Washington legal term
Serious traffic offense in Washington Criminal Law
Current through 2026 Washington legislative session
In Washington criminal law, “Serious traffic offense” 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 “Serious traffic offense” mean in Washington criminal law?
"Serious traffic offense" means: (a)(i) Nonfelony driving while under the influence of intoxicating liquor or any drug (RCW 46.61.502); (ii) Nonfelony actual physical control while under the influence of intoxicating liquor or any drug (RCW 46.61.504); (iii) Reckless driving (RCW 46.61.500); (iv) Negligent driving 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 while under the influence of intoxicating liquor or any drug (RCW 46.61.5249); (v) Reckless endangerm (RCW 9.94A.030)
Statutes defining or using this term
Charges using this term
Related terms in the same statutes
This reference is informational and is not legal advice.