Washington § 46.09.490 - General penalty — Civil liability.

Full text of Washington Revised Code of Washington § 46.09.490 — General penalty — Civil liability., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.

§ 46.09.490. General penalty — Civil liability.

(1) Except as provided in RCW 46.09.470(2) and 46.09.480 as now or hereafter amended, violation of the provisions of this chapter is a traffic infraction for which a penalty of not less than twenty-five dollars may be imposed.
(2) In addition to the penalties provided in subsection (1) of this section, the owner and/or the operator of any nonhighway vehicle shall be liable for any damage to property including damage to trees, shrubs, or growing crops injured as the result of travel by the nonhighway vehicle. The owner of such property may recover from the person responsible three times the amount of damage.
[ 2011 c 171 s 29; 1979 ex.s. c 136 s 42; 1977 ex.s. c 220 s 16; 1972 ex.s. c 153 s 16; 1971 ex.s. c 47 s 24. Formerly RCW 46.09.190.]

Notes

Rules of court: Monetary penalty schedule—IRLJ 6.2.
Intent—Effective date—2011 c 171: See notes following RCW 4.24.210.
Effective date—Severability—1979 ex.s. c 136: See notes following RCW 46.63.010.
Purpose—1972 ex.s. c 153: See RCW 79A.35.070.

Source: official Washington text · Last verified 2026-08-27

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Frequently Asked Questions About Washington § 46.09.490

What does Revised Code of Washington § 46.09.490 cover?

Section 46.09.490 ("General penalty — Civil liability.") is part of the Revised Code of Washington, the codified statutory law of Washington. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.

How do I cite Washington § 46.09.490?

A common citation format is "Revised Code of Washington § 46.09.490" (Washington). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.

Is this the official text of Washington law?

No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Washington official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Washington attorney.

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Sources & Verification

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