.17.210, in addition to any other fee or taxes due;
(b) Renew personalized license plates annually, regardless of whether or not the vehicle on which the personalized license plates are displayed will be driven on the public highways;
(c) Surrender personalized license plates that have not been renewed to the department. The failure to surrender expired personalized license plates is a traffic infraction; and
(d) Immediately report to the department when personalized license plates have been transferred to another vehicle or another owner.
(6) The department may establish rules as necessary to carry out this section including, but not limited to, identifying the maximum number of positions on personalized license plates for motorcycles.
[ 2010 c 161 § 626.]
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.
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 46 - Motor Vehicles › Chapter 46.18 - Special License Plates. › 46.18.277 - Personalized special license plates.

RCW 46.18.277
Personalized special license plates.
(1) A registered owner may purchase personalized license plates with a special license plate background for any vehicle required to display one or two vehicle license plates, excluding:
(a) Amateur radio license plates;
(b) Collector vehicle license plates;
(c) Disabled American veteran license plates;
(d) Former prisoner of war license plates;
(e) Horseless carriage license plates;
(f) Medal of Honor license plates;
(g) Military affiliate radio system license plates;
(h) Pearl Harbor survivor license plates;
(i) Restored license plates; and
(j) Vehicles registered under chapter 46.87 RCW.
(2) Personalized special license plates issued under this section must:
(a) Consist of numbers or letters or any combination of numbers or letters;
(b) Not exceed seven characters; and
(c) Not contain less than one character.
(3) The department may not issue or may refuse to issue personalized special license plates that:
(a) Duplicate or conflict with existing or projected vehicle license plate series or other numbering systems for records kept by the department; or
(b) May carry connotations offensive to good taste and decency or which would be misleading.
(4) Personalized special license plates must be issued only to the registered owner of the vehicle on which they are to be displayed. The registered owner must:
(a) Pay both the personalized license plate fee required under RCW 46.17.210 and the special license plate fee required under the applicable special license plate provision, in addition to any other fee or taxes due. License plate fees must be distributed as provided in chapter 46.68 RCW;
(b) Renew personalized special license plates annually, regardless of whether or not the vehicle on which the personalized special license plates are displayed will be driven on the public highways;
(c) Surrender personalized special license plates that have not been renewed to the department. The failure to surrender expired personalized special license plates is a traffic infraction; and
(d) Immediately report to the department when personalized special license plates have been transferred to another vehicle or another owner.
(5) The department may establish rules as necessary to carry out this section including, but not limited to, identifying the maximum number of positions on personalized special license plates for motorcycles.
[ 2014 c 181 § 3; 2010 c 161 § 627.]
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.
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 46 - Motor Vehicles › Chapter 46.18 - Special License Plates. › 46.18.280 - Purple Heart license plates.

RCW 46.18.280
Purple Heart license plates.
(1) A registered owner who has been awarded a Purple Heart medal by any branch of the United States armed forces, including the merchant marines and the women's air forces service pilots may apply to the department for special license plates for use on a motor vehicle required to display one or two license plates, excluding vehicles registered under chapter 46.87 RCW, upon terms and conditions established by the department, and owned by the qualified applicant. The applicant must:
(a) Be a resident of this state;
(b) Have been wounded during one of this nation's wars or conflicts identified in RCW 41.04.005;
(c) Have received an honorable discharge from the United States armed forces;
(d) Provide a copy of the armed forces document showing the recipient was awarded the Purple Heart medal; and
(e) Be recorded as the registered owner of the motor vehicle on which the Purple Heart license plate or plates will be displayed.
(2) Purple Heart license plates must be issued without the payment of any vehicle license fees, license plate fees, motor vehicle excise taxes, and special license plate fees for one motor vehicle. For other motor vehicles, qualified applicants may purchase Purple Heart license plates for the fee required under *RCW 46.17.220(17) and all other fees and taxes required by law for registering the motor vehicle.
(3) Purple Heart license plates may be issued to the surviving spouse or domestic partner of a Purple Heart recipient who met the requirements in subsection (1) of this section. The surviving spouse or domestic partner must be a resident of this state. If the surviving spouse remarries or the surviving domestic partner marries or enters into a new domestic partnership, he or she must return the special license plates to the department within fifteen days and apply for regular license plates or another type of special license plate.
(4) A Purple Heart license plate or plates may be transferred from one motor vehicle to another motor vehicle owned by the Purple Heart recipient or the surviving spouse or domestic partner as described in subsection (3) of this section upon application to the department, county auditor or other agent, or subagent appointed by the director.
[ 2019 c 139 § 1; 2016 c 31 § 1; 2011 c 332 § 8; 2010 c 161 § 628.]
NOTES:
*Reviser's note: RCW 46.17.220 was amended by 2022 c 239 § 1, changing subsection (17) to subsection (18), effective October 1, 2022.
Effective date—2016 c 31: "This act takes effect July 1, 2017." [ 2016 c 31 § 5.]
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.
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 46 - Motor Vehicles › Chapter 46.18 - Special License Plates. › 46.18.285 - Ride share license plates.

