Washington Reckless Driving Laws: Penalties, License and Speed (2026)

Washington makes reckless driving a gross misdemeanor under RCW 46.61.500: driving any vehicle "in willful or wanton disregard for the safety of persons or property" is punishable by up to 364 days in jail and a fine of up to $5,000, and every conviction carries a license suspension of at least 30 days. The section names no speed at which driving becomes reckless; instead, RCW 46.61.465 makes driving over the maximum lawful speed prima facie evidence of reckless operation, and RCW 46.61.530 makes racing, including drifting, reckless driving by statute.

Information last verified on 2026-10-25. This article has not been reviewed by a licensed lawyer.

Jurisdiction scope: This article covers Washington state statutes on reckless driving (RCW 46.61.500), negligent driving, racing and drifting, the related driver's license consequences in chapters 46.20, 46.25 and 46.65 RCW, and driving without a valid license or while suspended. It does not cover DUI penalties (see Washington DUI laws), vehicular homicide and vehicular assault (see Washington manslaughter laws), city or county ordinances, or federal and commercial-driver rules beyond a short note. For other states, see reckless driving laws by state.

What is reckless driving in Washington?

Washington defines reckless driving in one sentence. RCW 46.61.500(1) provides:

"Any person who drives any vehicle in willful or wanton disregard for the safety of persons or property is guilty of reckless driving." RCW 46.61.500(1)

The offense has two parts: driving a vehicle, and doing so with willful or wanton disregard for the safety of people or property. The statute does not list particular acts. It turns on the driver's conduct and state of mind.

That mental state sits well above ordinary carelessness. Washington's lower-tier offense, negligent driving, rests on "negligent," which RCW 46.61.525(2) defines as "the failure to exercise ordinary care." Reckless driving requires willful or wanton disregard, not just a failure of ordinary care.

Where the reckless driving law applies

Most of Washington's rules of the road apply only on highways. RCW 46.61.005 makes an exception for reckless and negligent driving:

"The provisions of this chapter relating to the operation of vehicles refer exclusively to the operation of vehicles upon highways except: (1) Where a different place is specifically referred to in a given section. (2) The provisions of RCW 46.52.010 through 46.52.090, 46.61.500 through 46.61.525, and 46.61.5249 shall apply upon highways and elsewhere throughout the state." RCW 46.61.005

So reckless driving (46.61.500), negligent driving in the second degree (46.61.525) and negligent driving in the first degree (46.61.5249) apply off the highway as well.

Is reckless driving a misdemeanor in Washington? Penalties

Yes. Reckless driving is a gross misdemeanor, and the statute states its own range. The second sentence of RCW 46.61.500(1) provides: "Violation of the provisions of this section is a gross misdemeanor punishable by imprisonment for up to three hundred sixty-four days and by a fine of not more than five thousand dollars."

A conviction also triggers a license suspension. Under RCW 46.61.500(2)(a), "Subject to (b) of this subsection, the license or permit to drive or any nonresident privilege of any person convicted of reckless driving shall be suspended by the department for not less than thirty days." The suspension is mandatory; the license section below covers it and the longer consequences of repeat convictions.

Conduct the law treats as reckless driving

Several Washington statutes connect other conduct to reckless driving:

• Racing and drifting are reckless driving. RCW 46.61.530 makes racing "reckless driving under RCW 46.61.500," with the same penalties (see the racing section below).
• Advertising an unlawful speed. RCW 46.61.535, the section on advertising an unlawful speed, provides that a violation of it "shall be prima facie evidence of reckless driving."
• Driving while embracing another person. RCW 46.61.665 provides that operating a motor vehicle in violation of that section, which concerns driving while embracing another person in a way that prevents free operation of the vehicle, "is prima facie evidence of reckless driving."

