Index
Washington Police Pursuit Law (Init. 2113)
Summary
After severely restricting police chases in 2021, Washington voters passed Initiative 2113 in 2024 to restore the ability of police officers to engage in high-speed vehicular pursuits under broader circumstances.
Rights & Rules
- 01.Police can engage in a high-speed chase if they have a 'reasonable suspicion' that a person has violated the law.
- 02.This is a massive change from the 2021 law, which required police to have 'probable cause' (a much higher legal standard) and only allowed chases for specific violent crimes or DUIs.
- 03.Officers must still weigh the safety risks of the chase against the risk of letting the suspect go.
- 04.The pursuing officer must notify their supervisor, who has the authority to call off the chase at any time.
Penalties
- 01.Fleeing from the police in a vehicle (eluding) is a Class C felony in Washington, which can be elevated to a Class B felony if the driver creates a substantial risk of death or serious injury to others.
Verified Citations
Washington Initiative 2113 (Amending RCW 10.116.060)
Source"A peace officer may not engage in a vehicular pursuit, unless... There is reasonable suspicion a person has violated the law... and The person poses a threat to the safety of others and the safety risks of failing to apprehend or identify the person are considered to be greater than the safety risks of the vehicular pursuit..."