RCW 46.18.285
Ride share license plates.
(1) A registered owner who uses a passenger motor vehicle for ride sharing or ride sharing for persons with special transportation needs, as defined in RCW 46.74.010, shall apply to the department, county auditor or other agent, or subagent appointed by the director for special ride share license plates. The registered owner must qualify for the tax exemptions provided in RCW 82.08.0287, 82.12.0282, or 82.44.015, and pay the special ride share license plate fee required under *RCW 46.17.220(18) when the special ride share license plates are initially issued.
(2) The special ride share license plates:
(a) Must be of a distinguishing separate numerical series or design as defined by the department;
(b) Must be returned to the department when no longer in use or when the registered owner no longer qualifies for the tax exemptions provided in subsection (1) of this section; and
(c) Are not required to be renewed annually for motor vehicles described in RCW 46.16A.170.
(3) Special ride share license plates may be transferred from one motor vehicle to another motor vehicle as described in subsection (1) of this section upon application to the department, county auditor or other agent, or subagent appointed by the director.
(4) Any person who knowingly makes a false statement of a material fact in the application for a special license plate under subsection (1) of this section is guilty of a gross misdemeanor.
[ 2021 c 135 § 1; 2020 c 18 § 17; 2011 c 171 § 72; 2010 c 161 § 629.]
NOTES:
*Reviser's note: RCW 46.17.220 was amended by 2022 c 239 § 1, changing subsection (18) to subsection (19), effective October 1, 2022.
Effective date—2021 c 135: "This act takes effect September 1, 2021." [ 2021 c 135 § 11.]
Explanatory statement—2020 c 18: See note following RCW 43.79A.040.
Intent—Effective date—2011 c 171: See notes following RCW 4.24.210.
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.
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 46 - Motor Vehicles › Chapter 46.18 - Special License Plates. › 46.18.290 - Square dancer license plates.

RCW 46.18.290
Square dancer license plates.
A registered owner may apply to the department, county auditor or other agent, or subagent appointed by the director for a square dancer license plate. The registered owner shall pay the special license plate fee required under *RCW 46.17.220(27), in addition to any other fee or tax required by law. The square dancer license plate may be issued in lieu of standard issue or personalized license plates for motor vehicles required to display one or two license plates, but may not be issued for vehicles registered under chapter 46.87 RCW.
[ 2020 c 18 § 18; 2011 c 332 § 9; 2010 c 161 § 630.]
NOTES:
*Reviser's note: RCW 46.17.220 was amended by 2020 c 129 § 1, changing subsection (27) to subsection (28), effective October 1, 2020. RCW 46.17.220 was amended by 2022 c 239 § 1, changing subsection (28) to subsection (29), effective October 1, 2022.
Explanatory statement—2020 c 18: See note following RCW 43.79A.040.
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.
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 46 - Motor Vehicles › Chapter 46.18 - Special License Plates. › 46.18.295 - Veterans and military personnel emblems.

