{"id":377053,"date":"2018-06-11T15:50:24","date_gmt":"2018-06-11T20:50:24","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/content.findlaw-admin.com\/ability-law\/state\/washington-law\/washington-auto-theft-laws-1.html"},"modified":"2026-05-12T16:18:07","modified_gmt":"2026-05-12T21:18:07","slug":"washington-auto-theft-laws-1","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/state\/washington-law\/washington-auto-theft-laws-1.html","title":{"rendered":"Washington Auto Theft Laws"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
\n

Washington Auto Theft Laws <\/h1>\n\n
\n
\n By Olivia Wathne, J.D.<\/a> | Legally reviewed by Laura Temme, Esq.<\/a>\n | Last reviewed\n
\n \n <\/i>\n Legally Reviewed\n <\/summary>\n\n
\n

This article has been written and reviewed for legal accuracy, clarity, and style by FindLaw\u2019s team of legal writers and attorneys<\/a> and in accordance with our editorial standards<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n\n

\n \n <\/i>\n Fact-Checked\n <\/summary>\n\n
\n

The last updated date refers to the last time this article was reviewed by FindLaw or one of our contributing authors<\/a>. We make every effort to keep our articles updated. For information regarding a specific legal issue affecting you, please contact an attorney in your area<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n<\/section>\n\n\n

\n

Washington<\/span> auto <\/span>theft<\/span> laws<\/span> criminalize the unauthorized taking or possession of motor vehicles, with most offenses charged as felonies regardless of vehicle value. The state must prove elements like lack of permission, intent to deprive the owner, or knowledge that a vehicle was<\/span> stolen. Penalties include up to 10 years in prison and $20,000 in fines for class B felonies<\/span>, with sentences varying based on the specific charge and criminal history.<\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n\n\n\n

Cars continue to make tempting targets for thieves. Auto theft<\/span> remains a major issue across the state of <\/span>Washington<\/span><\/u><\/a>, particularly in Seattle<\/span> and King County<\/span>,<\/u><\/a> where car thefts<\/span> continue to draw attention from law enforcement<\/span>. Under Washington<\/span> law<\/span>, most forms of motor vehicle theft<\/span> are charged as felonies, regardless of the vehicle’s value.<\/p>\n

If you are facing criminal charges<\/span> involving a stolen vehicle<\/span>, understanding how these laws work and what prosecutors must prove is critical. Read on to learn more about Washington<\/span>\u2019s auto <\/span>theft<\/span> laws<\/span>.<\/p>\n

Important Definitions To Know<\/strong><\/h2>\n

When discussing auto theft<\/span> in Washington<\/span>, a few legal terms will often pop up. Knowing what they mean can make understanding what the laws do easier.<\/p>\n