Washington State Drinking Laws

RCW 46.61.502 Prohibits driving while under the influence of an intoxicating liquor, cannabis or any drug.

RCW 46.61.503 Details penalties for persons under 21 years of age driving after consuming alcohol or cannabis.

RCW 46.61.504 Prohibits physical control of a motor vehicle while under the influence of intoxicating liquor or any drug.

RCW 66.44.100 Prohibits opening or consuming liquor in a public place.

RCW 66.44.270 Prohibits the sale or supply of liquor to a minor and prohibits anyone from permitting a minor to consume liquor on premises under that person's control. Prohibits minors from possessing, consuming, or otherwise acquiring any liquor. A person under the age of 21 acting in good faith who seeks medical assistance for someone experiencing alcohol poisoning shall not be charged or prosecuted if the evidence for the charge was obtained as a result of the person seeking medical assistance. Persons under the age of 21 who experience alcohol poisoning and need medical assistance shall not be charged or prosecuted if the evidence for the charge was obtained as a result of the poisoning and need for medical assistance.

RCW 66.44.290 Prohibits anyone under age 21 from purchasing or attempting to purchase liquor.

RCW 66.44.310 Prohibits using a false identification card or misrepresenting a person’s age for the purposes of purchasing liquor or entering or remaining in any areas off limits to persons under 21.

RCW 66.44.325 Prohibits the supply of false ID cards to persons under 21 to permit them to purchase alcoholic beverages.

RCW 66.44.328 Prohibits the manufacture and supply of false ID cards to a person under 21.

The laws in effect and hyperlinks on this page are accurate as of July 12, 2023.