Endangering workers in construction, emergency and work zones

Washington has two separate gross misdemeanors for endangering workers, each with its own 60-day suspension:

• Roadway construction zones. Under RCW 46.61.527(4), "A person who drives a vehicle in a roadway construction zone in such a manner as to endanger or be likely to endanger any persons or property, or who removes, evades, or intentionally strikes a traffic safety or control device is guilty of reckless endangerment of roadway workers." It is "a gross misdemeanor punishable under chapter 9A.20 RCW," and RCW 46.61.527(5) requires the department to "suspend for sixty days" the license of a person convicted of it. RCW 46.61.527(3) also doubles the monetary penalty for a speed infraction in a roadway construction zone.
• Emergency and work zones. Under RCW 46.61.212(5), "A person who drives a vehicle in an emergency or work zone in such a manner as to endanger or be likely to endanger any emergency or work zone worker or property is guilty of reckless endangerment of emergency or work zone workers." It is likewise "a gross misdemeanor punishable under chapter 9A.20 RCW," and RCW 46.61.212(6) requires a 60-day suspension on conviction.

How fast is reckless driving in Washington?

RCW 46.61.500 names no speed, and no margin over the limit, at which driving becomes reckless driving. Speed works as evidence instead. RCW 46.61.465 provides:

"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." RCW 46.61.465

Speeding is not reckless driving per se in Washington; under this section it is evidence of reckless operation.

The underlying speed rules are in RCW 46.61.400. Subsection (1) sets the basic rule: "No person shall drive a vehicle on a highway at a speed greater than is reasonable and prudent under the conditions and having regard to the actual and potential hazards then existing." Subsection (2) sets statutory maximum speeds, including: "Twenty-five miles per hour on city and town streets; (b) Fifty miles per hour on county roads; (c) Sixty miles per hour on state highways."

Reckless driving and your Washington driver's license

Washington's driver licensing statutes do not use points for reckless driving. The sections that govern a reckless driving conviction (RCW 46.20.285, 46.20.291, 46.20.2892 and the habitual offender chapter, 46.65 RCW) work through suspension and revocation, and none of them assigns a point value to a conviction.

• Mandatory suspension of at least 30 days. RCW 46.61.500(2)(a) requires it on every reckless driving conviction, including racing and drifting convictions under RCW 46.61.530.
• Credit when the charge began as DUI. Under RCW 46.61.500(2)(b), "When a reckless driving conviction is a result of a charge that was originally filed as a violation of RCW 46.61.502 or 46.61.504, or an equivalent local ordinance, the department shall grant credit on a day-for-day basis for any portion of a suspension, revocation, or denial already served under an administrative action arising out of the same incident."
• One-year revocation for a third conviction in two years. RCW 46.20.285 requires the department to "revoke the license of any driver for the period of one year unless otherwise provided in this section" on a final conviction for "Reckless driving upon a showing by the department's records that the conviction is the third such conviction for the driver within a period of two years."
• Suspension for an injury crash or a pattern of violations. RCW 46.20.291 lists grounds for suspension that include a driver who "Has, by reckless or unlawful operation of a motor vehicle, caused or contributed to an accident resulting in death or injury to any person or serious property damage," and one who has been convicted of traffic offenses or found to have committed traffic infractions "with such frequency as to indicate a disrespect for traffic laws or a disregard for the safety of other persons on the highways."
• Repeat moving-violation infractions. RCW 46.20.2892, as amended by Laws of 2025, chapter 175 (effective April 1, 2026), provides that when a person "has committed a traffic infraction for a moving violation on three or more occasions within a one-year period, or on four or more occasions within a two-year period, the department must suspend the license of the driver for a period of 60 days and establish a period of probation." This rule counts traffic infractions for moving violations; reckless driving is a crime and is handled under the rules above.
• Intermediate (under-18) licenses. Under RCW 46.20.267, a second conviction or finding for a traffic offense described in chapter 46.61 RCW, which includes reckless driving, suspends an intermediate license for six months or until age 18, whichever comes first, and a third suspends it until age 18.
• Habitual offender. RCW 46.65.020 makes a person a habitual offender on "Three or more convictions, singularly or in combination," of listed offenses committed within a five-year period, which include "Reckless driving as defined in RCW 46.61.500" and attempting to elude a pursuing police vehicle (RCW 46.61.024). Twenty or more reportable moving offenses within five years also qualify, if at least three convictions occurred within the 365 days before the last conviction, and multiple offenses committed within a six-hour period are, on the first such occasion, treated as one offense. When the department finds that a person is a habitual offender, RCW 46.65.060 provides that it "shall revoke the operator's license for a period of seven years."

