Wash. Rev. Code » Title 46 · Chapter 46.70
Revised Code of Washington

Wash. Rev. Code § 46.70.027 (2026)

Accountability of dealer for employees—Actions for damages on violation of chapter

✓ current as of May 2026
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A vehicle dealer is accountable for the dealer's employees, sales personnel, and managerial personnel while in the performance of their official duties. Any violations of this chapter or applicable provisions of chapter 46.12 or 46.16A RCW committed by any of these employees subjects the dealer to license penalties prescribed under RCW 46.70.101. A retail purchaser, consignor who is not a motor vehicle dealer, or a motor vehicle dealer who has purchased from a wholesale dealer, who has suffered a loss or damage by reason of any act by a dealer, salesperson, managerial person, or other employee of a dealership, that constitutes a violation of this chapter or applicable provisions of chapter 46.12 or 46.16A RCW may institute an action for recovery against the dealer and the surety bond as set forth in RCW 46.70.070. However, under this section, motor vehicle dealers who have purchased from wholesale dealers may only institute actions against wholesale dealers and their surety bonds.
[ 2011 c 171 s 90; (2017 c 15 s 5 repealed by 2018 c 273 s 2); 1989 c 337 s 12; 1986 c 241 s 5.]

Notes:

Intent—Effective date—2011 c 171: See notes following RCW 4.24.210.
Notes of Decisions
Cited in 3 cases (1 in the last 5 years), 2009–2024 · leading case: Quinn v. Cherry Lane Auto Plaza, Inc., 225 P.3d 266 (Wash. Ct. App. 2009).
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Quinn v. Cherry Lane Auto Plaza, Inc., 225 P.3d 266 (Wash. Ct. App. 2009). · cites it 5× “*722 ¶35 RCW 46.70.027 provides a right of action to any retail vehicle purchaser who has “suffered a loss or damage” because of a violation of chapter 46.”
Greenfield v. W. Heritage Ins. Co., 226 P.3d 199 (Wash. Ct. App. 2010). “.. shall place all funds received from the sale of the consigned vehicle in a trust account until the sale is completed.”
Robert Mielke, V. Tacoma Rv Ctr. (Wash. Ct. App. 2024). · cites it 2× “RCW 46.70.027. Specifically, “any statement or representation with regard to the sale .”
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