Revised Code of Washington
Chapter 46.61 - Rules of the Road.
46.61.723 - Medium-speed electric vehicles.

RCW 46.61.723
Medium-speed electric vehicles.

(1) Except as provided in subsection (3) of this section, a person may operate a medium-speed electric vehicle upon a highway of this state having a speed limit of thirty-five miles per hour or less, or forty-five miles per hour or less as provided in subsection (4) of this section, if:
(a) The person does not operate a medium-speed electric vehicle upon state highways that are listed in chapter 47.17 RCW along segments where the posted speed limit exceeds thirty miles per hour;
(b) The person does not operate a medium-speed electric vehicle upon a highway of this state without first having obtained and having in full force and effect a current and proper vehicle registration and display vehicle license plates in compliance with chapter 46.16A RCW. The department must track medium-speed electric vehicles in a separate registration category for reporting purposes;
(c) The person does not operate a medium-speed electric vehicle upon a highway of this state without first obtaining a valid driver's license issued to Washington residents in compliance with chapter 46.20 RCW;
(d) The person does not operate a medium-speed electric vehicle subject to registration under chapter 46.16A RCW on a highway of this state unless the person is insured under a motor vehicle liability policy in compliance with chapter 46.30 RCW; and
(e) The person operating a medium-speed electric vehicle does not cross a roadway with a speed limit in excess of thirty-five miles per hour, or forty-five miles per hour as provided in subsection (4) of this section, unless the crossing begins and ends on a roadway with a speed limit of thirty-five miles per hour or less, or forty-five miles per hour or less as provided in subsection (4) of this section, and occurs at an intersection of approximately ninety degrees, except that the operator of a medium-speed electric vehicle must not cross an uncontrolled intersection of streets and highways that are part of the state highway system subject to Title 47 RCW unless that intersection has been authorized by local authorities under subsection (3) of this section.
(2) Any person who violates this section commits a traffic infraction.
(3) This section does not prevent local authorities, with respect to streets and highways under their jurisdiction and within the reasonable exercise of their police power, from regulating the operation of medium-speed electric vehicles on streets and highways under their jurisdiction by resolution or ordinance of the governing body, if the regulation is consistent with this title, except that:
(a) Local authorities may not authorize the operation of medium-speed electric vehicles on streets and highways that are part of the state highway system subject to Title 47 RCW along segments where the posted speed limit exceeds thirty miles per hour;
(b) Local authorities may not prohibit the operation of medium-speed electric vehicles upon highways of this state having a speed limit of thirty-five miles per hour or less; and
(c) Local authorities may not establish requirements for the registration of medium-speed electric vehicles.
(4) In counties consisting of islands whose only connection to the mainland are ferry routes, a person may operate a medium-speed electric vehicle upon a highway of this state having a speed limit of forty-five miles per hour or less. A person operating a medium-speed electric vehicle as authorized under this subsection must not cross a roadway with a speed limit in excess of forty-five miles per hour, unless the crossing begins and ends on a roadway with a speed limit of forty-five miles per hour or less and occurs at an intersection of approximately ninety degrees, except that the operator of a medium-speed electric vehicle must not cross an uncontrolled intersection of streets and highways that are part of the state highway system subject to Title 47 RCW unless that intersection has been authorized by local authorities under subsection (3) of this section.
(5) Accidents must be recorded and tracked in compliance with chapter 46.52 RCW. An accident report must indicate and be tracked separately when any of the vehicles involved are a medium-speed electric vehicle.

[ 2016 c 17 § 1; 2011 c 171 § 82; 2010 c 144 § 2; 2007 c 510 § 3.]
NOTES:

Effective date—2016 c 17: "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 April 1, 2016." [ 2016 c 17 § 3.]


Intent—Effective date—2011 c 171: See notes following RCW 4.24.210.


Effective date—2007 c 510: See note following RCW 46.04.320.

Structure Revised Code of Washington

Revised Code of Washington

Title 46 - Motor Vehicles

Chapter 46.61 - Rules of the Road.

46.61.005 - Chapter refers to vehicles upon highways—Exceptions.

46.61.015 - Obedience to police officers, flaggers, or firefighters—Penalty.

