Driving and Traveling

Laws
Cannabis

Driving under the influence
Never get behind the wheel if you have been using cannabis. It is illegal to drive under the influence of cannabis; and it is a safety risk. Using cannabis can cause drowsiness, slow reaction time, and other side effects that can impair your driving, making it dangerous for yourself and others.

Law enforcement often relies on roadside sobriety tests to determine impairment, and they can arrest drivers who appear to be under the influence of alcohol or other drugs – including cannabis. Their testimony, as well as the results of a blood test, are used in court.

A driver is guilty of driving under the influence if their blood level registers a THC concentration of five nanograms or higher within two hours of driving (RCW 46.61.502). However, you can be found guilty of DUI regardless of the blood test results.

Traveling out-of-state
It is illegal to take cannabis out of the state of Washington, even if you are traveling to a location that has legalized cannabis. That includes transporting it on a plane, train, boat, car or other mode of transportation when leaving Washington.

Cannabis in a vehicle (car, truck, van, motorcycle, etc.)

  • Cannabis in your vehicle must be kept in either the trunk, or, if the vehicle doesn’t have a trunk, in an area not occupied or accessible by the driver or passengers. The glove compartment is not an acceptable storage area.
  • Cannabis in your vehicle must be: in the original container in which it was bought, have an unbroken seal, and it may not be in any container that has been opened.
     

Out-of-state visitors

  • If you are visiting from another state and are 21 years of age or older, you may buy cannabis at a state-licensed retail store.
  • You must present a valid government-issued ID.
  • Use or dispose of your cannabis before leaving the state because it is against the law to take cannabis across state lines.
  • It is illegal to take cannabis on a commercial aircraft.
  • Cannabis cannot be consumed in public or on federal property, including national parks.
  • If you are staying at a hotel or other type of rental accommodation, inquire about cannabis use policies before your visit.