Washington § 46.61.745 - Possessing or consuming cannabis in vehicle on highway — Penalty, exceptions — Definition.

Full text of Washington Revised Code of Washington § 46.61.745 — Possessing or consuming cannabis in vehicle on highway — Penalty, exceptions — Definition., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.

§ 46.61.745. Possessing or consuming cannabis in vehicle on highway — Penalty, exceptions — Definition.

(1)(a) It is a traffic infraction:
(i) For the registered owner of a motor vehicle, or the driver if the registered owner is not then present, or passengers in the vehicle, to keep cannabis in a motor vehicle when the vehicle is upon a highway, unless it is (A) in the trunk of the vehicle, (B) in some other area of the vehicle not normally occupied or directly accessible by the driver or passengers if the vehicle does not have a trunk, or (C) in a package, container, or receptacle that has not been opened or the seal broken or contents partially removed. A utility compartment or glove compartment is deemed to be within the area occupied by the driver and passengers;
(ii) To consume cannabis in any manner including, but not limited to, smoking or ingesting in a motor vehicle when the vehicle is upon the public highway; or
(iii) To place cannabis in a container specifically labeled by the manufacturer of the container as containing a noncannabis substance and to then violate (a)(i) of this subsection.
(b) There is a rebuttable presumption that it is a traffic infraction if the original container of cannabis is incorrectly labeled and there is a subsequent violation of (a)(i) of this subsection.
(2) As used in this section, "cannabis" means all parts of the plant Cannabis, whether growing or not; the seeds thereof; the resin extracted from any part of the plant; and every compound, manufacture, salt, derivative, mixture, or preparation of the plant, its seeds, or resin. The term does not include the mature stalks of the plant, fiber produced from the stalks, oil or cake made from the seeds of the plant, any other compound, manufacture, salt, derivative, mixture, or preparation of the mature stalks, except the resin extracted therefrom, fiber, oil, or cake, or the sterilized seed of the plant which is incapable of germination.
[ 2022 c 16 s 45; 2015 2nd sp.s. c 3 s 8.]

Notes

Intent—Finding—2022 c 16: See note following RCW 69.50.101.
Finding—Intent—2015 2nd sp.s. c 3: See note following RCW 10.21.055.

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

Frequently Asked Questions About Washington § 46.61.745

What does Revised Code of Washington § 46.61.745 cover?

Section 46.61.745 ("Possessing or consuming cannabis in vehicle on highway — Penalty, exceptions — Definition.") 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.

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A common citation format is "Revised Code of Washington § 46.61.745" (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 § 46.61.745 apply to my situation?

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Sources & Verification

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