Title 46 — Title 46 MOTOR VEHICLES

"Temporarily sojourning," as the term is used in chapter 46.04 RCW, shall be construed to include any nonresident who is within this state for a period of not to exceed six months in any one year.[ 1961 c 12 s 46.04.585. Prior: 1959 c 49 s 63; prior: 1955 c 89 s 6.]

"Temporary license plate" means a plate or placard that may be issued to a vehicle owner by the department or by an authorized entity for the purposes of temporary vehicle licensing.[ 2022 c 132 s 2.]Notes:Effective date—2022 c 132: See note following RCW 46.04.2701.

"Temporary operating authority" means a paper or electronic credential issued under chapter 46.87 RCW that conforms with the international registration plan requirements for temporary evidence of apportioned registration.[ 2022 c 132 s 3.]Notes:Effective date—2022 c 132: See note…

"THC concentration" means nanograms of delta-9 tetrahydrocannabinol per milliliter of a person's whole blood. THC concentration does not include measurement of the metabolite THC-COOH, also known as carboxy-THC.[ 2013 c 3 s 3 (Initiative Measure No. 502, approved November 6, 2012…

"Total loss vehicle" means a vehicle that has been reported to the department as destroyed by an insurance company, self-insurer, or the vehicle owner or the owner's authorized representative.[ 2010 c 161 s 152.]Notes:Effective date—Intent—Legislation to reconcile chapter 161, La…

"Tow dolly" means a trailer equipped with between one and three axles designed to connect to a tow bar on the rear of a motor vehicle that is used to tow another vehicle. The front or rear wheels of the towed vehicle are secured to and rest on the tow dolly.[ 2010 c 161 s 153.]No…

"Tracked all-terrain vehicle" means any "wheeled all-terrain vehicle" as defined in RCW 46.09.310 and weighing less than two thousand pounds in stock configuration, with tracks or a combination of tracks and skis installed in place of the standard low-pressure tires.[ 2021 c 86 s…

"Traffic" includes pedestrians, ridden or herded animals, vehicles, streetcars, and other conveyances either singly or together, while using any public highways for purposes of travel.[ 1961 c 12 s 46.04.590. Prior: 1959 c 49 s 64; prior: (i) 1943 c 153 s 1, part; 1937 c 188 s 1,…

"Traffic control signal" means any traffic device, whether manually, electrically, or mechanically operated, by which traffic alternately is directed to stop or proceed or otherwise controlled.[ 1961 c 12 s 46.04.600. Prior: 1959 c 49 s 65; prior: 1937 c 189 s 1, part; RRS s 6360…

Official traffic-control devices means all signs, signals, markings and devices not inconsistent with Title 46 RCW placed or erected by authority of a public body or official having jurisdiction, for the purpose of regulating, warning or guiding traffic.[ 1965 ex.s. c 155 s 88.]

"Trailer" includes every vehicle without motive power designed for being drawn by or used in conjunction with a motor vehicle constructed so that no appreciable part of its weight rests upon or is carried by such motor vehicle, but does not include a municipal transit vehicle, or…

"Transit permit" means a document that authorizes a person to operate a vehicle on a public highway of this state solely for the purpose of obtaining the necessary documentation to complete and apply for a Washington certificate of title or vehicle registration. Unlimited use of …

"Park trailer" or "park model trailer" means a travel trailer designed to be used with temporary connections to utilities necessary for operation of installed fixtures and appliances. The trailer's gross area shall not exceed four hundred square feet when in the setup mode. "Park…

"Share the Road license plates" means license plates that commemorate the life of Cooper Jones and display a symbol of an organization that promote[s] bicycle safety and awareness education in communities throughout Washington.[ 2005 c 426 s 2.]

"Signal preemption device" means a device that is capable of altering the normal operation of a traffic control signal. Any such device manufactured by a vehicle manufacturer is not a signal preemption device for purposes of this section if the primary purpose of the device is an…

"Ski & Ride Washington license plates" means license plates issued under RCW 46.18.200 that display a symbol or artwork recognizing the efforts of the Washington snowsports industry in this state.[ 2011 c 171 s 18; 2005 c 220 s 2.]Notes:Intent—Effective date—2011 c 171: See notes…

"Travel trailer" means a trailer built on a single chassis transportable upon the public streets and highways that is designed to be used as a temporary dwelling without a permanent foundation and may be used without being connected to utilities.[ 1989 c 337 s 3.]

"Train" means a vehicle propelled by steam, electricity, or other motive power with or without cars coupled thereto, operated upon stationary rails, except streetcars.[ 1961 c 12 s 46.04.630. Prior: 1959 c 49 s 68; prior: (i) 1943 c 153 s 1, part; 1937 c 188 s 1, part; Rem. Supp.…

"Trolley vehicle" means a vehicle the motive power for which is supplied by means of a trolley line and which may or may not be confined in its operation to a certain portion of the roadway in order to maintain trolley line contact.[ 1961 c 12 s 46.04.640. Prior: 1959 c 49 s 69; …

"Tractor" means every motor vehicle designed and used primarily for drawing other vehicles and not so constructed as to carry a load other than a part of the weight of the vehicle and load so drawn.[ 1986 c 18 s 1; 1975 c 62 s 8; 1961 c 12 s 46.04.650. Prior: 1959 c 49 s 70; prio…

"Transportation network company" means a corporation, partnership, sole proprietorship, or other entity that operates in this state, and uses a digital network to connect passengers with transportation network company drivers to provide prearranged rides.[ 2021 c 93 s 3.]

"Truck" means every motor vehicle designed, used, or maintained primarily for the transportation of property.[ 1986 c 18 s 2.]

