Washington Driving & Vehicles Laws (2026)

Washington State law does not prohibit driving barefoot. The Revised Code of Washington and Department of Licensing do not mention footwear requirements for drivers. Driving barefoot is legal and unrestricted.

Washington State allows lane splitting only under limited conditions. RCW 46.61.100 prohibits lane splitting generally but RCW 46.61.100(1)(a) allows motorcycles to pass between lanes of slow or stopped traffic at speeds not exceeding 10 mph.

License plate covers of any kind are illegal in Washington. A law effective in June 2024 made it a primary offense to have a license plate cover, with fines starting in 2025.

Radar detectors are legal for use and possession in private vehicles in Washington State. Washington law does not prohibit radar detectors, and their sale is permitted. Commercial vehicles may be subject to federal restrictions.

Both radar jammers (federally illegal) and laser jammers are illegal in Washington. There have been no recent legislative changes in Washington regarding laser jammers.

Right turn on red is legal in Washington after coming to a complete stop and yielding to pedestrians and cross traffic, unless a sign prohibits it at a specific intersection. Washington law permits a right turn on a red light after a complete stop, unless a sign specifically prohibits it.

Studded Snow Tires are legal in Washington. The use of studded tires is restricted to specific winter months in Washington.

Window Tinting is legal in Washington. Windshield tinting is allowed only above the AS-1 line. Rear side and back windows may be tinted without restriction. Medical exemptions are provided under RCW 46.37.430.