Commercial driver's licenses

Washington's commercial driver's license chapter lists reckless driving as a "serious traffic violation." RCW 46.25.010 defines that term to include "(a) Excessive speeding, defined as fifteen miles per hour or more in excess of the posted limit; (b) Reckless driving, as defined under state or local law." Under RCW 46.25.090(5)(a), disqualification is "Not less than 60 days" if the person is "Convicted of reckless driving, where there has been a prior serious traffic violation," and "Not less than 120 days" if "Convicted of reckless driving, where there has been two or more prior serious traffic violations."

At the federal level, 49 C.F.R. 383.51 (Table 2) disqualifies a CDL holder for 60 days on a second reckless driving or other serious traffic violation conviction within three years and for 120 days on a third, and a conviction in a non-commercial vehicle counts only if it results in a revocation, cancellation or suspension of the license or non-commercial driving privileges. On national park roads, 36 C.F.R. 4.2 adopts state traffic law, so Washington's reckless driving statute applies there too; the reckless driving laws by state hub covers the federal layer.

Negligent driving: Washington's careless driving offenses

Washington's careless-driving offense is called negligent driving. It comes in two degrees, plus two vulnerable-user offenses.

Negligent driving in the second degree (RCW 46.61.525). A person commits it "if, under circumstances not constituting negligent driving in the first degree, he or she operates a motor vehicle in a manner that is both negligent and endangers or is likely to endanger any person or property." The statute makes it "a traffic infraction" that "is subject to a penalty of two hundred fifty dollars."

The statute defines "negligent" as "the failure to exercise ordinary care, and is the doing of some act that a reasonably careful person would not do under the same or similar circumstances or the failure to do something that a reasonably careful person would do under the same or similar circumstances" (RCW 46.61.525(2)). RCW 46.61.525(1)(b) provides an affirmative defense, which the defendant must prove by a preponderance of the evidence, that the driver was operating the motor vehicle on private property with the consent of the owner in a manner consistent with the owner's consent.

Negligent driving in the first degree (RCW 46.61.5249). A person commits it "if he or she operates a motor vehicle in a manner that is both negligent and endangers or is likely to endanger any person or property, and exhibits the effects of having consumed liquor or cannabis or any drug." It "is a misdemeanor." For the alcohol and drug offenses themselves, see Washington DUI laws.

Negligent driving with a vulnerable user victim in the first degree (RCW 46.61.5259). This offense covers negligent, endangering driving that proximately causes the death of a vulnerable user. A violation "is a gross misdemeanor, which shall be punished by: (a) Up to 364 days of imprisonment; (b) A fine of $5,000, which may not be reduced to an amount less than $1,000; and (c) Suspension of driving privileges for 90 days." It took effect January 1, 2025 (Laws of 2023, chapter 471).

Negligent driving with a vulnerable user victim in the second degree (RCW 46.61.526). This covers negligent, endangering driving that proximately causes great bodily harm or substantial bodily harm of a vulnerable user of a public way. It is a traffic infraction. The person must "Pay a monetary penalty of $5,000, which may not be reduced to an amount less than $1,000" and have driving privileges suspended for 90 days, unless the person requests and personally appears for a hearing and elects the alternative in RCW 46.61.526(5): a $250 penalty, traffic school, and up to 100 hours of community service.