46.61.020 - Refusal to give information to or cooperate with officer—Penalty.

46.61.021 - Duty to obey law enforcement officer—Authority of officer.

46.61.022 - Failure to obey officer—Penalty.

46.61.024 - Attempting to elude police vehicle—Defense—License revocation.

46.61.025 - Persons riding animals or driving animal-drawn vehicles.

46.61.030 - Persons working on highway right-of-way—Exceptions.

46.61.035 - Authorized emergency vehicles.

46.61.050 - Obedience to and required traffic control devices.

46.61.055 - Traffic control signal legend.

46.61.060 - Pedestrian control signals—Pedestrians, personal delivery devices.

46.61.065 - Flashing signals.

46.61.070 - Lane-direction-control signals.

46.61.072 - Special traffic control signals—Legend.

46.61.075 - Display of unauthorized signs, signals, or markings.

46.61.080 - Interference with official traffic-control devices or railroad signs or signals.

46.61.085 - Traffic control signals or devices upon city streets forming part of state highways—Approval by department of transportation.

46.61.100 - Keep right except when passing, etc.

46.61.105 - Passing vehicles proceeding in opposite directions.

46.61.110 - Overtaking on the left—Fine.

46.61.115 - When overtaking on the right is permitted.

46.61.120 - Limitations on overtaking on the left.

46.61.125 - Further limitations on driving to left of center of roadway.

46.61.126 - Pedestrians and bicyclists—Legal duties.

46.61.130 - No-passing zones.

46.61.135 - One-way roadways and rotary traffic islands.

46.61.140 - Driving on roadways laned for traffic.

46.61.145 - Following too closely—Vulnerable users of a public way—Fine.

46.61.150 - Driving on divided highways.

46.61.155 - Restricted access.

46.61.160 - Restrictions on limited access highway—Use by bicyclists.

46.61.165 - High occupancy vehicle lanes—Monetary penalties for traffic infractions—Definition.

46.61.180 - Vehicle approaching intersection—Vulnerable users of a public way—Fine.

46.61.183 - Nonfunctioning signal lights.

46.61.184 - Bicycle, moped, or street legal motorcycle at intersection with inoperative vehicle detection device.

46.61.185 - Vehicle turning left—Vulnerable users of a public way—Fine.

46.61.190 - Vehicle entering stop or yield intersection—Vulnerable users of a public way—Fine.

46.61.195 - Arterial highways designated—Stopping on entering.

46.61.200 - Stop intersections other than arterial may be designated.

46.61.202 - Stopping when traffic obstructed.

46.61.205 - Vehicle entering highway from private road or driveway—Vulnerable users of a public way—Fine.

46.61.210 - Operation of vehicles on approach of emergency vehicles.

46.61.212 - Emergency or work zones—Approaching—Penalty—Violation.

46.61.215 - Highway construction and maintenance.

46.61.220 - Transit vehicles.

46.61.230 - Pedestrians subject to traffic regulations.

46.61.235 - Crosswalks.

46.61.240 - Crossing at other than crosswalks.

46.61.245 - Drivers to exercise care.

46.61.250 - Pedestrians on roadways.

46.61.255 - Pedestrians soliciting rides or business.

46.61.260 - Driving through safety zone prohibited.

46.61.261 - Sidewalks, crosswalks—Pedestrians, bicycles, personal delivery devices.

46.61.264 - Pedestrians and personal delivery devices yield to emergency vehicles.

46.61.266 - Pedestrians under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

46.61.269 - Passing beyond bridge or grade crossing barrier prohibited.

46.61.275 - Reporting of certain speed zone violations—Subsequent law enforcement investigation.

46.61.290 - Required position and method of turning at intersections.

46.61.295 - "U" turns.

46.61.300 - Starting parked vehicle.

46.61.305 - When signals required—Improper use prohibited.

46.61.310 - Signals by hand and arm or signal lamps.

46.61.315 - Method of giving hand and arm signals.

46.61.340 - Approaching railroad grade crossings.

46.61.345 - All vehicles must stop at certain railroad grade crossings.

46.61.350 - Approaching railroad grade crossings—Specific vehicles—Exceptions—Definition.

46.61.355 - Moving heavy equipment at railroad grade crossings—Notice of intended crossing.

