WAC/RCW – difference between RCW and WAC

WAC: WAC stands for Washington Administrative Code – Regulations of executive branch agencies are issued by authority of statutes. Like legislation and the Constitution, regulations are a source of primary law in Washington State. The WAC codifies the regulations and arranges them by subject or agency.

RCW: RCW stands for the Revised Code of Washington. The RCW is the compilation of all permanent laws now in force in Washington State.

WAC Examples:

WAC 204-24-050 = Use of tire chains or other traction devices.

WAC 204-24-040 = Traction devices. Chains, Studs, etc.

RCW Examples:

RCW 46.61.100 = Keep right except to pass

RCW 9.46.210 = Enforcement/Commission as a law enforcement agency

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