Washington statute
RCW 46.61.685 — Leaving children unattended in standing vehicle with motor running—Penalty
Current through 2026 Regular Session
Part of Chapter 46.61: Rules Of The Road, Revised Code of Washington.
Criminal charges under this statute
Full text of RCW 46.61.685
Statutory text current through the 2026 Regular Session. This publication reproduces the official text of the Revised Code of Washington from the Code Reviser's published files; it is not the official statutes of the State of Washington.
(1) It is unlawful for any person, while operating or in charge of a vehicle, to park or willfully allow such vehicle to stand upon a public highway or in a public place with its motor running, leaving a minor child or children under the age of sixteen years unattended in the vehicle.
(2) Any person violating this section is guilty of a misdemeanor. Upon a second or subsequent conviction for a violation of this section, the department shall revoke the operator's license of such person.
Official sources
Legal terms used in this section
Questions this section answers
Is leaving children unattended in standing vehicle with motor running a felony or a misdemeanor in Washington?
Leaving children unattended in standing vehicle with motor running is a Misdemeanor in Washington under RCW 46.61.685.
Which Washington statute covers leaving children unattended in standing vehicle with motor running?
Leaving children unattended in standing vehicle with motor running is governed by RCW 46.61.685 (Leaving children unattended in standing vehicle with motor running—Penalty).
This reference is informational and is not legal advice.