"Truck tractor" means every motor vehicle designed and used primarily for drawing other vehicles but so constructed as to permit carrying a load in addition to part of the weight of the vehicle and load so drawn.[ 1986 c 18 s 3.]

"United States Naval Academy license plates" means special license plates issued under RCW 46.18.200 that display a design related to the United States Naval Academy.[ 2025 c 385 s 21.]Notes:Effective date—2025 c 385 ss 3-24: See note following RCW 44.04.300.Short title—2025 c 38…

"Used vehicle" means a vehicle which has been sold, bargained, exchanged, given away, or title transferred from the person who first took title to it from the manufacturer or first importer, dealer, or agent of the manufacturer or importer, and so used as to have become what is c…

(1) "Vehicle" means a device capable of being moved upon a public highway and in, upon, or by which any persons or property is or may be transported or drawn upon a public highway.(2) "Vehicle" excludes:(a) A power wheelchair or device other than a bicycle moved by human or anima…

"Vehicle license fee" means a fee collected by the state of Washington as a license fee, as that term is construed in Article II, section 40 of the state Constitution, for the act of registering a vehicle under chapter 46.16A RCW. "Vehicle license fee" does not include license pl…

"Vehicle or pedestrian right-of-way" means the right of one vehicle or pedestrian to proceed in a lawful manner in preference to another vehicle or pedestrian approaching under such circumstances of direction, speed, and proximity as to give rise to danger of collision unless one…

"Vintage snowmobile" means a snowmobile manufactured at least thirty years ago.[ 2010 c 161 s 157.]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 46.0…

"Washington apples license plate" means a special license plate under RCW 46.18.200 that displays the Washington apple logo.[ 2020 c 93 s 4.]Notes:Effective date—2020 c 93: See note following RCW 46.18.200.

"Washington farmers and ranchers license plates" means special license plates issued under RCW 46.18.200 that display a symbol or artwork recognizing Washington farmers and ranchers.[ 2016 c 36 s 5.]Notes:Effective date—2016 c 36: See note following RCW 46.18.200.

"Washington honey bees and pollinators license plates" means special license plates issued under RCW 46.18.200 that display images of honey bees and pollinators.[ 2025 c 385 s 18.]Notes:Effective date—2025 c 385 ss 3-24: See note following RCW 44.04.300.Short title—2025 c 385: Se…

"Washington Lighthouses license plates" means license plates issued under RCW 46.18.200 that display a symbol or artwork recognizing the efforts of lighthouse environmental programs in Washington state.[ 2011 c 171 s 21; 2005 c 48 s 2.]Notes:Intent—Effective date—2011 c 171: See …

"Washington state aviation license plates" means special license plates issued under RCW 46.18.200 that display images of a Stearman biplane and Mount Rainier.[ 2017 c 11 s 5.]Notes:Finding—Intent—2017 c 11: See note following RCW 46.18.200.

"Washington state parks license plates" means special license plates displaying a symbol or artwork recognizing Washington state parks as premier destinations of uncommon quality that preserve significant natural, cultural, historical, and recreational resources.[ 2010 c 161 s 15…

"Washington state wrestling license plates" means special license plates issued under RCW 46.18.200 that display a symbol or artwork recognizing Washington state wrestling.[ 2016 c 15 s 5.]Notes:Effective date—2016 c 15: See note following RCW 46.18.200.

"Washington tennis license plates" means special license plates issued under RCW 46.18.200 that display a symbol or artwork recognizing tennis in Washington state.[ 2016 c 16 s 5.]Notes:Effective date—2016 c 16: See note following RCW 46.18.200.

"Washington wine license plates" means special license plates issued under RCW 46.18.200 that display a landscape of Washington's wine regions.[ 2022 c 117 s 4.]Notes:Effective date—2022 c 117: See note following RCW 46.17.220.

"Washington's fish license plate collection" means the collection of fish license plate designs. Each license plate design displays a distinct symbol or artwork, to include steelhead, recognizing the fish of Washington.[ 2016 c 30 s 2.]Notes:Effective date—2016 c 30: See note fol…

"Washington's National Park Fund license plates" means license plates issued under RCW 46.18.200 that display a symbol or artwork recognizing the efforts of Washington's National Park Fund in preserving Washington's national parks for future generations in Washington state.[ 2011…

"Washington's wildlife license plate collection" means the collection of three separate license plate designs. Each license plate design displays a distinct symbol or artwork, to include bear, deer, and elk, recognizing the wildlife of Washington.[ 2010 c 161 s 159.]Notes:Effecti…

"We love our pets license plates" means license plates issued under RCW 46.18.200 that display a symbol or artwork recognizing the efforts of the Washington state federation of animal care and control agencies in Washington state that assists local member agencies of the federati…

"Wheelchair conveyance" means any vehicle specially manufactured or designed for the transportation of a physically or medically impaired wheelchair-bound person. The vehicle may be a separate vehicle used in lieu of a wheelchair or a separate vehicle used for transporting the im…

"Wild on Washington license plates" means special license plates that display a symbol or artwork symbolizing wildlife viewing in Washington state.[ 2010 c 161 s 161.]Notes:Effective date—Intent—Legislation to reconcile chapter 161, Laws of 2010 and other amendments made during t…

"Working forests license plates" means special license plates issued under RCW 46.18.200 that display images embodying working forests.[ 2025 c 385 s 15.]Notes:Effective date—2025 c 385 ss 3-24: See note following RCW 44.04.300.Short title—2025 c 385: See note following RCW 46.18…

For the purposes of this title, the terms spouse, marriage, marital, husband, wife, widow, widower, next of kin, and family shall be interpreted as applying equally to state registered domestic partnerships or individuals in state registered domestic partnerships as well as to ma…