Is Topping Off Your Gas Illegal in Washington State?

Is Topping Off Your Gas Tank Illegal In Washington State?

My wife and I got into a fascinating discussion on our trip to Oregon over the weekend. Do you realize that it's illegal to top off your gas tank in Oregon? 

A law passed in 2009 in Oregon so that got me thinking if the same was true in Washington because I didn't know the answer.

What Does Washington State Law Say About Topping Off Your Gas Tank

With gas prices always fluctuating, it's no wonder that many people try to save a few bucks by topping off their tanks when they're low on fuel.

But did you know that this could actually be against the law?

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In the state of Washington, it is illegal to refuel your vehicle while the engine is running.

According to the Revised Code of Washington (RCW) 46.62.115, "No person shall open the filling port cover of a motor vehicle fuel tank or pour gasoline into the tank of a motor vehicle at any self-service station while the engine of such vehicle is running."

You Could Face A $136 Fine For Topping Off Your Gas Tank In Washington State

Topping off your tank can actually damage your car's fuel system by causing overflow and spillage. When this happens, gasoline can seep into your car's evaporative control system, which is designed to keep fuel vapors from escaping into the atmosphere.

Topping off your tank may seem harmless to save a few bucks, but it's illegal in Washington state. A law was passed in 2020 and it'll cost you $136 if caught topping off your gas and causing a spill.

It does make me wonder how police can patrol such a thing but I'm sure if they wanted to, they would find a way to ticket you. It's in your best interest to simply not do it. I've never seen any in Washington State get a ticket for topping off but it's possible according to the law.