Full text of Washington Revised Code of Washington § 46.37.440 — Flares or other warning devices required on certain vehicles., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 46.37.440. Flares or other warning devices required on certain vehicles.
(1) No person may operate any motor truck, passenger bus, truck tractor, motor home, or travel trailer over eighty inches in overall width upon any highway outside the corporate limits of municipalities at any time unless there is carried in such vehicle the following equipment except as provided in subsection (2) of this section:
(a) At least three flares or three red electric lanterns or three portable red emergency reflectors, each of which shall be capable of being seen and distinguished at a distance of not less than six hundred feet under normal atmospheric conditions at nighttime.
No flare, fusee, electric lantern, or cloth warning flag may be used for the purpose of compliance with this section unless such equipment is of a type which has been submitted to the state patrol and conforms to rules adopted by it. No portable reflector unit may be used for the purpose of compliance with the requirements of this section unless it is so designed and constructed as to be capable of reflecting red light clearly visible from all distances within six hundred feet to one hundred feet under normal atmospheric conditions at night when directly in front of lawful upper beams of head lamps, and unless it is of a type which has been submitted to the state patrol and conforms to rules adopted by it;
(b) At least three red-burning fusees unless red electric lanterns or red portable emergency reflectors are carried;
(c) At least two red-cloth flags, not less than twelve inches square, with standards to support such flags.
(2) No person may operate at the time and under conditions stated in subsection (1) of this section any motor vehicle used for the transportation of explosives, any cargo tank truck used for the transportation of flammable liquids or compressed gases or liquefied gases, or any motor vehicle using compressed gas as a fuel unless there is carried in such vehicle three red electric lanterns or three portable red emergency reflectors meeting the requirements of subsection (1) of this section, and there shall not be carried in any said vehicle any flares, fusees, or signal produced by flame.
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.
Source: official Washington text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About Washington § 46.37.440
What does Revised Code of Washington § 46.37.440 cover?
Section 46.37.440 ("Flares or other warning devices required on certain vehicles.") 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 § 46.37.440?
A common citation format is "Revised Code of Washington § 46.37.440" (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 § 46.37.440 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.