RCW 46.18.295
Veterans and military personnel emblems.
(1) Veterans discharged under honorable conditions (veterans) and individuals serving on active duty in the United States armed forces (active duty military personnel) may purchase a veterans remembrance emblem, campaign medal emblem, or military service award emblem. The emblem is to be displayed on license plates in the manner described by the department, existing vehicular registration procedures, and current laws.
(2) Veterans and active duty military personnel who served during periods of war or armed conflict may purchase a remembrance emblem depicting campaign ribbons which they were awarded.
(3) The following campaign ribbon remembrance emblems are available:
(a) World War I victory medal;
(b) World War II Asiatic-Pacific campaign medal;
(c) World War II European-African Middle East campaign medal;
(d) World War II American campaign medal;
(e) Korean service medal;
(f) Vietnam service medal;
(g) Armed forces expeditionary medal awarded after 1958; and
(h) Southwest Asia medal.
The director may issue additional campaign ribbon emblems by rule as authorized decorations by the United States department of defense.
(4) The following military service award emblems are available:
(a) Distinguished Service Cross;
(b) Navy Cross;
(c) Air Force Cross;
(d) Silver Star medal; and
(e) Bronze Star medal.
(5) Veterans or active duty military personnel requesting a veteran remembrance emblem, campaign medal emblem, or military service award emblem or emblems must:
(a) Pay a prescribed fee set by the department; and
(b) Show proof of eligibility through:
(i) Providing a DD-214 or discharge papers if a veteran;
(ii) Providing a copy of orders awarding a campaign ribbon if an individual serving on military active duty;
(iii) Providing a copy of orders awarding a military service award; or
(iv) Attesting in a notarized affidavit of their eligibility as required under this section.
(6) Veterans or active duty military personnel who purchase a veteran remembrance emblem, campaign medal emblem, or military service award emblem must be the legal or registered owner of the vehicle on which the emblem is to be displayed.
[ 2012 c 69 § 1; 2011 c 171 § 73; 1997 c 234 § 1; 1991 c 339 § 11; 1990 c 250 § 6. Formerly RCW 46.16.319.]
NOTES:
Effective date—2012 c 69: "This act takes effect January 1, 2013." [ 2012 c 69 § 3.]
Intent—Effective date—2011 c 171: See notes following RCW 4.24.210.
Effective dates—1990 c 250 §§ 1-13: See note following RCW 10.05.060.
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 46 - Motor Vehicles › Chapter 46.18 - Special License Plates. › 46.18.300 - Veteran suicide emblems.

RCW 46.18.300
Veteran suicide emblems.
(1) The general public may purchase a prevent veteran suicide emblem for a prescribed fee set by the department. The emblem must be displayed on license plates in the manner described by the department, existing vehicular registration procedures, and current laws.
(2) The department, in creating the prevent veteran suicide emblem, must consult with the department of veterans affairs on the design of the emblem. The emblem must incorporate the 988 suicide prevention hotline or its successor.
(3) Revenues from the prevent veteran suicide emblem must be deposited into the veterans and military members suicide prevention account created in RCW 43.60A.270.
[ 2022 c 191 § 8.]
NOTES:
Effective date—2022 c 191 § 8: "Section 8 of this act takes effect October 1, 2022." [ 2022 c 191 § 15.]
Findings—Intent—2022 c 191: See note following RCW 43.60A.260.
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 46 - Motor Vehicles › Chapter 46.19 - Special Parking Privileges for Persons With Disabilities. › 46.19.020 - Eligible organizations—Rules.

