Is Splashing Someone With Your Car Illegal in Washington State?

Even the most polite people have been tempted. Until it happens to them, of course.

It doesn't rain in Yakima very often, but when it does there are some intersections that have pools of water that haven't drained yet.

That's when you get that perfect timing of a car driving by right when you're walking on the sidewalk with that pool of water in the street creating a tidal wave which is sure to ruin your day.

Sure, it's a jerk move, but going beyond that is it illegal?

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Is splashing someone with your car illegal in WA?

As it turns out, yes!

Although there's no state law or city rule that specifically says 'one may not giveth a tsunami to a pedestrian' or anything like that, there's still cause for a police citation.

One could rule it as failure to use reasonable care when driving as you shouldn't be speeding through puddles like that. Not only is it unsafe but it can also ruin your car with water splashing underneath.

There is also a Washington State legislature saying cars in Washington State need a way to reduce water from spraying as it is like mud flaps and fenders. Though not about spraying people, but in the same neighborhood.

So, in the books, is it listed as something illegal to do? No, it doesn't seem to be.

But if you're the splasher you could get a ticket for negligent driving or even go to court for a civil liability to the person that you splashed.

Don't do it.