Wash. Rev. Code » Title 46 · Chapter 46.61
Revised Code of Washington

Wash. Rev. Code § 46.61.212 (2026)

Emergency or work zones—Approaching—Penalty—Violation

✓ current as of May 2026
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(1) An emergency or work zone is defined as the adjacent lanes of the roadway 200 feet before and after:
(a) A stationary authorized emergency vehicle that is making use of audible and/or visual signals meeting the requirements of RCW 46.37.190;
(b) A tow truck that is making use of visual lights meeting the requirements of RCW 46.37.196;
(c) Other vehicles providing roadside assistance that are making use of warning lights with 360 degree visibility;
(d) A police vehicle properly and lawfully displaying a flashing, blinking, or alternating emergency light or lights; or
(e) A stationary or slow moving highway construction vehicle, highway maintenance vehicle, solid waste vehicle, or utility service vehicle making use of flashing lights that meet the requirements of RCW 46.37.300 or warning lights with 360 degree visibility.
(2) The driver of any motor vehicle, upon approaching an emergency or work zone, shall:
(a) On a highway having four or more lanes, at least two of which are intended for traffic proceeding in the same direction as the approaching vehicle, proceed with caution, reduce the speed of the vehicle, and, if the opportunity exists, with due regard for safety and traffic conditions, yield the right-of-way by making a lane change or moving away from the lane or shoulder occupied by an emergency or work zone vehicle identified in subsection (1) of this section;
(b) On a highway having less than four lanes, proceed with caution, reduce the speed of the vehicle, and, if the opportunity exists, with due regard for safety and traffic conditions, and under the rules of this chapter, yield the right-of-way by passing to the left at a safe distance and simultaneously yield the right-of-way to all vehicles traveling in the proper direction upon the highway; or
(c) If changing lanes or moving away would be unsafe, proceed with due caution and continue to reduce the speed of the vehicle to at least 10 miles per hour below the posted speed limit, except for when the posted speed limit exceeds 60 miles per hour or more, then reduce the speed of the vehicle to no more than 50 miles per hour.
(3) A person may not drive a vehicle in an emergency or work zone at a speed greater than the posted speed limit or greater than what is permitted under subsection (2)(c) of this section.
(4) A person found to be in violation of this section, or any infraction relating to speed restrictions in an emergency or work zone, must be assessed a monetary penalty equal to twice the penalty assessed under RCW 46.63.110. This penalty may not be waived, reduced, or suspended.
(5) A person who drives a vehicle in an emergency or work zone in such a manner as to endanger or be likely to endanger any emergency or work zone worker or property is guilty of reckless endangerment of emergency or work zone workers. A violation of this subsection is a gross misdemeanor punishable under chapter 9A.20 RCW.
(6) The department shall suspend for 60 days the driver's license, permit to drive, or nonresident driving privilege of a person convicted of reckless endangerment of emergency or work zone workers.
[ 2023 c 33 s 3; 2022 c 279 s 2; 2019 c 106 s 1; 2018 c 18 s 2; 2010 c 252 s 1; 2007 c 83 s 1; 2005 c 413 s 1.]

Notes:

Short title—2023 c 33: See note following RCW 46.37.196.
Effective date—2010 c 252: "This act takes effect January 1, 2011." [ 2010 c 252 s 6.]
Notes of Decisions
Cited in 4 cases (1 in the last 5 years), 2014–2025 · leading case: State v. Huffman, 340 P.3d 903 (Wash. Ct. App. 2014).
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State v. Huffman, 340 P.3d 903 (Wash. Ct. App. 2014). · cites it 2× “160 and RCW 46.61.212. But because it is undisputed that Huffman was not overtaking and passing at the time she crossed the center line, it is of no help to her, nor does it aid us in our analysis of RCW 46.”
State Of Washington v. Christi L. Kocher, 199 Wash. App. 336 (Wash. Ct. App. 2017). “ction under the rules governing such movement; (b) When an obstruction exists making it necessary to drive to the left of the center of the highway; provided, any person so doing shall yield the right-of-way to all vehicles traveling in the proper direction upon the unobstructed…”
Pleasant v. State of Washington (E.D. Wash. 2025). · cites it 5× “5 Trooper Fenster pulled Craig over for what he perceived to be a violation of 6 RCW 46.61.212, a state traffic law.6 ECF No.”
State Of Washington v. Sarah S. Huffman (Wash. Ct. App. 2014). “fic under the rules applicable thereon; (d) Upon a street or highway restricted to one-way traffic; or (e) Upon a highway having three lanes or less, when approaching a stationary authorized emergency vehicle, tow truck or other vehicle providing roadside assistance while…”
Wash. Rev. Code § 46.61.212(1)(d): 1 case
Pleasant v. State of Washington (E.D. Wash. 2025). “5 Trooper Fenster pulled Craig over for what he perceived to be a violation of 6 RCW 46.61.212, a state traffic law.6 ECF No.”
Wash. Rev. Code § 46.61.212(2): 3 cases
State v. Huffman, 340 P.3d 903 (Wash. Ct. App. 2014). “160 and RCW 46.61.212. But because it is undisputed that Huffman was not overtaking and passing at the time she crossed the center line, it is of no help to her, nor does it aid us in our analysis of RCW 46.”
State Of Washington v. Christi L. Kocher, 199 Wash. App. 336 (Wash. Ct. App. 2017). “ction under the rules governing such movement; (b) When an obstruction exists making it necessary to drive to the left of the center of the highway; provided, any person so doing shall yield the right-of-way to all vehicles traveling in the proper direction upon the unobstructed…”
State Of Washington v. Sarah S. Huffman (Wash. Ct. App. 2014). “fic under the rules applicable thereon; (d) Upon a street or highway restricted to one-way traffic; or (e) Upon a highway having three lanes or less, when approaching a stationary authorized emergency vehicle, tow truck or other vehicle providing roadside assistance while…”
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