Washington legal term
Driving in Washington Criminal Law
Current through 2026 Washington legislative session
In Washington criminal law, “Driving” is a term defined by statute rather than by its everyday meaning. Its statutory definition — quoted verbatim below — controls how the term is applied throughout the Washington criminal code.
What does “Driving” mean in Washington criminal law?
"Driving" means to operate a motor vehicle on a public highway, including while temporarily stationary because of traffic, a traffic control device, or other momentary delays. (RCW 46.61.672)
Statutes defining or using this term
Charges using this term
- Abstract of driving record
- Application
- Driver under twenty-one consuming alcohol or cannabis
- Earned release time
- Emergency or work zones
- Negligent driving
- Negligent driving with a vulnerable user victim
- Vehicular homicide
- Dangerously distracted driving
- Driving under the influence
- Driving while license invalidated
- Negligent driving
Related terms in the same statutes
This reference is informational and is not legal advice.