RCW 46.19.020
Eligible organizations—Rules.
(1) The following organizations may apply for special parking privileges:
(a) Public transportation authorities;
(b) Nursing homes licensed under chapter 18.51 RCW;
(c) Assisted living facilities licensed under chapter 18.20 RCW;
(d) Senior citizen centers;
(e) Accessible van rental companies registered with the department;
(f) Private nonprofit corporations organized under chapter 24.03A RCW;
(g) Cabulance companies that regularly transport persons with disabilities who have been determined eligible for special parking privileges under this section and who are registered with the department under chapter 46.72 RCW; and
(h) Companies that dispatch taxicab vehicles under chapter 81.72 RCW or vehicles for hire under chapter 46.72 RCW, for such vehicles that are equipped with wheelchair accessible lifts or ramps for the transport of persons with disabilities and that are regularly dispatched and used in the transport of such persons. However, qualifying vehicles under this subsection (1)(h) may utilize special parking privileges only while in service. For the purposes of this subsection (1)(h), "in service" means while in the process of picking up, transporting, or discharging a passenger.
(2) An organization that qualifies for special parking privileges may receive, upon application, special license plates or parking placards, or both, for persons with disabilities as defined by the department.
(3) An organization that qualifies for special parking privileges under subsection (1) of this section and receives parking placards or special license plates under subsection (2) of this section is responsible for ensuring that the parking placards and special license plates are not used improperly and is responsible for all fines and penalties for improper use.
(4) The department shall adopt rules to determine organization eligibility.
[ 2021 c 176 § 5227; 2017 c 151 § 1; 2015 c 228 § 37; 2014 c 124 § 3; 2012 c 10 § 42; 2010 c 161 § 702.]
NOTES:
Effective date—2021 c 176: See note following RCW 24.03A.005.
Effective date—2015 c 228: See note following RCW 46.87.010.
Finding—Intent—Effective date—2014 c 124: See notes following RCW 46.19.010.
Application—2012 c 10: See note following RCW 18.20.010.
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.
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 46 - Motor Vehicles › Chapter 46.19 - Special Parking Privileges for Persons With Disabilities. › 46.19.030 - Display and design of placards, license plates, and year tabs.

RCW 46.19.030
Display and design of placards, license plates, and year tabs.
(1) The department shall design special license plates for persons with disabilities, parking placards, and year tabs displaying the international symbol of access.
(2) Special license plates for persons with disabilities must be displayed on the motor vehicle as standard issue license plates as described in RCW 46.16A.200.
(3) Parking placards must include both a serial number and the expiration date on the face of the placard. The expiration date and serial number must be of a sufficient size as to be easily visible from a distance of ten feet from where the placard is displayed.
(4) Parking placards must be displayed when the motor vehicle is parked by suspending it from the rearview mirror. In the absence of a rearview mirror, the parking placard must be displayed on the dashboard. The parking placard must be displayed in a manner that allows for the entire placard to be viewed through the vehicle windshield.
(5) Special year tabs for persons with disabilities must be displayed on license plates or metal tags issued pursuant to RCW 46.09.442, in a manner as defined by the department.
(6) Persons who have been issued special license plates for persons with disabilities, parking placards, or special license plates with a special year tab for persons with disabilities may park in places reserved for persons with physical disabilities.
[ 2016 c 84 § 5; 2014 c 124 § 4; 2010 c 161 § 704.]
NOTES:
Effective date—2016 c 84 §§ 2 and 5: See note following RCW 46.09.320.
Finding—Intent—Effective date—2014 c 124: See notes following RCW 46.19.010.
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.
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 46 - Motor Vehicles › Chapter 46.19 - Special Parking Privileges for Persons With Disabilities. › 46.19.040 - Renewal—Rules.

RCW 46.19.040
Renewal—Rules.
(1) Parking privileges for persons with disabilities must be renewed at least every five years, as required by the director, by satisfactory proof of the right to continued use of the privileges. Satisfactory proof must include a signed written authorization from a health care practitioner as required in RCW 46.19.010(3).
(2) The department shall match and purge its database of parking permits issued to persons with disabilities with available death record information at least every twelve months.
(3) The department shall adopt rules to administer the parking privileges for persons with disabilities program.
[ 2014 c 124 § 5; 2010 c 161 § 703.]
NOTES:
Finding—Intent—Effective date—2014 c 124: See notes following RCW 46.19.010.
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.
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 46 - Motor Vehicles › Chapter 46.19 - Special Parking Privileges for Persons With Disabilities. › 46.19.060 - Special license plates for persons with disabilities, special license plates with a special year tab for persons with disabilities—Fees—Renewal—Transfer.

