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

Wash. Rev. Code § 46.61.685 (2026)

✓ current as of May 2026
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(1) It is unlawful for any person, while operating or in charge of a vehicle, to park or willfully allow such vehicle to stand upon a public highway or in a public place with its motor running, leaving a minor child or children under the age of sixteen years unattended in the vehicle.
(2) Any person violating this section is guilty of a misdemeanor. Upon a second or subsequent conviction for a violation of this section, the department shall revoke the operator's license of such person.
[ 2003 c 53 s 246; 1990 c 250 s 57; 1961 c 151 s 2. Formerly RCW 46.56.230.]

Notes:

Rules of court: Bail in criminal traffic offense cases—Mandatory appearance—CrRLJ 3.2.
Intent—Effective date—2003 c 53: See notes following RCW 2.48.180.
Leaving children unattended in parked automobile while entering tavern, etc.: RCW 9.91.060.
Notes of Decisions
Cited in 4 cases, 2005–2019 · leading case: City of Redmond v. Bagby, 117 P.3d 1126 (Wash. 2005).
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City of Redmond v. Bagby, 117 P.3d 1126 (Wash. 2005). “527(5)); unattended child in a running vehicle (RCW 46.61.685(2)); minor in possession of alcohol; drugs; or a firearm (RCW 46.”
Dep't of Child. & Families, Div. of Child Prot. & Permanency v. E.D.-o., 82 A.3d 330 (N.J. Super. Ct. App. Div. 2014). “§ 76-10-2202 (making it a misdemeanor for a person to "intentionally, recklessly, knowingly, or with criminal negligence" leave a child under nine years of age unattended in a motor vehicle if the vehicle is on public property or private property open to the public and "the…”
City of Redmond v. Bagby, 155 Wash. 2d 59 (Wash. 2005). “527(5)); unattended child in a running vehicle (RCW 46.61.685(2)); minor in possession of alcohol, drugs, or a firearm (RCW 46.”
People of Michigan v. Terra Lee Haveman (Mich. Ct. App. 2019). “Eight of those statutes include language of intent and caselaw in a ninth state implies an intent element. See Conn Gen Stat 53- 21a; 720 Ill Comp Stat 5/12-21.”
— Wash. Rev. Code § 46.61.685(2) — 2 cases
City of Redmond v. Bagby, 117 P.3d 1126 (Wash. 2005). “527(5)); unattended child in a running vehicle (RCW 46.61.685(2)); minor in possession of alcohol; drugs; or a firearm (RCW 46.”
City of Redmond v. Bagby, 155 Wash. 2d 59 (Wash. 2005). “527(5)); unattended child in a running vehicle (RCW 46.61.685(2)); minor in possession of alcohol, drugs, or a firearm (RCW 46.”
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