Washington § 47.48.020 - Notice of closure or restriction — Emergency closure.

Full text of Washington Revised Code of Washington § 47.48.020 — Notice of closure or restriction — Emergency closure., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.

§ 47.48.020. Notice of closure or restriction — Emergency closure.

Before any state highway, county road, or city street is closed to, or the maximum speed limit thereon reduced for, all vehicles or any class of vehicles, a notice thereof including the effective date shall be published in one issue of a newspaper of general circulation in the county or city or town in which such state highway, county road, or city street or any portion thereof to be closed is located; and a like notice shall be posted on or prior to the date of publication of such notice in a conspicuous place at each end of the state highway, county road, or city street or portion thereof to be closed or restricted: PROVIDED, That no such state highway, county road, or city street or portion thereof may be closed sooner than three days after the publication and the posting of the notice herein provided for: PROVIDED, HOWEVER, That in cases of emergency or conditions in which the maximum time the closure will be in effect is twelve hours or less the proper officers may, without publication or delay, close state highways, county roads, and city streets temporarily by posting notices at each end of the closed portion thereof and at all intersecting state highways if the closing be of a portion of a state highway, at all intersecting state highways and county roads if the closing be a portion of a county road, and at all intersecting city streets if the closing be of a city street. In all emergency cases or conditions in which the maximum time the closure will be in effect is twelve hours or less, as herein provided, the orders of the proper authorities shall be immediately effective.
[ 1982 c 145 s 5; 1977 ex.s. c 216 s 2; 1961 c 13 s 47.48.020. Prior: 1937 c 53 s 66, part; RRS s 6400-66, part; prior: 1921 c 21 s 2, part; RRS s 6840, part. Formerly RCW 47.48.020 and 47.48.030.]

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

Frequently Asked Questions About Washington § 47.48.020

What does Revised Code of Washington § 47.48.020 cover?

Section 47.48.020 ("Notice of closure or restriction — Emergency closure.") 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 § 47.48.020?

A common citation format is "Revised Code of Washington § 47.48.020" (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 § 47.48.020 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

Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Washington.