RCW 46.19.060
Special license plates for persons with disabilities, special license plates with a special year tab for persons with disabilities—Fees—Renewal—Transfer.
(1) An additional fee may not be charged for special license plates for persons with disabilities except for any other fees and taxes required to be paid upon registration of a motor vehicle.
(2) A registered owner who qualifies for special parking privileges as described in RCW 46.19.010 may apply to the department for special license plates for persons with disabilities or special license plates with a special year tab for persons with disabilities. Special license plates with a special year tab for persons with disabilities are available on any special license plate created under chapter 46.18 RCW, except the collector vehicle, horseless carriage, and ride share special license plates.
(3) A registered owner who chooses to purchase special license plates as described in subsection (2) of this section shall pay the applicable special license plate fee, in addition to any other fees or taxes required for registering a motor vehicle.
(4) Special license plates for persons with disabilities or special license plates with a special year tab for persons with disabilities must be renewed in the same manner and at the time required for the renewal of standard motor vehicle license plates under chapter 46.16A RCW.
(5) Special license plates for persons with disabilities or special license plates with a special year tab for persons with disabilities may be transferred from one motor vehicle to another motor vehicle owned by the person with the parking privilege upon application to the department, county auditor or other agent, or subagent appointed by the director.
(6) Special license plates for persons with disabilities or special license plates with a special year tab for persons with disabilities must be removed from the motor vehicle when the person with disabilities transfers or assigns his or her interest in the motor vehicle.
[ 2012 c 71 § 1; 2011 c 171 § 75; 2010 c 161 § 705.]
NOTES:
Effective date—2012 c 71: "This act takes effect January 1, 2013." [ 2012 c 71 § 2.]
Intent—Effective date—2011 c 171: See notes following RCW 4.24.210.
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.
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 46 - Motor Vehicles › Chapter 46.19 - Special Parking Privileges for Persons With Disabilities. › 46.19.070 - Special plate or card issued by another jurisdiction.

RCW 46.19.070
Special plate or card issued by another jurisdiction.
A special license plate or card issued by another state or country that indicates that an occupant of a vehicle has disabilities entitles the vehicle on or in which it is displayed and being used to transport the person with disabilities to lawfully park in a parking place reserved for persons with physical disabilities pursuant to chapter 70.92 RCW.
[ 2010 c 161 § 707; 2005 c 390 § 4; 1991 c 339 § 22; 1984 c 51 § 1. Formerly RCW 46.16.390.]
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.
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 46 - Motor Vehicles › Chapter 46.20 - Drivers' Licenses—Identicards. › 46.20.001 - License required—Rights and restriction.

RCW 46.20.001
License required—Rights and restriction.
(1) No person may drive a motor vehicle upon a highway in this state without first obtaining a valid driver's license issued to Washington residents under this chapter. The only exceptions to this requirement are those expressly allowed by RCW 46.20.025.
(2) A person licensed as a driver under this chapter:
(a) May exercise the privilege upon all highways in this state;
(b) May not be required by a political subdivision to obtain any other license to exercise the privilege; and
(c) May not have more than one valid driver's license at any time.
[ 1999 c 6 § 3.]
NOTES:
Intent—1999 c 6: See note following RCW 46.04.168.
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 46 - Motor Vehicles › Chapter 46.20 - Drivers' Licenses—Identicards. › 46.20.005 - Driving without a license—Misdemeanor, when.

RCW 46.20.005
Driving without a license—Misdemeanor, when.
Except as expressly exempted by this chapter, it is a misdemeanor for a person to drive any motor vehicle upon a highway in this state without a valid driver's license issued to Washington residents under this chapter. This section does not apply if at the time of the stop the person is not in violation of RCW 46.20.342(1) or * 46.20.420 and has in his or her possession an expired driver's license or other valid identifying documentation under RCW 46.20.035. A violation of this section is a lesser included offense within the offenses described in RCW 46.20.342(1) or * 46.20.420.
[ 1997 c 66 § 1.]
NOTES:
*Reviser's note: RCW 46.20.420 was recodified as RCW 46.20.345, June 1999.
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 46 - Motor Vehicles › Chapter 46.20 - Drivers' Licenses—Identicards. › 46.20.015 - Driving without a license—Traffic infraction, when.