46.61.365 - Emerging from alley, driveway, or building.

46.61.370 - Overtaking or meeting school bus, exceptions—Duties of bus driver—Penalty—Safety cameras.

46.61.371 - School bus stop sign violators—Identification by vehicle owner.

46.61.372 - School bus stop sign violators—Report by bus driver—Law enforcement investigation.

46.61.375 - Overtaking or meeting private carrier bus—Duties of bus driver.

46.61.380 - Rules for design, marking, and mode of operating school buses.

46.61.385 - School patrol—Appointment—Authority—Finance—Insurance.

46.61.400 - Basic rule and maximum limits.

46.61.405 - Decreases by secretary of transportation.

46.61.410 - Increases by secretary of transportation—Maximum speed limit for trucks—Auto stages—Signs and notices.

46.61.415 - When local authorities may establish or alter maximum limits.

46.61.419 - Private roads—Speed enforcement.

46.61.425 - Minimum speed regulation—Passing slow moving vehicle.

46.61.427 - Slow-moving vehicle to pull off roadway.

46.61.428 - Slow-moving vehicle driving on shoulders, when.

46.61.430 - Authority of secretary of transportation to fix speed limits on limited access facilities exclusive—Local regulations.

46.61.435 - Local authorities to provide "stop" or "yield" signs at intersections with increased speed highways—Designated as arterials.

46.61.440 - Maximum speed limit when passing school or playground crosswalks—Penalty, disposition of proceeds.

46.61.445 - Due care required.

46.61.450 - Maximum speed, weight, or size in traversing bridges, elevated structures, tunnels, underpasses—Posting limits.

46.61.455 - Vehicles with solid or hollow cushion tires.

46.61.460 - Special speed limitation on motor-driven cycle.

46.61.465 - Exceeding speed limit evidence of reckless driving.

46.61.470 - Speed traps defined, certain types permitted—Measured courses, speed measuring devices, timing from aircraft.

46.61.480 - Determination of maximum speed on nonlimited access state highways within tribal reservation boundaries.

46.61.500 - Reckless driving—Penalty.

46.61.502 - Driving under the influence.

46.61.503 - Driver under twenty-one consuming alcohol or cannabis—Penalties.

46.61.504 - Physical control of vehicle while under the influence.

46.61.5054 - Alcohol violators—Additional fee—Distribution.

46.61.5055 - Alcohol and drug violators—Penalty schedule.

46.61.5056 - Alcohol and drug violators—Information school—Evaluation and treatment.

46.61.50571 - Alcohol or cannabis violators—Mandatory appearances—Electronic monitoring or alcohol abstinence monitoring.

46.61.5058 - Alcohol violators—Vehicle seizure and forfeiture.

46.61.506 - Persons under influence of intoxicating liquor or drug—Evidence—Tests—Information concerning tests.

46.61.507 - Arrest upon driving under the influence or being in physical control of vehicle under the influence, notation required if child is present—Arrest upon drug or alcohol-related driving offense, child protective services notified if child is...

46.61.508 - Liability of medical personnel withdrawing blood.

46.61.513 - Criminal history and driving record.

46.61.5151 - Sentences—Intermittent fulfillment—Restrictions.

46.61.5152 - Attendance at program focusing on victims.

46.61.516 - Qualified probation department defined.

46.61.517 - Refusal of tests—Admissibility as evidence.

46.61.519 - Alcoholic beverages—Drinking or open container in vehicle on highway—Exceptions.

46.61.5191 - Local ordinances not prohibited.

46.61.5195 - Disguising alcoholic beverage container.

46.61.520 - Vehicular homicide—Penalty.

46.61.522 - Vehicular assault—Penalty.

46.61.524 - Vehicular homicide, assault—Revocation of driving privilege—Eligibility for reinstatement.

46.61.5249 - Negligent driving—First degree.

46.61.525 - Negligent driving—Second degree.

46.61.526 - Negligent driving—Second degree—Vulnerable user victim—Penalties—Definitions.

46.61.527 - Roadway construction zones.

46.61.530 - Racing of vehicles on highways—Reckless driving—Exception.

46.61.535 - Advertising of unlawful speed—Reckless driving.

