Wash. Rev. Code » Title 46 · Chapter 46.63
Revised Code of Washington

Wash. Rev. Code § 46.63.010 (2026)

Legislative intent

✓ current as of May 2026
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It is the legislative intent in the adoption of this chapter in decriminalizing certain traffic offenses to promote the public safety and welfare on public highways and to facilitate the implementation of a uniform and expeditious system for the disposition of traffic infractions.
[ 1979 ex.s. c 136 s 1.]

Notes:

Effective date—1979 ex.s. c 136: "The provisions of chapter 136, Laws of 1979 ex. sess. and this 1980 act shall take effect on January 1, 1981, and shall apply to violations of the traffic laws committed on or after January 1, 1981." [ 1980 c 128 s 9; 1979 ex.s. c 136 s 111.]
Severability—1979 ex.s. c 136: "If any provision of this act or its application to any person or circumstance is held invalid, the remainder of the act or the application of the provision to other persons or circumstances is not affected." [ 1979 ex.s. c 136 s 110.]
Notes of Decisions
Cited in 20 cases (1 in the last 5 years), 1982–2022 · leading case: State v. Moreno, 58 P.3d 265 (Wash. 2002).
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State v. Moreno, 58 P.3d 265 (Wash. 2002). “" RCW 46.63.010. In hopes of accomplishing this purpose, the legislature provided for hearings without prosecutors: "The attorney representing the state, county, city, or town may appear in any proceedings under this chapter but need not appear, notwithstanding any statute or…”
State v. Moreno, 147 Wash. 2d 500 (Wash. 2002). “” RCW 46.63.010. In hopes of accomplishing this purpose, the legislature provided for hearings without prosecutors: The attorney representing the state, county, city, or town may appear in any proceedings under this chapter but need not *505 appear, notwithstanding any statute…”
City of Bellevue v. Hellenthal, 144 Wash. 2d 425 (Wash. 2001). “1(b) (the Infraction Rules for Courts of Limited Jurisdiction “shall be construed to secure the just, speedy, and inexpensive determination of every infraction case”); see also RCW 46.63.010. The rules contemplate that a contested hearing may proceed without a prosecuting…”
City of Bellevue v. Hellenthal, 28 P.3d 744 (Wash. 2001). “1(b) (the Infraction Rules for Courts of Limited Jurisdiction "shall be construed to secure the just, speedy, and inexpensive determination of every infraction case"); see also RCW 46.63.010. The rules contemplate that a contested hearing may proceed without a prosecuting…”
State v. Farr-Lenzini, 970 P.2d 313 (Wash. Ct. App. 1999). “” RCW 46.63.010. A person cited for an infraction can respond in a number of ways, such as by paying a penalty or requesting a contested hearing.”
State v. Rife, 943 P.2d 266 (Wash. 1997). “RCW 46.63.010 specifically explains the Legislature's purpose to decriminalize traffic offenses.”
State v. Rife, 133 Wash. 2d 140 (Wash. 1997). “RCW 46.63.010 specifically explains the Legislature’s purpose to decriminalize traffic offenses.”
City of Bremerton v. Spears, 949 P.2d 347 (Wash. 1998). “A violation of Title 46 is designated as "a traffic infraction and may not be classified as a criminal offense," with the exception of a list of enumerated offenses.”
City of Bremerton v. Spears, 134 Wash. 2d 141 (Wash. 1998). “A violation of Title 46 is designated as “a traffic infraction and may not be classified as a criminal offense,” with the exception of a list of enumerated offenses. RCW 46.”
City of Kennewick v. Fountain, 802 P.2d 1371 (Wash. 1991). “However, in an effort to decriminalize certain traffic offenses, the Legislature enacted RCW 46.63.010 and RCW 46.63.020, both effective as of July 1, 1980.”
State v. Barajas, 789 P.2d 321 (Wash. Ct. App. 1990). “RCW 46.63.010. It did not decriminalize the offense of driving without a valid operator's license, and it remains a misdemeanor.”
Williams v. City of Spokane, 505 P.3d 91 (Wash. 2022). ““If a notice of infraction is filed in a court which is not the proper venue, the notice shall be dismissed without prejudice on motion of either party.”
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