Washington laws by category

Washington allows state-legal consumer fireworks only on set dates and hours (RCW 70.77.395), but cities and counties may limit or prohibit their sale, purchase, possession and use, so check the local rule before buying or lighting them. Exceptions may apply — read the full rule.

A Concealed Pistol License (CPL) is required to carry a concealed pistol, and you must be 21 or older. Exceptions may apply — read the full rule.

Washington is not a control state: Initiative 1183 privatized liquor retail in 2012, and the Washington State Liquor and Cannabis Board licenses private stores. Exceptions may apply — read the full rule.

Radar detectors are legal in private passenger vehicles in Washington — the state's vehicle equipment and rules-of-the-road laws (RCW 46.37 and 46.61) contain no ban on them. Federal law bans using or having one in a commercial motor vehicle (49 CFR 392.71).

In Washington, on lands under DNR fire protection outdoor fire is prohibited year-round unless you follow DNR's rules or hold a written DNR burn permit (WAC 332-24-201). Exceptions may apply — read the full rule.

In Washington, you need a freshwater fishing license from age 16 (anglers 15 and younger fish license-free, though catch record cards are still required for certain species). Licenses are issued by the Washington Dept. of Fish & Wildlife (WDFW).

Washington's state retail sales tax is 6.5% of the selling price (RCW 82.08.020(1)). Exceptions may apply — read the full rule.

Recreational cannabis is legal in Washington for adults 21 and older (Initiative 502). It is regulated by the Washington State Liquor and Cannabis Board.

In Washington, anyone hunting bear, bobcat, cougar, coyote, deer, elk, fox, grouse, hare, rabbit, raccoon or turkey in an area open to a modern firearm deer or elk season must wear fluorescent hunter orange and/or pink. Exceptions may apply — read the full rule.

Washington sports betting is legal only at tribal casinos, in person — no statewide online/mobile. Bettors must be on tribal casino property. Age varies (commonly 21). Regulated by the WA State Gambling Commission.

A Washington Boater Education Card is required to operate a boat with a 15-hp or greater motor for anyone born after Jan 1, 1955 (age 12+).

Washington still bans spring-blade knives (switchblades, gravity and OTF knives): making, selling or possessing one is a gross misdemeanor (RCW 9.41.250).

Washington has no drone-specific privacy statute; the general voyeurism law (RCW 9A.44.115) can reach a drone used to secretly view/photograph a person where they expect privacy.