So that you’ve received your first driver’s license in Washington – congratulations! Whether or not you’re a young person 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 can assist you navigate Washington’s roads with confidence. From quirky state legal guidelines to sensible automotive care suggestions, we’ve received you coated. Let’s hit the street!
1. Put the Telephone Down – Washington’s “E-DUI” Legislation
Washington is severe about distracted driving. In reality, utilizing a handheld cellphone whereas driving is handled like driving underneath the affect – it’s nicknamed the DUI-E (Driving Underneath the Affect of Electronics) regulation. This implies you can not textual content, scroll social media, or maintain your cellphone in any respect when behind the wheel – even at stoplights. Should you’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 main offense). Backside line: save the texting for later and hold your eyes on the street. Your Snapchat can wait!
2. Carpool Lanes: Pals or Fines
Don’t do that at house: Some drivers have tried utilizing life-size dummies to cheat HOV lane guidelines, which may end up in further fines! Washington’s highways have HOV (Excessive Occupancy Automobile) lanes – marked with a diamond image – additionally known as carpool lanes. These lanes are reserved for autos with 2 or extra folks (bikes depend too) throughout posted hours. Driving solo in a carpool lane can price 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 prime of the positive. Additionally, keep in mind to not cross the double white traces; solely enter or exit a carpool lane at designated areas. Carpool lanes are nice for beating visitors with a buddy, however in case you’re alone, stick with the common lanes to keep away from an costly lesson.
3. Wet Days? Wipers, Lights, and Hydroplaning
Western Washington is known for its rain, and moist roads could be tough for brand spanking new drivers. Be certain that your automotive is prepared for the rain: hold your windshield wipers in good condition (change them in the event that they streak) and switch in your headlights at any time when it’s raining onerous or grey out, so others can see you. Good tire tread is a lifesaver on slick roads – attempt the “quarter check”: insert 1 / 4 into your tire groove, Washington’s head first. Should you can see the highest of George Washington’s head, your tread is simply 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. Should you 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, vivid 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 japanese areas get snow. Should you plan to drive over Snoqualmie Cross or different mountains in winter, be ready for traction guidelines. Whenever you see “chains required” indicators, it means you would possibly have to put tire chains in your wheels – sure, that is enforced by regulation! In reality, if situations get dangerous sufficient that “chains required on all autos” is posted, each car will need to have chains put in, even 4WD/AWD, otherwise you’ll have to show round. It’s sensible 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 via March 31 in Washington. Utilizing studded tires outdoors that interval may land you a positive of about $137. They prohibit studded tires as a result of they chew up the roads. As a substitute, many locals use all-season or winter tires with out studs. So, earlier than the snow falls, ensure you’ve received the suitable tires or chains prepared. And if it’s your first time driving in snow, take it sluggish and provides your self loads of room – Washington drivers famously take it straightforward when it dumps snow, particularly in Seattle the place it’s a uncommon occasion!
5. No Emissions Check? No Drawback!
Right here’s a shock for brand spanking new Washington drivers: you not have to get an emissions check in your automotive. Washington phased out its car emission test program on January 1, 2020. For practically 38 years earlier than that, autos in sure counties needed to move a smog test each couple of years. However because of cleaner vehicles and higher air high quality, this system ended. Now, whenever 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 payment to pay!). In fact, it’s nonetheless good to keep up your automotive’s exhaust system and repair any tremendous smoky mufflers – no person likes being “that automotive” blowing clouds on I-5. General, cleaner air for everybody and one much less errand for you. Win-win!
6. Teen Drivers Have Particular Guidelines
Should you’re 16 or 17 and simply received that shiny new license (known as an Intermediate License), Washington has a graduated licensing system with just a few further guidelines to maintain you protected. For the primary 6 months, you can not have any passengers underneath 20 years outdated in your automotive, until they’re rapid household (siblings, for instance). So, no cruising with a bunch of buddies instantly. After you’ve had your license 6 months, you possibly can have buddies underneath 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. until you’re with a father or mother, guardian, or a licensed driver age 25+ using shotgun. (Late-night Taco Bell runs might need to attend.) And yet another biggie: No cellphone use in any respect whereas driving in case you’re underneath 18, even hands-free – besides in an emergency. Which means no calls with a headset, no music shopping, nothing. These guidelines would possibly sound strict, however they dramatically cut back dangers for teen drivers. After you flip 18, the restrictions drop off, however hopefully by then you definitely’ll have nice driving habits. Till then, observe the foundations – you’ll be at that solo street journey with buddies very quickly!
7. Each Intersection is a Crosswalk (Look ahead to Pedestrians)
New drivers rapidly be taught that pedestrians have the suitable of approach 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 are not any painted traces. Drivers should cease for folks crossing at intersections and crosswalks, interval. It is a huge deal, particularly in cities like Seattle the place you’ll see numerous foot visitors. Additionally, it’s unlawful to move 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 likely one of the prime causes of incidents involving walkers, so be further alert everytime you strategy crosswalks or intersections. A superb rule of thumb: in case you see somebody even considering about crossing the road, decelerate and be able to cease. The pedestrians will recognize it, and also you’ll keep away from a hefty ticket (or worse).
8. Preserve 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 really requires slower visitors to remain in the suitable lanes and says you shouldn’t cruise within the leftmost lane in case you’re blocking the move of vehicles behind you. In different phrases, in case you’re within the quick lane and see vehicles piling up behind, transfer to the suitable and allow them to by – even in case you’re going the pace restrict. The regulation lists exceptions (like in case you’re overtaking somebody, getting ready for a left exit, or letting merging visitors in), however typically, “hold proper besides to move.” It’s a visitors infraction to hog the left lane and impede visitors. Washington State Patrol has been identified to ticket “left-lane campers.” Moreover, 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 suitable or middle lanes, and use that far left lane to move 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) type the biggest ferry system within the U.S., carrying vehicles 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 shocked in case your GPS tells you to “board a ferry” on a street journey. For brand spanking new drivers, taking a ferry is a enjoyable journey: you’ll pay on the tollbooth, drive onboard and park the place directed, then you will get out and benefit from the view all through the voyage. Ferries have loos and even snack bars on greater routes. A professional-tip: arrive early for common ferry runs, particularly in summer season, as a result of there could be wait traces. Additionally, use your parking brake on the ferry (it might probably gently rock). Washington’s ferry system has 21 vessels and serves 20 terminals, and it’s the second-largest vehicular ferry system on this planet (solely BC Ferries in Canada is larger). How’s that for a novel driving expertise? Ultimately 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 desires you to put on them. The state’s seatbelt regulation is main enforcement (officers can cease you only for not sporting a belt), and the longstanding “Click on It or Ticket” marketing campaign means you’ll get a ticket in case you or your passengers aren’t buckled up. The excellent news is Washington drivers received 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. Moreover avoiding a positive, you’re defending your self and your pals. Additionally observe: All passengers should buckle up, and children underneath 13 are typically most secure within the again seat (it’s really helpful, and in some instances required by regulation, relying on age/dimension). You probably have little siblings, know that Washington has particular little one automotive seat legal guidelines – toddlers and infants want correct automotive seats or boosters. So ensure any younger passengers are in the suitable restraint for his or her age/peak. Driving with out 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 hold that 95% going sturdy!
Driving in Washington is a unbelievable expertise – you possibly can go from metropolis skyscrapers to mountain roads to coastal highways (and even ferries!) multi function state. By figuring out these legal guidelines and suggestions, you’ll keep safer and keep away from these “oops, I didn’t know” moments with the police. Bear 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. Get pleasure from your new freedom as a driver in Washington State, and glad driving!
