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

Wash. Rev. Code § 46.61.465 (2026)

Exceeding speed limit evidence of reckless driving

✓ current as of May 2026
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The unlawful operation of a vehicle in excess of the maximum lawful speeds provided in this chapter at the point of operation and under the circumstances described shall be prima facie evidence of the operation of a motor vehicle in a reckless manner by the operator thereof.
[ 1961 c 12 s 46.48.026. Prior: 1951 c 28 s 12; 1949 c 196 s 6, part; 1947 c 200 s 8, part; 1937 c 189 s 64, part; Rem. Supp. 1949 s 6360-64, part; 1927 c 309 s 3, part; 1923 c 181 s 6, part; 1921 c 96 s 27, part; 1917 c 155 s 16, part; 1915 c 142 s 24, part; RRS s 6362-3, part; 1909 c 249 s 279, part; Rem. & Bal. s2531, part. Formerly RCW 46.48.026.]
Notes of Decisions
Cited in 8 cases, 1968–2018 · leading case: Thomas L. Sluman v. State of Washington, 418 P.3d 125 (Wash. Ct. App. 2018).
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Thomas L. Sluman v. State of Washington, 418 P.3d 125 (Wash. Ct. App. 2018). “RCW 46.61.465 ("The unlawful operation of a vehicle in excess of the maximum lawful speeds provided in this chapter at the point of operation and under the circumstances described shall be prima facie evidence of the operation of a motor vehicle in a reckless manner by the…”
State v. Gunderson, 444 P.2d 156 (Wash. 1968). · cites it 2× “” The first portion of the instruction is a paraphrased recital of RCW 46.61.465 2 and is an accurate rendition of the law.”
State v. Amurri, 753 P.2d 540 (Wash. Ct. App. 1988). · cites it 2× “1 Nevertheless, Amurri argues that the State failed to make out a case for reckless driving since there was no evidence that his actions were so egregious that they created a probability that serious injury would result to the driver he passed or to that vehicle.”
State v. Delmarter, 845 P.2d 1340 (Wash. Ct. App. 1993). “"The license or permit to drive or any nonresident driving privilege of a person convicted of a violation of this section shall be revoked by the department of licensing.”
United States v. Reeves, 798 F. Supp. 1459 (E.D. Wash. 1992). “The unlawful operation of a vehicle in excess of the maximum lawful speed is prima facie evidence of the operation of a motor vehicle in a reckless manner by the operation thereof.”
State Of Washington v. Dale H. Oya, Iii (Wash. Ct. App. 2016). · cites it 2× “RCW 46.61.465. But courts consider evidence in addition to speed and consider how far beyond the speed limit a defendant is driving before making a finding of recklessness.”
State v. Burt, 605 P.2d 342 (Wash. Ct. App. 1979). · cites it 2× “This instruction was based on RCW 46.61.465. 1 The jury specifically found that defendant had operated the vehicle in a reckless manner.”
State of Washington v. Marco A. Pindter-Bonilla (Wash. Ct. App. 2014). “Contrary to counsel's representations, RCW 46.61.465 specifies that excessive speeding is prima facie evidence of reckless driving, which is an arrestable offense.”
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