The article discusses the legal and recommended age guidelines for children operating lawn mowers in Washington State. While there is a legal restriction that individuals must be at least 16 years old to operate riding lawn mowers and other off-road vehicles, there is no specific law for push lawn mowers. However, it is generally accepted that children can use push mowers starting at age 12, provided they receive proper training. The article also references Washington State’s Labor & Industries department guidelines on youth employment and prohibited duties.
The author reflects on personal childhood experiences of mowing lawns at age 13, emphasizing the importance of work ethic despite the legal restrictions. Additional content in the article includes links to other Washington State laws and lists of unusual or commonly broken laws, providing broader context about state regulations.