Street racing, drifting and exhibitions in Washington

Racing is reckless driving in Washington. RCW 46.61.530(1) provides:

"Any person or persons who willfully compare or contest relative speeds by operation of one or more motor vehicles or who willfully demonstrates, exhibits, or compares speed, maneuverability, or the power of one or more motor vehicles, including "drifting," shall be guilty of racing, which shall constitute reckless driving under RCW 46.61.500 subjecting the violator to the penalties provided for under RCW 46.61.500 unless otherwise provided for in this section, whether or not such speed is in excess of the maximum speed prescribed by law" RCW 46.61.530(1)

Four points follow from that text:

• Speed is not required. Racing is reckless driving "whether or not such speed is in excess of the maximum speed prescribed by law," and the section reaches exhibitions of maneuverability or power, including drifting. The section's proviso excludes "any comparison or contest of the accuracy with which motor vehicles may be operated in terms of relative speeds not in excess of the posted maximum speed," and RCW 46.61.530(1) applies on public highways and off-street facilities.
• Same penalty as reckless driving. A racing conviction is a gross misdemeanor with up to 364 days and a fine of up to $5,000, plus the mandatory suspension of at least 30 days under RCW 46.61.500(2)(a).
• Helpers can be charged. Under RCW 46.61.530(2), "Any person who knowingly aids and abets racing under subsection (1) of this section may be charged and prosecuted as an accomplice in accordance with RCW 46.64.048."
• Parking lots and commercial lots. RCW 46.04.367 defines an "off-street facility" as "a location typically held open for use by the public for parking vehicles, ingress and egress, or used for commercial purposes," and provides that use of such locations "falls under chapter 283, Laws of 2023 when used for illegal racing when such use is without the express permission of the owner of the facility."

Impound. RCW 46.55.113(2)(l) allows police to take custody of a vehicle "Whenever the driver of a vehicle is arrested for illegal racing conduct in violation of RCW 46.61.500 or 46.61.530 or a comparable municipal ordinance."

Wet reckless in Washington

Three Washington provisions address a reckless driving conviction on a charge that began as DUI. They are not plea statutes; they set what follows from such a conviction.

• It counts as a prior offense for DUI sentencing. RCW 46.61.5055(14)(a)(xii) includes in the definition of "prior offense": "A conviction for a violation of RCW 46.61.5249, 46.61.500, or 9A.36.050 or an equivalent local ordinance, if the conviction is the result of a charge that was originally filed as a violation of RCW 46.61.502 or 46.61.504, or an equivalent local ordinance, or of RCW 46.61.520 or 46.61.522." For that statute, "Within seven years" means "that the arrest for a prior offense occurred within seven years before or after the arrest for the current offense."
• Ignition interlock with a prior offense. Under RCW 46.61.500(3), "a person convicted of reckless driving who has one or more prior offenses as defined in RCW 46.61.5055(14) within seven years shall be required, under RCW 46.20.720, to install an ignition interlock device on all vehicles operated by the person if the conviction is the result of a charge that was originally filed as a violation of RCW 46.61.502, 46.61.504, or an equivalent local ordinance." RCW 46.61.500(3)(b) also requires an ignition interlock, without any prior offense, when the reckless driving conviction is the result of a charge originally filed as vehicular homicide or vehicular assault committed while under the influence, and RCW 46.61.5249(4) applies the prior-offense interlock rule to negligent driving in the first degree.
• Day-for-day license credit. RCW 46.61.500(2)(b), quoted in the license section above, credits time already served under an administrative action from the same incident against the reckless driving suspension.

For DUI penalties, see Washington DUI laws.

Driving without a license in Washington

Washington separates driving with no valid license, driving without the license in hand, and driving while suspended or revoked.

No valid license (RCW 46.20.005). "Except as expressly exempted by this chapter, it is a misdemeanor for a person to drive any motor vehicle upon a highway in this state without a valid driver's license issued to Washington residents under this chapter." The section also provides that it "does not apply if at the time of the stop the person is not in violation of RCW 46.20.342(1) or 46.20.420 and has in his or her possession an expired driver's license or other valid identifying documentation under RCW 46.20.035."

