Full text of Washington Revised Code of Washington § 46.37.120 — Visibility of reflectors, clearance lamps, identification lamps, and side marker lamps., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 46.37.120. Visibility of reflectors, clearance lamps, identification lamps, and side marker lamps.
(1) Every reflector upon any vehicle referred to in RCW
46.37.090 shall be of such size and characteristics and so maintained as to be readily visible at nighttime from all distances within six hundred feet to one hundred feet from the vehicle when directly in front of lawful lower beams of head lamps, except that the visibility for reflectors on vehicles manufactured or assembled prior to January 1, 1970, shall be measured in front of the lawful upper beams of headlamps. Reflectors required to be mounted on the sides of the vehicle shall reflect the required color of light to the sides, and those mounted on the rear shall reflect a red color to the rear.
(2) Front and rear clearance lamps and identification lamps shall be capable of being seen and distinguished under normal atmospheric conditions at the times lights are required at all distances between five hundred feet and fifty feet from the front and rear, respectively, of the vehicle.
(3) Side marker lamps shall be capable of being seen and distinguished under normal atmospheric conditions at the times lights are required at all distances between five hundred feet and fifty feet from the side of the vehicle on which mounted.
[
1977 ex.s. c 355 s 11;
1963 c 154 s 8;
1961 c 12 s 46.37.120. Prior:
1955 c 269 s 12; prior: 1947 c 267 s 3, part; 1937 c 189 s 17, part; Rem. Supp. 1947 s 6360-17, part; RCW
46.40.040, part; 1933 c 156 ss 5, part, 6, part; 1929 c 178 ss 7, part, 8, part; 1927 c 309 ss 27, part, 28, part; RRS ss 6362-27, part, 6362-28, part; 1921 c 96 s 22, part; 1919 c 59 s 10, part; 1917 c 155 s 15, part.]
Notes
Severability—1977 ex.s. c 355: See note following RCW
46.37.010.
Effective date—1969 ex.s. c 281: "This 1969 amendatory act is necessary for the immediate preservation of the public peace, health and safety, the support of the state government and its existing public institutions, and except for sections 32 and 54 of this 1969 amendatory act shall take effect immediately. Sections 32 and 54 of this 1969 amendatory act shall take effect January 1, 1970." [
1969 ex.s. c 281 s 63.]
Effective date—1963 c 154: See note following RCW
46.37.010.
Source: official Washington text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About Washington § 46.37.120
What does Revised Code of Washington § 46.37.120 cover?
Section 46.37.120 ("Visibility of reflectors, clearance lamps, identification lamps, and side marker lamps.") 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 § 46.37.120?
A common citation format is "Revised Code of Washington § 46.37.120" (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 § 46.37.120 apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Washington can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.
Sources & Verification
Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Washington.