RCW 46.20.015
Driving without a license—Traffic infraction, when.
(1) Except as expressly exempted by this chapter, it is a traffic infraction and not a misdemeanor under RCW 46.20.005 if a person:
(a) Drives any motor vehicle upon a highway in this state without a valid driver's license issued to Washington residents under this chapter in his or her possession;
(b) Provides the citing officer with an expired driver's license or other valid identifying documentation under RCW 46.20.035 at the time of the stop; and
(c) Is not driving while suspended or revoked in violation of RCW 46.20.342(1) or * 46.20.420.
(2) A person who violates this section is subject to a penalty of two hundred fifty dollars. If the person appears in person before the court or submits by mail written proof that he or she obtained a valid license after being cited, the court shall reduce the penalty to fifty dollars.
[ 1999 c 6 § 4; 1997 c 66 § 2.]
NOTES:
*Reviser's note: RCW 46.20.420 was recodified as RCW 46.20.345, June 1999.
Intent—1999 c 6: See note following RCW 46.04.168.
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 46 - Motor Vehicles › Chapter 46.20 - Drivers' Licenses—Identicards. › 46.20.017 - Immediate possession and displayed on demand.

RCW 46.20.017
Immediate possession and displayed on demand.
Every licensee shall have his or her driver's license in his or her immediate possession at all times when operating a motor vehicle and shall display the same upon demand to any police officer or to any other person when and if required by law to do so. The offense described in this section is a nonmoving offense.
[ 2010 c 8 § 9018; 1979 ex.s. c 136 § 56; 1965 ex.s. c 121 § 15; 1961 c 12 § 46.20.190. Prior: 1937 c 188 § 59; RRS § 6312-59; 1921 c 108 § 7, part; RRS § 6369, part. Formerly RCW 46.20.190.]
NOTES:
Effective date—Severability—1979 ex.s. c 136: See notes following RCW 46.63.010.
Driver's license, duty to display under other circumstances: RCW 46.52.020, 46.61.020, 46.61.021.
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 46 - Motor Vehicles › Chapter 46.20 - Drivers' Licenses—Identicards. › 46.20.021 - New residents.

RCW 46.20.021
New residents.
(1) New Washington residents must obtain a valid Washington driver's license within thirty days from the date they become residents.
(2) To qualify for a Washington driver's license, a person must surrender to the department all valid driver's licenses that any other jurisdiction has issued to him or her. The department must invalidate the surrendered photograph license and may return it to the person.
(a) The invalidated license, along with a valid temporary Washington driver's license provided for in RCW 46.20.065, is proper identification.
(b) The department shall notify the previous issuing department that the licensee is now licensed in a new jurisdiction.
(3) For the purposes of obtaining a valid driver's license, a resident is a person who manifests an intent to live or be located in this state on more than a temporary or transient basis. Evidence of residency includes but is not limited to:
(a) Becoming a registered voter in this state; or
(b) Receiving benefits under one of the Washington public assistance programs; or
(c) Declaring residency for the purpose of obtaining a state license or tuition fees at resident rates.
(4)(a) "Washington public assistance programs" means public assistance programs that receive more than fifty percent of the combined costs of benefits and administration from state funds.
(b) "Washington public assistance programs" does not include:
(i) The Food Stamp program under the federal Food Stamp Act of 1964;
(ii) Programs under the Child Nutrition Act of 1966, 42 U.S.C. Secs. 1771 through 1788;
(iii) Temporary Assistance for Needy Families; and
(iv) Any other program that does not meet the criteria of (a) of this subsection.
[ 1999 c 6 § 5. Prior: 1997 c 66 § 3; 1997 c 59 § 8; 1996 c 307 § 5; prior: 1991 c 293 § 3; 1991 c 73 § 1; 1990 c 250 § 33; 1988 c 88 § 1; 1985 c 302 § 2; 1979 ex.s. c 136 § 53; 1965 ex.s. c 121 § 2.]
NOTES:
Rules of court: Bail in criminal traffic offense cases—Mandatory appearance—CrRLJ 3.2.
Intent—1999 c 6: See note following RCW 46.04.168.
Effective date—Severability—1979 ex.s. c 136: See notes following RCW 46.63.010.
Purpose—Construction—1965 ex.s. c 121: "With the advent of greatly increased interstate vehicular travel and the migration of motorists between the states, the legislature recognizes the necessity of enacting driver licensing laws which are reasonably uniform with the laws of other states and are at the same time based upon sound, realistic principles, stated in clear explicit language. To achieve these ends the legislature does hereby adopt this 1965 amendatory act relating to driver licensing modeled after the Uniform Vehicle Code subject to such variances as are deemed better suited to the people of this state. It is intended that this 1965 amendatory act be liberally construed to effectuate the purpose of improving the safety of our highways through driver licensing procedures within the framework of the traditional freedoms to which every motorist is entitled." [ 1965 ex.s. c 121 § 1.]
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 46 - Motor Vehicles › Chapter 46.20 - Drivers' Licenses—Identicards. › 46.20.022 - Unlicensed drivers—Subject to Title 46 RCW.

