Washington § 46.61.020 - Refusal to give information to or cooperate with officer — Penalty.

Full text of Washington Revised Code of Washington § 46.61.020 — Refusal to give information to or cooperate with officer — Penalty., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.

§ 46.61.020. Refusal to give information to or cooperate with officer — Penalty.

(1) It is unlawful for any person while operating or in charge of any vehicle to refuse when requested by a police officer to give his or her name and address and the name and address of the owner of such vehicle, or for such person to give a false name and address, and it is likewise unlawful for any such person to refuse or neglect to stop when signaled to stop by any police officer or to refuse upon demand of such police officer to produce his or her certificate of license registration of such vehicle, his or her insurance identification card, or his or her vehicle driver's license or to refuse to permit such officer to take any such license, card, or certificate for the purpose of examination thereof or to refuse to permit the examination of any equipment of such vehicle or the weighing of such vehicle or to refuse or neglect to produce the certificate of license registration of such vehicle, insurance card, or his or her vehicle driver's license when requested by any court. Any police officer shall on request produce evidence of his or her authorization as such.
(2) A violation of this section is a misdemeanor.
[ 2003 c 53 s 245; 1995 c 50 s 2; 1989 c 353 s 6; 1967 c 32 s 65; 1961 c 12 s 46.56.190. Prior: 1937 c 189 s 126; RRS s 6360-126; 1927 c 309 s 38; RRS s 6362-38. Formerly RCW 46.56.190.]

Notes

Rules of court: Bail in criminal traffic offense cases—Mandatory appearance—CrRLJ 3.2.
Intent—Effective date—2003 c 53: See notes following RCW 2.48.180.
Effective date—1989 c 353: See RCW 46.30.901.

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

Frequently Asked Questions About Washington § 46.61.020

What does Revised Code of Washington § 46.61.020 cover?

Section 46.61.020 ("Refusal to give information to or cooperate with officer — Penalty.") 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 § 46.61.020?

A common citation format is "Revised Code of Washington § 46.61.020" (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 § 46.61.020 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

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