Wash. Rev. Code » Title 46 · Chapter 46.65
Revised Code of Washington

Wash. Rev. Code § 46.65.010 (2026)

State policy enunciated

✓ current as of May 2026
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It is hereby declared to be the policy of the state of Washington:
(1) To provide maximum safety for all persons who travel or otherwise use the public highways of this state; and
(2) To deny the privilege of operating motor vehicles on such highways to persons who by their conduct and record have demonstrated their indifference for the safety and welfare of others and their disrespect for the laws of the state, the orders of her courts and the statutorily required acts of her administrative agencies; and
(3) To discourage repetition of criminal acts by individuals against the peace and dignity of the state and her political subdivisions and to impose increased and added deprivation of the privilege to operate motor vehicles upon habitual offenders who have been convicted repeatedly of violations of traffic laws.
[ 1971 ex.s. c 284 s 3.]

Notes:

Severability—1971 ex.s. c 284: "If any provision of this 1971 amendatory 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." [ 1971 ex.s. c 284 s 17.]
Notes of Decisions
Cited in 9 cases, 1973–1997 · leading case: State v. Kent, 549 P.2d 721 (Wash. 1976).
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State v. Kent, 549 P.2d 721 (Wash. 1976). · cites it 6× “2d 1052 (1973), as follows: The policy of the act is stated in RCW 46.65.010, which provides: It is hereby declared to be the policy of the state of Washington: (1) To provide maximum safety for all persons who travel or otherwise use the public highways of this state; and (2)…”
Hartley v. State, 698 P.2d 77 (Wash. 1985). “RCW 46.65.010. The statute provides for license revocation as a means of effectuating this policy.”
State v. Malone, 511 P.2d 67 (Wash. Ct. App. 1973). · cites it 2× “As stated in RCW 46.65.010, it is the goal of the act: (1) To provide maximum safety for all persons who travel or otherwise use the public highways of this state; and (2) To deny the privilege of operating motor vehicles on such highways to persons who by their conduct and…”
State v. Scheffel, 514 P.2d 1052 (Wash. 1973). “The policy of the act is stated in RCW 46.65.010, which provides: It is hereby declared to be the policy of the state of Washington: (1) To provide maximum safety for all persons who travel or otherwise use the public highways of this state; and (2) To deny the privilege of…”
Thurston Cnty. v. Gorton, 530 P.2d 309 (Wash. 1975). “RCW 46.65.010 expressly declares that it is the policy of the State, in enacting the act (1) To provide maximum safety for all persons who travel or otherwise use the public highways of this state; and (2) To deny the privilege of operating motor vehicles on such highways to…”
State v. Vahl, 784 P.2d 1280 (Wash. Ct. App. 1990). “RCW 46.65.010(2). Therefore, it would be incongruous for the Legislature to require actual receipt of certified mail, because the typical habitual traffic offender might simply refuse to claim it.”
Wheeler v. State, Dept. of Licensing, 936 P.2d 17 (Wash. Ct. App. 1997). “n such highways to persons who by their conduct and record have demonstrated their indifference for the safety and welfare of others and their disrespect for the laws of the state, the orders of her courts and the statutorily required acts of her administrative agencies; and (3)…”
State v. Alfonso, 702 P.2d 1218 (Wash. Ct. App. 1985). “" RCW 46.65.010. The definition of habitual traffic offender includes three or more convictions within a 5-year period for driving a motor vehicle while one's license, permit, or privilege to drive has been suspended or revoked.”
Durfee v. Dep't of Licensing, 662 P.2d 70 (Wash. Ct. App. 1983). · cites it 3× “The purposes of the habitual traffic offenders act are clearly stated in RCW 46.65.010, 3 and may be summarized as follows: first, to maximize highway safety; second, to deny the privilege of driving to those who disregard the safety and welfare of others and the laws of the…”
— Wash. Rev. Code § 46.65.010(1) — 1 case
State v. Kent, 549 P.2d 721 (Wash. 1976). “2d 1052 (1973), as follows: The policy of the act is stated in RCW 46.65.010, which provides: It is hereby declared to be the policy of the state of Washington: (1) To provide maximum safety for all persons who travel or otherwise use the public highways of this state; and (2)…”
— Wash. Rev. Code § 46.65.010(2) — 1 case
State v. Vahl, 784 P.2d 1280 (Wash. Ct. App. 1990). “RCW 46.65.010(2). Therefore, it would be incongruous for the Legislature to require actual receipt of certified mail, because the typical habitual traffic offender might simply refuse to claim it.”
— Wash. Rev. Code § 46.65.010(3) — 1 case
State v. Kent, 549 P.2d 721 (Wash. 1976). “2d 1052 (1973), as follows: The policy of the act is stated in RCW 46.65.010, which provides: It is hereby declared to be the policy of the state of Washington: (1) To provide maximum safety for all persons who travel or otherwise use the public highways of this state; and (2)…”
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