Washington legal term
Operate in Washington Criminal Law
Current through 2026 Washington legislative session
In Washington criminal law, “Operate” 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 “Operate” mean in Washington criminal law?
"Operate" includes but is not limited to the following: (i) Offering courses in person, by correspondence, or by electronic media at or to any Washington location for degree credit; (ii) Granting or offering to grant degrees in Washington; (iii) Maintaining or advertising a Washington location, mailing address, computer server, or telephone number, for any purpose, other than for contact with the institution's former students for any legitimate purpose related to the students having attended the institution. (RCW 9A.60.070)
Statutes defining or using this term
Charges using this term
- Dropping load, other materials
- Greyhound racing prohibited
- Intelligent speed assistance device
- Operation
- Operation under other license or permit while license suspended or revoked
- Circumventing ignition interlock
- Lowering passenger vehicle below legal clearance
- Medium-speed electric vehicles
- Neighborhood electric vehicles
- Notation on driving record
- Off-road motorcycles
- Special endorsement
Related terms in the same statutes
This reference is informational and is not legal advice.