So that you’ve bought your first driver’s license in Washington – congratulations! Whether or not you’re an adolescent or an grownup, driving within the Evergreen State comes with its personal algorithm, suggestions, and some surprises. On this pleasant information, we’ll share 10 enjoyable and informative info that will help you navigate Washington’s roads with confidence. From quirky state legal guidelines to good automotive care suggestions, we’ve bought you lined. Let’s hit the street!
1. Put the Telephone Down – Washington’s “E-DUI” Legislation
Washington is severe about distracted driving. Actually, utilizing a handheld cellphone whereas driving is handled like driving below the affect – it’s nicknamed the DUI-E (Driving Beneath the Affect of Electronics) regulation. This implies you can’t textual content, scroll social media, or maintain your cellphone in any respect when behind the wheel – even at stoplights. For those who’re caught, the ticket is about $136 for a primary offense, and goes as much as round $234 for repeat offenses. Officers can pull you over only for cellphone use (it’s a major offense). Backside line: save the texting for later and preserve your eyes on the street. Your Snapchat can wait!
2. Carpool Lanes: Buddies or Fines
Don’t do this at house: Some drivers have tried utilizing life-size dummies to cheat HOV lane guidelines, which can lead to further fines! Washington’s highways have HOV (Excessive Occupancy Automobile) lanes – marked with a diamond image – additionally referred to as carpool lanes. These lanes are reserved for autos with 2 or extra individuals (bikes depend too) throughout posted hours. Driving solo in a carpool lane can value you a hefty positive (round $186 for the primary ticket, and $336 for the second inside two years). And no, your model or inflatable dummy “passenger” doesn’t depend – utilizing a pretend passenger brings an additional $200 penalty on high of the positive. Additionally, keep in mind to not cross the double white strains; solely enter or exit a carpool lane at designated areas. Carpool lanes are nice for beating visitors with a buddy, however for those who’re alone, keep on with the common lanes to keep away from an costly lesson.
3. Wet Days? Wipers, Lights, and Hydroplaning
Western Washington is legendary for its rain, and moist roads might be tough for brand spanking new drivers. Ensure that your automotive is prepared for the rain: preserve your windshield wipers in fine condition (change them in the event that they streak) and switch in your headlights at any time when it’s raining exhausting or grey out, so others can see you. Good tire tread is a lifesaver on slick roads – attempt the “quarter take a look at”: insert 1 / 4 into your tire groove, Washington’s head first. For those who can see the highest of George Washington’s head, your tread is just too low and it’s time for brand spanking new tires. On moist highways, decelerate to keep away from hydroplaning – even new tires can begin to lose contact with the street at speeds as little as 35 mph on standing water. For those who really feel your automotive begin to hydroplane (slide on water), don’t slam the brakes; as a substitute, ease off the fuel and steer straight till you regain traction. Give further following distance in rain, as a result of stopping takes longer. With good wipers, brilliant lights, and cautious speeds, you’ll deal with Washington’s liquid sunshine like a professional.
4. Winter Prepared – Snow, Chains, and Studded Tires
Whereas the coast is wet, Washington’s mountains and jap areas get snow. For those who plan to drive over Snoqualmie Cross or different mountains in winter, be ready for traction guidelines. Once you see “chains required” indicators, it means you would possibly have to put tire chains in your wheels – sure, that is enforced by regulation! Actually, if situations get dangerous sufficient that “chains required on all autos” is posted, each automobile will need to have chains put in, even 4WD/AWD, otherwise you’ll have to show round. It’s good to hold a set of chains in your trunk throughout winter journeys. Additionally, know that studded snow tires (those with steel pins) are authorized solely from November 1 by means of March 31 in Washington. Utilizing studded tires exterior that interval may land you a positive of about $137. They prohibit studded tires as a result of they chew up the roads. As an alternative, many locals use all-season or winter tires with out studs. So, earlier than the snow falls, be sure you’ve bought the proper tires or chains prepared. And if it’s your first time driving in snow, take it gradual and provides your self loads of room – Washington drivers famously take it simple when it dumps snow, particularly in Seattle the place it’s a uncommon occasion!
5. No Emissions Check? No Downside!
Right here’s a shock for brand spanking new Washington drivers: you not have to get an emissions take a look at in your automotive. Washington phased out its automobile emission test program on January 1, 2020. For almost 38 years earlier than that, autos in sure counties needed to cross a smog test each couple of years. However due to cleaner automobiles and higher air high quality, this system ended. Now, while you register or renew your automotive tabs, no emissions inspection is required. That is one much less factor so that you can fear about (and one much less charge to pay!). After all, it’s nonetheless good to keep up your automotive’s exhaust system and repair any tremendous smoky mufflers – no one likes being “that automotive” blowing clouds on I-5. Total, cleaner air for everybody and one much less errand for you. Win-win!
6. Teen Drivers Have Particular Guidelines
For those who’re 16 or 17 and simply bought that shiny new license (referred to as an Intermediate License), Washington has a graduated licensing system with a couple of further guidelines to maintain you secure. For the primary 6 months, you can’t have any passengers below 20 years outdated in your automotive, except they’re speedy household (siblings, for instance). So, no cruising with a bunch of mates immediately. After you’ve had your license 6 months, you possibly can have mates below 20, however not more than three at a time till you flip 18. Additionally, there’s a nighttime curfew: you’re not allowed to drive between 1:00 a.m. and 5:00 a.m. except you’re with a mum or dad, guardian, or a licensed driver age 25+ driving shotgun. (Late-night Taco Bell runs may need to attend.) And yet another biggie: No cellphone use in any respect whereas driving for those who’re below 18, even hands-free – besides in an emergency. Meaning no calls with a headset, no music looking, nothing. These guidelines would possibly sound strict, however they dramatically scale back dangers for teen drivers. After you flip 18, the restrictions drop off, however hopefully by then you definately’ll have nice driving habits. Till then, comply with the principles – you’ll be at that solo street journey with mates very quickly!
