Wash. Rev. Code » Title 46 · Chapter 46.08
Revised Code of Washington

Wash. Rev. Code § 46.08.010 (2026)

State preempts registration and licensing fields

✓ current as of May 2026
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The provisions of this title relating to certificates of title, registration certificates, vehicle licenses, vehicle license plates, and drivers' licenses shall be exclusive and no political subdivision of the state of Washington shall require or issue any licenses or certificates for the same or a similar purpose, nor shall any city or town in this state impose a tax, license, or other fee upon vehicles operating exclusively between points outside of such city or town limits, and to points therein.
[ 2010 c 161 s 1111; 1990 c 42 s 207; 1961 c 12 s 46.08.010. Prior: 1937 c 188 s 75; RRS s 6312-75.]

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.
Purpose—Effective dates—Application—Implementation—1990 c 42: See notes following RCW 46.68.090.
Notes of Decisions
Cited in 5 cases, 1960–2005 · leading case: Sheehan v. Cent. Puget Sound Reg'l Transit Auth., 155 Wash. 2d 790 (Wash. 2005).
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Sheehan v. Cent. Puget Sound Reg'l Transit Auth., 155 Wash. 2d 790 (Wash. 2005). · cites it 5× “Are the taxes imposed by the Authorities illegal because they are preempted under RCW 46.08.010? f 11 3. Are the taxes imposed by the Authorities actually property taxes, prohibited by RCW 82.”
Sheehan v. Sound Transit Auth., 123 P.3d 88 (Wash. 2005). · cites it 5× “Are the taxes imposed by the Authorities illegal because they are preempted under RCW 46.08.010? ¶ 11 3. Are the taxes imposed by the Authorities actually property taxes, prohibited by RCW 82.”
City of Bellingham v. Schampera, 356 P.2d 292 (Wash. 1960). · cites it 2× “It is urged by the appellant that the state has, by RCW 46.08.010, in specific terms pre-empted the field of the issuance, suspension, and revocation of motor vehicle licenses, and that a city cannot suspend or revoke a license.”
Thurston Cnty. v. Gorton, 530 P.2d 309 (Wash. 1975). · cites it 2× “welfare of others and their disrespect for the laws of the state, the orders of her courts and the statutorily required acts of her administrative agencies; and *136 (3) To discourage repetition of criminal acts by individuals against the peace and dignity of the state and her…”
City of Seattle v. Long, 380 P.2d 472 (Wash. 1963). “In Schampera we considered the effect of RCW 46.08.010, which provides in part: “The provisions of this title relating to .”
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