Full text of Washington Revised Code of Washington § 46.37.380 — Horns, warning devices, and theft alarms., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 46.37.380. Horns, warning devices, and theft alarms.
(1) Every motor vehicle when operated upon a highway shall be equipped with a horn in good working order and capable of emitting sound audible under normal conditions from a distance of not less than 200 feet, but no horn or other warning device may emit an unreasonably loud or harsh sound or a whistle. The driver of a motor vehicle shall when reasonably necessary to insure safe operation give audible warning with his or her horn but shall not otherwise use such horn when upon a highway.
(2) No vehicle may be equipped with nor may any person use upon a vehicle any siren, whistle, or bell, except as otherwise permitted in this section.
(3) It is permissible for any vehicle to be equipped with a theft alarm signal device so long as it is so arranged that it cannot be used by the driver as an ordinary warning signal. Such a theft alarm signal device may use a whistle, bell, horn, or other audible signal but shall not use a siren.
(4) Any authorized emergency vehicle may be equipped with a siren, whistle, or bell capable of emitting sound audible under normal conditions from a distance of not less than 500 feet and of a type conforming to rules adopted by the state patrol, but the siren shall not be used except when the vehicle is operated in response to an emergency call or in the immediate pursuit of an actual or suspected violator of the law, in which latter events the driver of the vehicle shall sound the siren when reasonably necessary to warn pedestrians and other drivers of its approach.
(5) Any organ transport vehicle may be equipped with a siren, whistle, or bell capable of emitting sound audible under normal conditions from a distance of not less than 500 feet and of a type conforming to rules adopted by the state patrol, but the siren shall not be used except when the vehicle is transporting a time urgent organ as defined in RCW
68.64.010, in which case the driver of the vehicle shall sound the siren when reasonably necessary to warn pedestrians and other drivers of its approach.
Notes
Construction—Application of rules—Severability—1987 c 330: See notes following RCW
28B.12.050.
Severability—1977 ex.s. c 355: See note following RCW
46.37.010.
Motorcycles and motor-driven cycles
—Additional requirements and limitations: RCW
46.37.539.
Source: official Washington text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About Washington § 46.37.380
What does Revised Code of Washington § 46.37.380 cover?
Section 46.37.380 ("Horns, warning devices, and theft alarms.") 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 § 46.37.380?
A common citation format is "Revised Code of Washington § 46.37.380" (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 § 46.37.380 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.
