# RCW 46.20.025: RCW 46.20.025: Exemptions

> Washington · Statutes · In force

URL: https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_WA_T46_C20_S025

## Section

- **Citation:** RCW 46.20.025
- **Heading:** RCW 46.20.025: Exemptions
- **Jurisdiction:** Washington
- **Kind:** Statutes
- **Status:** In force
- **Text as of:** August 14, 2026
- **Source:** Compiled text
- **Location:** Washington Code / Title 46 / Chapter 20 / Section 025

## Text

The following persons may operate a motor vehicle on a Washington highway without a valid Washington driver's license: (1) A member of the United States Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, or Coast Guard, or in the service of the National Guard of this state or any other state, if licensed by the military to operate an official motor vehicle in such service; (2) A nonresident driver who is at least: (a) Sixteen years of age and has immediate possession of a valid driver's license issued to the driver by his or her home state; or (b) Fifteen years of age with: (i) A valid instruction permit issued to the driver by his or her home state; and (ii) A licensed driver who has had at least five years of driving experience occupying a seat beside the driver; or (c) Sixteen years of age and has immediate possession of a valid driver's license issued to the driver by his or her home country. A nonresident driver may operate a motor vehicle in this state under this subsection (2)(c) for up to one year; (3) Any person operating special highway construction equipment as defined in RCW 46.04.551 ; (4) Any person while driving or operating any farm tractor or implement of husbandry that is only incidentally operated or moved over a highway; or (5) An operator of a locomotive upon rails, including a railroad crossing over a public highway. A locomotive operator is not required to display a driver's license to any law enforcement officer in connection with the operation of a locomotive or train within this state.

## Nearby sections

- [RCW 14.20.100 RCW 14.20.100: Appeal from secretary's order.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_WA_T46_C20_S100.md)
- [RCW 46.20.001 RCW 46.20.001: License required—Rights and restriction.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_WA_T46_C20_S001.md)
- [RCW 46.20.005 RCW 46.20.005: Driving without a license—Misdemeanor, when.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_WA_T46_C20_S005.md)
- [RCW 46.20.015 RCW 46.20.015: Driving without a license—Traffic infraction, when.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_WA_T46_C20_S015.md)
- [RCW 46.20.017 RCW 46.20.017: Immediate possession and displayed on demand.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_WA_T46_C20_S017.md)
- [RCW 46.20.021 RCW 46.20.021: New residents.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_WA_T46_C20_S021.md)
- [RCW 46.20.022 RCW 46.20.022: Unlicensed drivers—Subject to Title 46 RCW.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_WA_T46_C20_S022.md)
- [RCW 46.20.024 RCW 46.20.024: Unlawful to allow unauthorized minors to drive.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_WA_T46_C20_S024.md)
- [RCW 46.20.025 RCW 46.20.025: Exemptions.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_WA_T46_C20_S025.md)
- [RCW 46.20.027 RCW 46.20.027: Armed forces, dependents.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_WA_T46_C20_S027.md)
- [RCW 46.20.031 RCW 46.20.031: Ineligibility.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_WA_T46_C20_S031.md)
- [RCW 46.20.035 RCW 46.20.035: Proof of identity.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_WA_T46_C20_S035.md)
- [RCW 46.20.036 RCW 46.20.036: Other forms of identification, use—Department to develop in consultation with the department of children, youth, and families, office of the superintendent of public instruction, and office of homeless youth prevention and protection programs.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_WA_T46_C20_S036.md)
- [RCW 46.20.037 RCW 46.20.037: Facial recognition matching system.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_WA_T46_C20_S037.md)

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Source: Frix Law Library, https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_WA_T46_C20_S025. Check the current official text before relying on it. Not legal advice.