No specific law bans cursing while driving in Washington state or Washington, D.C.—such claims appear to be exaggerated urban legends about disorderly conduct or reckless driving statutes. These jurisdictions prioritize traffic safety through DUI reforms and licensing rules, not profanity policing.
Road Rage Rules
Washington state’s 2026 DUI updates focus on a 15-year lookback for repeat offenders, ignition interlocks, and felony escalations rather than speech. Yelling obscenities could indirectly factor into aggressive driving charges under general reckless operation laws (RCW 46.61.500), but no standalone cursing ban exists.
D.C. Context
Washington, D.C., enforces strict traffic codes, yet no records show targeted profanity prohibitions for drivers. Enforcement emphasizes impaired driving and licensing compliance over verbal outbursts.
SOURCES
[1](https://www.dui.org/resources-and-articles/washington-state-dui-laws-2026/)
[2](https://www.duiheroes.com/blogs/2026/january/washington-dui-laws-just-changed-for-2026-here-s/)
[3](https://app.leg.wa.gov/rcw/default.aspx?cite=46.20&full=true)
[4](https://gowmst.com/washingtons-2026-driving-trends-what-to-expect-in-the-year-ahead/)
[5](https://www.youtube.com/shorts/xhpu14n5OmY)
