Wash. Rev. Code » Title 46 · Chapter 46.37
Revised Code of Washington

Wash. Rev. Code § 46.37.410 (2026)

Windshields required, exception—Must be unobstructed and equipped with wipers

✓ current as of May 2026
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(1) All motor vehicles operated on the public highways of this state shall be equipped with a front windshield manufactured of safety glazing materials for use in motor vehicles in accordance with RCW 46.37.430, except, however, on such vehicles not so equipped or where windshields are not in use, the operators of such vehicles shall wear glasses, goggles, or face shields pursuant to RCW 46.37.530(1)(b).
(2) No person shall drive any motor vehicle with any sign, poster, or other nontransparent material upon the front windshield, side wings, or side or rear windows of such vehicle which obstructs the driver's clear view of the highway or any intersecting highway.
(3) The windshield on every motor vehicle shall be equipped with a device for cleaning rain, snow, or other moisture from the windshield, which device shall be so constructed as to be controlled or operated by the driver of the vehicle. After January 1, 1938, it shall be unlawful for any person to operate a new motor vehicle first sold or delivered after that date which is not equipped with such device or devices in good working order capable of cleaning the windshield thereof over two separate arcs, one each on the left and right side of the windshield, each capable of cleaning a surface of not less than one hundred twenty square inches, or other device or devices capable of accomplishing substantially the same result.
(4) Every windshield wiper upon a motor vehicle shall be maintained in good working order.
[ 1977 ex.s. c 355 s 35; 1961 c 12 s 46.37.410. Prior: 1955 c 269 s 41; prior: (i) 1937 c 189 s 38; RRS s 6360-38; RCW 46.36.070. (ii) 1937 c 189 s 39; RRS s 6360-39; RCW 46.36.080.]

Notes:

Severability—1977 ex.s. c 355: See note following RCW 46.37.010.
Notes of Decisions
Cited in 5 cases, 2002–2019 · leading case: State v. Wayman-Burks, 56 P.3d 598 (Wash. Ct. App. 2002).
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State v. Wayman-Burks, 56 P.3d 598 (Wash. Ct. App. 2002). · cites it 4× “Claiming the cracked windshield was not an obstruction upon the windshield under RCW 46.37.410, she moved to suppress the evidence because the officer was thus not entitled to stop the vehicle.”
State v. Wayman-Burks, 56 P.3d 598 (Wash. Ct. App. 2002). · cites it 4× “He found a syringe loaded with heroin on her person. The State charged Ms. Wayman-Burks with unlawful possession of a controlled substance heroin.”
State v. Byrd, 110 Wash. App. 259 (Wash. Ct. App. 2002). “RCW 46.37.410(2); Seattle Municipal Code 11.”
State v. Byrd, 39 P.3d 1010 (Wash. Ct. App. 2002). “[11] RCW 46.37.410(2); Seattle Municipal Code 11.”
State Of Washington v. Carmen Rose Lee, 435 P.3d 847 (Wash. Ct. App. 2019). “41 Because Lee was lawfully seized at the beginning of the traffic stop and remained reasonably seized when she was asked to consent to a search of the purse she left in the car, our inquiry is whether police exceeded the reasonable scope and duration of the traffic stop by…”
— Wash. Rev. Code § 46.37.410(2) — 4 cases
State v. Wayman-Burks, 56 P.3d 598 (Wash. Ct. App. 2002). “Claiming the cracked windshield was not an obstruction upon the windshield under RCW 46.37.410, she moved to suppress the evidence because the officer was thus not entitled to stop the vehicle.”
State v. Wayman-Burks, 56 P.3d 598 (Wash. Ct. App. 2002). “He found a syringe loaded with heroin on her person. The State charged Ms. Wayman-Burks with unlawful possession of a controlled substance heroin.”
State v. Byrd, 110 Wash. App. 259 (Wash. Ct. App. 2002). “RCW 46.37.410(2); Seattle Municipal Code 11.”
State v. Byrd, 39 P.3d 1010 (Wash. Ct. App. 2002). “[11] RCW 46.37.410(2); Seattle Municipal Code 11.”
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