Washington § 46.12.655 - Release of owner from liability.

Full text of Washington Revised Code of Washington § 46.12.655 — Release of owner from liability., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.

§ 46.12.655. Release of owner from liability.

(1) An owner is relieved of civil or criminal liability for the operation of a vehicle by another person when the owner has:
(a) Made a bona fide sale or transfer of a vehicle;
(b) Delivered possession of the vehicle to the person acquiring ownership;
(c) Released interest in the vehicle and provided the certificate of title and registration certificate to the person acquiring ownership; and
(d) Filed a report of sale that meets all the requirements in RCW 46.12.650(2).
(2) A person acquiring a vehicle assumes civil or criminal liability for any traffic violation under this title, whether designated as a traffic infraction or classified as a criminal offense, that occurs after the date of sale or transfer of ownership based on the vehicle's identification including, but not limited to:
(a) Parking infractions;
(b) High occupancy toll lane violations; and
(c) Violations recorded by automated traffic safety cameras.
(3) A person shown as the buyer of a vehicle on an abandoned vehicle report submitted to the department by a registered tow truck operator assumes liability for the vehicle. Any previous owner is relieved of civil or criminal liability for the operation of the vehicle from the date of sale.
(4) A person who had no knowledge of the filing of the report of sale is relieved of civil or criminal liability for the operation of the vehicle. Liability is then transferred to the seller shown on the report of sale.
[ 2010 c 161 s 310; 2006 c 291 s 3; 2005 c 331 s 1; 2002 c 279 s 2; 1984 c 39 s 2. Formerly RCW 46.12.102.]

Notes

Effective date—Intent—Legislation to reconcile chapter 161, Laws of 2010 and other amendments made during the 2010 legislative session—2010 c 161: See notes following RCW 46.04.013.

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

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Frequently Asked Questions About Washington § 46.12.655

What does Revised Code of Washington § 46.12.655 cover?

Section 46.12.655 ("Release of owner from 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 § 46.12.655?

A common citation format is "Revised Code of Washington § 46.12.655" (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.

How does Washington § 46.12.655 apply to my situation?

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Sources & Verification

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