If an impoundment arising from an alleged violation of RCW 46.61.502 or 46.61.504 is determined to be in violation of this chapter, then the police officer directing the impoundment and the government employing the officer are not liable for damages for loss of use of the vehicle if the officer had reasonable suspicion to believe that the driver of the vehicle was driving while under the influence of intoxicating liquor or any drug, or was in physical control of a vehicle while under the influence of intoxicating liquor or any drug.

NOTES:

Short title2011 c 167: See note following RCW 46.55.360.

Law enforcement liability immunityReasonable suspicion. (Effective January 1, 2024.)

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Terms Used In Washington Code 46.55.370

  • Damages: Money paid by defendants to successful plaintiffs in civil cases to compensate the plaintiffs for their injuries.
If an impoundment arising from an alleged violation of RCW 46.61.502 or 46.61.504, or illegal racing under RCW 46.61.500 or 46.61.530, or a comparable ordinance is determined to be in violation of this chapter, then the police officer directing the impoundment and the government employing the officer are not liable for damages for loss of use of the vehicle if the officer had reasonable suspicion to believe that the driver of the vehicle was driving the vehicle in violation of RCW 46.61.502 or 46.61.504, or conducting illegal racing in violation of RCW 46.61.500 or 46.61.530, or comparable municipal ordinance.

NOTES:

Effective date2023 c 283: See note following RCW 46.04.367.
Short title2011 c 167: See note following RCW 46.55.360.