Questions About Reckless Driving? Contact Us.    First Name:  Last Name:  Phone Number:  Email Address: Questions & Comments:   Enter the security code above*

Washington's Reckless Driving statute requires a person be found to have been driving a motor vehicle in willful or wanton disregard for the safety or persons or property. 

Although evidence of excessive speed alone can provide an underlying basis for a Washington Reckless Driving conviction, in the absence of such evidence, the state has the burden of proving this critical element of willful or wanton disregard.  This can sometimes be difficult given the facts cited in the arresting officer's report.

Washington State's Reckless Driving Statutes

RCW 46.61.500

Washington Reckless driving — Penalty.

(1) Any person who drives any vehicle in willful or wanton disregard for the safety of persons or property is guilty of reckless driving. Violation of the provisions of this section is a gross misdemeanor punishable by imprisonment of not more than one year and by a fine of not more than five thousand dollars.

(2) The license or permit to drive or any nonresident privilege of any person convicted of reckless driving shall be suspended by the department for not less than thirty days.

[1990 c 291 § 1; 1979 ex.s. c 136 § 85; 1967 c 32 § 67; 1965 ex.s. c 155 § 59.]

Notes:

Rules of court: Bail in criminal traffic offense cases -- Mandatory appearance -- CrRLJ 3.2.

Effective date -- Severability -- 1979 ex.s. c 136: See notes following RCW 46.63.010.

Arrest of person involved in reckless driving: RCW 10.31.100.

Criminal history and driving record: RCW 46.61.513.

Embracing another while driving as reckless driving: RCW 46.61.665.

Excess speed as prima facie evidence of reckless driving: RCW 46.61.465.

Racing of vehicles on public highways, reckless driving: RCW 46.61.530.

Revocation of license, reckless driving: RCW 46.20.285.

It shall be unlawful for any person to operate a motor vehicle upon the highways of this state when such person has in his or her embrace another person which prevents the free and unhampered operation of such vehicle. Operation of a motor vehicle in violation of this section is prima facie evidence of reckless driving.

No person or persons may race any motor vehicle or motor vehicles upon any public highway of this state. Any person or persons who wilfully compare or contest relative speeds by operation of one or more motor vehicles shall be guilty of racing, which shall constitute reckless driving under RCW 46.61.500, whether or not such speed is in excess of the maximum speed prescribed by law: PROVIDED HOWEVER, That any comparison or contest of the accuracy with which motor vehicles may be operated in terms of relative speeds not in excess of the posted maximum speed does not constitute racing.

Call Now For A Free Phone Consultation.

206-624-3644

425-455-4646

253-852-8989