7. Each Intersection is a Crosswalk (Look ahead to Pedestrians)
New drivers shortly be taught that pedestrians have the proper of means at crosswalks – however do you know this is applicable at any intersection, marked or unmarked? In Washington, each intersection is legally a crosswalk for pedestrians, even when there aren’t any painted strains. Drivers should cease for individuals crossing at intersections and crosswalks, interval. This can be a huge deal, particularly in cities like Seattle the place you’ll see a number of foot visitors. Additionally, it’s unlawful to cross a automotive that’s stopped at a crosswalk – if the automotive within the lane subsequent to you stops, it’s essential to cease too, since they is perhaps letting a pedestrian cross in entrance of them. Failing to yield to pedestrians is without doubt one of the high causes of incidents involving walkers, so be further alert everytime you strategy crosswalks or intersections. A superb rule of thumb: for those who see somebody even considering about crossing the road, decelerate and be able to cease. The pedestrians will admire it, and also you’ll keep away from a hefty ticket (or worse).
8. Maintain Proper, Cross Left (Don’t Be a Left-Lane Camper)
Right here’s a pro-tip that many skilled drivers nonetheless neglect: on multi-lane highways, the left lane is for passing. Washington regulation truly requires slower visitors to remain in the proper lanes and says you shouldn’t cruise within the leftmost lane for those who’re blocking the movement of automobiles behind you. In different phrases, for those who’re within the quick lane and see automobiles piling up behind, transfer to the proper and allow them to by – even for those who’re going the pace restrict. The regulation lists exceptions (like for those who’re overtaking somebody, getting ready for a left exit, or letting merging visitors in), however typically, “preserve proper besides to cross.” It’s a visitors infraction to hog the left lane and impede visitors. Washington State Patrol has been identified to ticket “left-lane campers.” In addition to, it’s simply good etiquette – it retains visitors flowing and everybody (together with you) much less pissed off. So keep in mind, on I-5 or I-90, cruise in the proper or heart lanes, and use that far left lane to cross or when visitors is transferring sooner there. You’ll get a thumbs-up from truckers and leadfoots alike!
9. Ferry Boats Are A part of the Freeway
One very cool factor about driving in Washington: you would possibly discover that your street actually ends on the water and also you drive onto a ferry. Washington State Ferries (WSF) kind the most important ferry system within the U.S., carrying automobiles and passengers throughout Puget Sound and to the San Juan Islands. These green-and-white ferry boats are literally a part of our state highways – routes just like the Seattle–Bainbridge ferry are signed as State Route 305, for instance. So, don’t be stunned in case your GPS tells you to “board a ferry” on a street journey. For brand new drivers, taking a ferry is a enjoyable journey: you’ll pay on the tollbooth, drive onboard and park the place directed, then you may get out and benefit from the view in the course of the voyage. Ferries have bogs and even snack bars on greater routes. A professional-tip: arrive early for in style ferry runs, particularly in summer time, as a result of there might be wait strains. Additionally, use your parking brake on the ferry (it will possibly gently rock). Washington’s ferry system has 21 vessels and serves 20 terminals, and it’s the second-largest vehicular ferry system on the earth (solely BC Ferries in Canada is greater). How’s that for a novel driving expertise? In the end you’ll most likely take a ferry – and now you possibly can say you drove on a ship!
10. Click on It or Ticket – Buckle Up, It’s the Legislation
Seatbelts save lives, and Washington actually needs you to put on them. The state’s seatbelt regulation is major enforcement (officers can cease you only for not carrying a belt), and the longstanding “Click on It or Ticket” marketing campaign means you’ll get a ticket for those who or your passengers aren’t buckled up. The excellent news is Washington drivers bought the message – round 95% of individuals within the state use their seatbelts, one of many highest compliance charges within the nation. As a brand new driver, make it a behavior that everybody belts up each time, even for brief journeys. In addition to avoiding a positive, you’re defending your self and your mates. Additionally be aware: All passengers should buckle up, and youngsters below 13 are typically most secure within the again seat (it’s advisable, and in some circumstances required by regulation, relying on age/measurement). When you’ve got little siblings, know that Washington has particular baby automotive seat legal guidelines – toddlers and infants want correct automotive seats or boosters. So be certain any younger passengers are in the proper restraint for his or her age/peak. Driving and not using a seatbelt or with unrestrained kiddos not solely dangers a ticket, it’s harmful. Thankfully, virtually everybody right here does put on their belt – be one in all them, and preserve that 95% going robust!
Driving in Washington is a incredible expertise – you possibly can go from metropolis skyscrapers to mountain roads to coastal highways (and even ferries!) multi function state. By realizing these legal guidelines and suggestions, you’ll keep safer and keep away from these “oops, I didn’t know” moments with the police. Keep in mind to remain alert in our wet climate, give your self further time in winter situations, and all the time be courteous to others on the street. Take pleasure in your new freedom as a driver in Washington State, and comfortable driving!