License not in possession (RCW 46.20.017). Every licensee must have the license "in his or her immediate possession at all times when operating a motor vehicle" and display it on demand to a police officer. "The offense described in this section is a nonmoving offense." Because RCW 46.20.017 does not declare it a crime, it is a traffic infraction under RCW 46.64.050, and RCW 46.63.110(1)(a) provides that "No penalty may exceed $250 for each offense unless authorized by this chapter or title."

Driving while license suspended or revoked (RCW 46.20.342). The offense has three degrees:

• First degree is "a gross misdemeanor." It applies to a driver revoked as a habitual offender. "Upon the first such conviction, the person shall be punished by imprisonment for not less than 10 days. Upon the second conviction, the person shall be punished by imprisonment for not less than 90 days. Upon the third or subsequent conviction, the person shall be punished by imprisonment for not less than 180 days." If the person is also convicted of DUI or physical control (RCW 46.61.502 or 46.61.504) from the same event, the minimum is not less than 90 days, and "The minimum sentence of confinement required shall not be suspended or deferred."
• Second degree is "a gross misdemeanor." It applies when the license is suspended or revoked for listed reasons, including "A conviction of RCW 46.61.500, relating to reckless driving," and the person is not yet eligible to reinstate.
• Third degree is "a misdemeanor" and covers suspensions or revocations resting solely on the lesser grounds the statute lists.

Under RCW 46.55.113(1), when a driver is arrested for driving while suspended or revoked, the vehicle is subject to summary impoundment, and RCW 46.55.113(2)(h) allows an officer to impound a vehicle driven without a valid license. Under RCW 46.20.342(2), a first-degree conviction extends the habitual offender revocation by one year and a second-degree conviction delays a new license for an additional year, unless the court recommends against the extension and the person has obtained a valid driver's license.

Attempting to elude police in Washington

Fleeing police becomes a felony when it is done recklessly. Under RCW 46.61.024(1), "Any driver of a motor vehicle who willfully fails or refuses to immediately bring his or her vehicle to a stop and who drives his or her vehicle in a reckless manner while attempting to elude a pursuing police vehicle, after being given a visual or audible signal to bring the vehicle to a stop, shall be guilty of a class C felony." Both parts are required: a willful failure to stop and driving in a reckless manner while eluding. RCW 46.61.024(3) provides that the license "shall be revoked by the department of licensing."

Washington reckless driving and related offenses: penalty table

RCW 9A.20.021 sets the maximum sentences for Washington's crime classes: for a class C felony, "confinement in a state correctional institution for five years, or by a fine in an amount fixed by the court of ten thousand dollars"; for a gross misdemeanor defined in Title 9A, up to 364 days, a fine of up to $5,000, or both; and for a misdemeanor defined in Title 9A, not more than 90 days, a fine of up to $1,000, or both. By its words, the gross misdemeanor and misdemeanor clauses cover crimes "defined in Title 9A RCW." Reckless driving states its own range in RCW 46.61.500(1), and the two worker-endangerment offenses are expressly "punishable under chapter 9A.20 RCW"; for the other Title 46 crimes whose sections give only a class, RCW 9.92.020 sets the gross misdemeanor maximum (up to 364 days, a fine of up to $5,000, or both) and RCW 9.92.030 the misdemeanor maximum (up to 90 days, a fine of up to $1,000, or both), each applying where no other punishment is prescribed. For the full class table, see Washington felony and misdemeanor classes.

Vehicular homicide and vehicular assault in Washington

When reckless driving kills or seriously injures someone, the Washington offenses are vehicular homicide (RCW 46.61.520) or vehicular assault (RCW 46.61.522, which reaches a person who drives "In a reckless manner and causes substantial bodily harm to another"); see Washington manslaughter laws.