RCW 46.20.022
Unlicensed drivers—Subject to Title 46 RCW.
Any person who operates a motor vehicle on the public highways of this state without a driver's license or nonresident privilege to drive shall be subject to all of the provisions of Title 46 RCW to the same extent as a person who is licensed.
[1975-'76 2nd ex.s. c 29 § 1.]
NOTES:
Allowing unauthorized person to drive: RCW 46.16A.520, 46.20.024.
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 46 - Motor Vehicles › Chapter 46.20 - Drivers' Licenses—Identicards. › 46.20.024 - Unlawful to allow unauthorized minors to drive.

RCW 46.20.024
Unlawful to allow unauthorized minors to drive.
No person shall cause or knowingly permit his or her child or ward under the age of eighteen years to drive a motor vehicle upon any highway when such minor is not authorized hereunder or in violation of any of the provisions of this chapter.
[ 2010 c 8 § 9019; 1965 ex.s. c 121 § 44. Formerly RCW 46.20.343.]
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 46 - Motor Vehicles › Chapter 46.20 - Drivers' Licenses—Identicards. › 46.20.025 - Exemptions.

RCW 46.20.025
Exemptions.
The following persons may operate a motor vehicle on a Washington highway without a valid Washington driver's license:
(1) A member of the United States Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, or Coast Guard, or in the service of the National Guard of this state or any other state, if licensed by the military to operate an official motor vehicle in such service;
(2) A nonresident driver who is at least:
(a) Sixteen years of age and has immediate possession of a valid driver's license issued to the driver by his or her home state; or
(b) Fifteen years of age with:
(i) A valid instruction permit issued to the driver by his or her home state; and
(ii) A licensed driver who has had at least five years of driving experience occupying a seat beside the driver; or
(c) Sixteen years of age and has immediate possession of a valid driver's license issued to the driver by his or her home country. A nonresident driver may operate a motor vehicle in this state under this subsection (2)(c) for up to one year;
(3) Any person operating special highway construction equipment as defined in RCW 46.04.551;
(4) Any person while driving or operating any farm tractor or implement of husbandry that is only incidentally operated or moved over a highway; or
(5) An operator of a locomotive upon rails, including a railroad crossing over a public highway. A locomotive operator is not required to display a driver's license to any law enforcement officer in connection with the operation of a locomotive or train within this state.
[ 2010 c 161 § 1113; 1999 c 6 § 6; 1993 c 148 § 1; 1979 c 75 § 1; 1965 ex.s. c 121 § 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.
Intent—1999 c 6: See note following RCW 46.04.168.
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 46 - Motor Vehicles › Chapter 46.20 - Drivers' Licenses—Identicards. › 46.20.027 - Armed forces, dependents.

RCW 46.20.027
Armed forces, dependents.
A Washington state motor vehicle driver's license issued to any service member if valid and in force and effect while such person is serving in the armed forces, shall remain in full force and effect so long as such service continues unless the same is sooner suspended, canceled, or revoked for cause as provided by law and for not to exceed ninety days following the date on which the holder of such driver's license is honorably separated from service in the armed forces of the United States. A Washington state driver's license issued to the spouse or dependent child of such service member likewise remains in full force and effect if the person is residing with the service member.
For purposes of this section, "service member" means every person serving in the armed forces whose branch of service as of the date of application for the driver's license is included in the definition of veteran pursuant to RCW 41.04.007 or the person will meet the definition of veteran at the time of discharge.
[ 2002 c 292 § 3; 1999 c 199 § 1; 1967 c 129 § 1.]
NOTES:
Effective date—1999 c 199: "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 7, 1999]." [ 1999 c 199 § 5.]
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 46 - Motor Vehicles › Chapter 46.20 - Drivers' Licenses—Identicards. › 46.20.031 - Ineligibility.

