When You Must Identify
RCW 46.61.021 — the duty to identify in Washington is written for traffic infractions
In Washington, the statute that creates a duty to identify is written for traffic infractions: a person asked to identify themselves while an officer investigates a traffic infraction has a duty to give their name and current address.
| The conduct | The offense |
|---|---|
| The conductKnowingly making a false or misleading material statement to a public servant | The offenseGross misdemeanor |
| The conductWillfully hindering, delaying or obstructing a law enforcement officer in the discharge of official duties | The offenseGross misdemeanor |
Sources for this section (3)
- RCW 46.61.021 — Duty to obey law enforcement officer; authority of officer
- RCW 9A.76.175 — Making a false or misleading statement to a public servant
- RCW 9A.76.020 — Obstructing a law enforcement officer
Legal information, not legal advice. Verified as of September 2026. Applying it to a particular situation is the work of a licensed Washington attorney.