Recent and upcoming changes to Washington reckless driving law

• 2023 racing amendments. Laws of 2023, chapter 283, effective January 1, 2024, amended the racing section (RCW 46.61.530) and added the off-street facility definition in RCW 46.04.367, which applies the racing law to parking and commercial lots used for illegal racing without the owner's express permission.
• 2023 vulnerable-user offense. Laws of 2023, chapter 471, effective January 1, 2025, created negligent driving with a vulnerable user victim in the first degree (RCW 46.61.5259).
• 2025 repeat-infraction rule. Laws of 2025, chapter 175, effective April 1, 2026, amended RCW 46.20.2892, the 60-day suspension and probation rule for repeat moving-violation infractions.
• January 1, 2029: speed-assistance probation (not yet in effect). Laws of 2025, chapter 228 provides: "This act takes effect January 1, 2029." It replaces the text of RCW 46.61.500 from that date. Under the new version, "Following the period of suspension under subsection (2) of this section, the department must establish a period of probation for 150 days. During the period of probation, the person may not operate a vehicle upon which a properly functioning intelligent speed assistance device has not been installed." Until January 1, 2029, the current text described on this page governs.

Related Washington laws

• Reckless driving laws by state
• Washington DUI laws
• Washington manslaughter laws
• Washington felony and misdemeanor classes
• Washington expungement laws
• Oregon reckless driving laws

This article is general legal information about Washington law, not legal advice. For a specific situation, contact a lawyer licensed in Washington, or the Washington Department of Licensing for driver's license questions.

Last updated: 2026-10-25.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is reckless driving a misdemeanor in Washington?

Yes, a gross misdemeanor. RCW 46.61.500(1) makes it punishable by up to 364 days in jail and a fine of up to $5,000, and the Department of Licensing must suspend the license for at least 30 days.

What is reckless driving in Washington?

Driving any vehicle in willful or wanton disregard for the safety of persons or property (RCW 46.61.500(1)). Under RCW 46.61.005 the offense applies on highways and elsewhere throughout the state.

How fast is reckless driving in Washington?

RCW 46.61.500 names no speed. Driving over the maximum lawful speed is prima facie evidence of reckless operation under RCW 46.61.465.

How many points is reckless driving in Washington?

None. Washington's driver licensing statutes do not assign points to it. Instead, a reckless driving conviction carries a mandatory suspension of at least 30 days, and a third conviction within two years carries a one-year revocation (RCW 46.20.285).

Does reckless driving suspend your license in Washington?

Yes. RCW 46.61.500(2)(a) requires the Department of Licensing to suspend the license of a person convicted of reckless driving for not less than 30 days, subject to a day-for-day credit when the charge was originally filed as DUI.

What is negligent driving in Washington?

Negligent driving in the second degree (RCW 46.61.525) is driving in a manner that is both negligent and endangers or is likely to endanger any person or property. It is a traffic infraction with a $250 penalty. The first degree form, which adds showing the effects of liquor, cannabis or a drug, is a misdemeanor (RCW 46.61.5249).

Does Washington have a wet reckless?

Yes, in a limited sense. A reckless driving conviction on a charge originally filed as DUI counts as a prior offense for later DUI sentencing (RCW 46.61.5055(14)(a)(xii)), and RCW 46.61.500(3) requires an ignition interlock in that situation when the person has a prior offense within seven years, or when the charge began as impaired vehicular homicide or vehicular assault.

Is street racing or drifting a crime in Washington?

Yes. RCW 46.61.530 makes racing, including drifting and exhibiting speed, maneuverability or power, reckless driving with the penalties of RCW 46.61.500. A person who knowingly aids and abets racing may be prosecuted as an accomplice.

Can reckless driving be a felony in Washington?

Reckless driving itself is a gross misdemeanor. Attempting to elude a pursuing police vehicle while driving in a reckless manner is a class C felony (RCW 46.61.024), and causing substantial bodily harm by driving in a reckless manner is vehicular assault (RCW 46.61.522).

What is the penalty for driving without a license in Washington?

Driving on a highway without a valid Washington license is a misdemeanor under RCW 46.20.005, with an exception for a person who is not suspended or revoked and has an expired license or other valid identifying documentation. Not having the license in immediate possession is a nonmoving traffic infraction (RCW 46.20.017 and 46.64.050) with a penalty of no more than $250 (RCW 46.63.110).