RCW 46.20.031
Ineligibility.
The department shall not issue a driver's license to a person:
(1) Who is under the age of sixteen years;
(2) Whose driving privilege has been withheld unless and until the department may authorize the driving privilege under RCW 46.20.311;
(3) Who has been classified as an alcoholic, drug addict, alcohol abuser, or drug abuser by a program approved by the department of social and health services. The department may, however, issue a license if the person:
(a) Has been granted a deferred prosecution under chapter 10.05 RCW; or
(b) Is satisfactorily participating in or has successfully completed an alcohol or drug abuse treatment program approved by the department of social and health services and has established control of his or her alcohol or drug abuse problem;
(4) Who has previously been adjudged to be mentally ill or insane, or to be incompetent due to a mental disability or disease. The department shall, however, issue a license to the person if he or she otherwise qualifies and:
(a) Has been restored to competency by the methods provided by law; or
(b) The superior court finds the person able to operate a motor vehicle with safety upon the highways during such incompetency;
(5) Who has not passed the driver's licensing examination required by RCW 46.20.120 and 46.20.305, if applicable;
(6) Who is required under the laws of this state to deposit proof of financial responsibility and who has not deposited such proof;
(7) Who is unable to safely operate a motor vehicle upon the highways due to a physical or mental disability. The department's conclusion that a person is barred from licensing under this subsection must be reasonable and be based upon good and substantial evidence. This determination is subject to review by a court of competent jurisdiction.
[ 2002 c 279 § 3; 1999 c 6 § 7; 1995 c 219 § 1; 1993 c 501 § 2; 1985 c 101 § 1; 1977 ex.s. c 162 § 1; 1965 ex.s. c 121 § 4.]
NOTES:
Intent—1999 c 6: See note following RCW 46.04.168.
Allowing unauthorized person to drive: RCW 46.16A.520, 46.20.024.
Juvenile driving privileges, alcohol or drug violations: RCW 66.44.365, 69.50.420.
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 46 - Motor Vehicles › Chapter 46.20 - Drivers' Licenses—Identicards. › 46.20.035 - Proof of identity.

RCW 46.20.035
Proof of identity.
The department may not issue an identicard or a Washington state driver's license that is valid for identification purposes unless the applicant meets the identification requirements of subsection (1), (2), or (3) of this section.
(1) A driver's license or identicard applicant must provide the department with at least one of the following pieces of valid identifying documentation that contains the signature and a photograph of the applicant:
(a) A valid or recently expired driver's license or instruction permit that includes the date of birth of the applicant;
(b) A Washington state identicard or an identification card issued by another state;
(c) An identification card issued by the United States, a state, or an agency of either the United States or a state, of a kind commonly used to identify the members or employees of the government agency;
(d) A military identification card;
(e) A United States passport; or
(f) An immigration and naturalization service form.
(2) An applicant who is a minor may establish identity by providing an affidavit of the applicant's parent or guardian. The parent or guardian must accompany the minor and display or provide:
(a) At least one piece of documentation in subsection (1) of this section establishing the identity of the parent or guardian; and
(b) Additional documentation establishing the relationship between the parent or guardian and the applicant.
(3) A person unable to provide identifying documentation as specified in subsection (1) or (2) of this section may request that the department review other available documentation in order to ascertain identity. The department may waive the requirement if it finds that other documentation clearly establishes the identity of the applicant. Notwithstanding the requirements in subsection (2) of this section, the department shall issue an identicard to an applicant for whom it receives documentation pursuant to RCW 74.13.283.
(4) An identicard or a driver's license that includes a photograph that has been renewed by mail or by electronic commerce is valid for identification purposes if the applicant met the identification requirements of subsection (1), (2), or (3) of this section at the time of previous issuance.
(5) The form of an applicant's name, as established under this section, is the person's name of record for the purposes of this chapter.
(6) If the applicant is unable to prove his or her identity under this section, the department shall plainly label the license "not valid for identification purposes."
[ 2008 c 267 § 8; 2004 c 249 § 2; 1999 c 6 § 8; 1998 c 41 § 10; 1993 c 452 § 1.]
NOTES:
Intent—1999 c 6: See note following RCW 46.04.168.
Intent—Construction—Effective date—1998 c 41: See notes following RCW 46.20.265.