46.61.540 - "Drugs," what included.

46.61.560 - Stopping, standing, or parking outside business or residence districts.

46.61.570 - Stopping, standing, or parking prohibited in specified places—Reserving portion of highway prohibited.

46.61.575 - Additional parking regulations—Motorcycle parking.

46.61.577 - Regulations governing parking facilities.

46.61.581 - Parking spaces for persons with disabilities—Indication, access—Failure, penalty.

46.61.582 - Free parking for persons with disabilities—Exceptions.

46.61.583 - Special plate or card issued by another jurisdiction.

46.61.585 - Winter recreational parking areas—Special permit required.

46.61.587 - Winter recreational parking areas—Penalty.

46.61.590 - Unattended motor vehicle—Removal from highway.

46.61.600 - Unattended motor vehicle.

46.61.605 - Limitations on backing.

46.61.606 - Driving on sidewalk prohibited—Exception.

46.61.608 - Operating motorcycles on roadways laned for traffic.

46.61.610 - Riding on motorcycles.

46.61.611 - Motorcycles—Maximum height for handlebars.

46.61.612 - Riding on motorcycles—Position of feet.

46.61.613 - Motorcycles—Temporary suspension of restrictions for parades or public demonstrations.

46.61.614 - Riding on motorcycles—Clinging to other vehicles.

46.61.615 - Obstructions to driver's view or driving mechanism.

46.61.620 - Opening and closing vehicle doors.

46.61.625 - Riding in trailers or towed vehicles.

46.61.630 - Coasting prohibited.

46.61.635 - Following fire apparatus prohibited.

46.61.640 - Crossing fire hose.

46.61.645 - Throwing materials on highway prohibited—Removal.

46.61.655 - Dropping load, other materials—Covering.

46.61.660 - Carrying persons or animals on outside part of vehicle.

46.61.665 - Embracing another while driving.

46.61.670 - Driving with wheels off roadway.

46.61.672 - Using a personal electronic device while driving.

46.61.673 - Dangerously distracted driving.

46.61.675 - Causing or permitting vehicle to be unlawfully operated.

46.61.680 - Lowering passenger vehicle below legal clearance—Penalty.

46.61.685 - Leaving children unattended in standing vehicle with motor running—Penalty.

46.61.687 - Child restraint system required—Conditions—Exceptions—Penalty for violation—Dismissal—Noncompliance not negligence—Immunity.

46.61.6871 - Child passenger safety technician—Immunity.

46.61.688 - Safety belts, use required—Penalties—Exemptions.

46.61.6885 - Child restraints, seat belts—Educational campaign.

46.61.690 - Violations relating to toll facilities—Exception.

46.61.700 - Parent or guardian shall not authorize or permit violation by a child or ward.

46.61.705 - Off-road motorcycles.

46.61.708 - Motorcycles previously converted as snow bikes.

46.61.710 - Mopeds, EPAMDs, motorized foot scooters, personal delivery devices, electric-assisted bicycles, class 1 electric-assisted bicycles, class 2 electric-assisted bicycles, class 3 electric-assisted bicycles—General requirements and operation.

46.61.715 - Motorized foot scooters and shared scooters—Local authority may regulate—Contracts offered by scooter share programs to scooter share contractors—Written disclosure.

46.61.720 - Mopeds—Safety standards.

46.61.723 - Medium-speed electric vehicles.

46.61.725 - Neighborhood electric vehicles.

46.61.730 - Wheelchair conveyances.

46.61.733 - Personal delivery device.

46.61.735 - Ferry queues—Violations—Exemptions.

46.61.740 - Theft of motor vehicle fuel.

46.61.745 - Possessing or consuming cannabis in vehicle on highway—Penalty, exceptions—Definition.

46.61.750 - Effect of regulations—Penalty.

46.61.755 - Traffic laws apply to persons riding bicycles.

46.61.758 - Hand signals.

46.61.760 - Riding on bicycles.

46.61.765 - Clinging to vehicles.

46.61.770 - Riding on roadways and bicycle paths.

46.61.775 - Carrying articles.

46.61.780 - Lamps and other equipment on bicycles.

46.61.790 - Intoxicated bicyclists.