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 good automobile care suggestions, we’ve received you coated. Let’s hit the street!
1. Put the Cellphone Down – Washington’s “E-DUI” Legislation
Washington is severe about distracted driving. In reality, 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) legislation. 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 maintain your eyes on the street. Your Snapchat can wait!
2. Carpool Lanes: Pals or Fines
Don’t do that at dwelling: Some drivers have tried utilizing life-size dummies to cheat HOV lane guidelines, which may end up in additional fines! Washington’s highways have HOV (Excessive Occupancy Car) lanes – marked with a diamond image – additionally known as carpool lanes. These lanes are reserved for automobiles with 2 or extra folks (bikes depend too) throughout posted hours. Driving solo in a carpool lane can value you a hefty tremendous (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 faux passenger brings an additional $200 penalty on prime of the tremendous. 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 site visitors with a buddy, however in the event you’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 will be difficult for brand spanking new drivers. Be sure that your automobile is prepared for the rain: maintain your windshield wipers in good condition (exchange them in the event that they streak) and switch in your headlights every time it’s raining laborious 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 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. Should you really feel your automobile begin to hydroplane (slide on water), don’t slam the brakes; as a substitute, ease off the gasoline and steer straight till you regain traction. Give additional 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. While you see “chains required” indicators, it means you may have to put tire chains in your wheels – sure, that is enforced by legislation! In reality, if situations get unhealthy sufficient that “chains required on all automobiles” is posted, each car should 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 March 31 in Washington. Utilizing studded tires exterior that interval may land you a tremendous of about $137. They limit 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 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 simple 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 automobile. Washington phased out its car emission examine program on January 1, 2020. For almost 38 years earlier than that, automobiles in sure counties needed to move a smog examine each couple of years. However due to cleaner automobiles and higher air high quality, this system ended. Now, whenever you register or renew your automobile 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 automobile’s exhaust system and repair any tremendous smoky mufflers – no one likes being “that automobile” 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
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 additional guidelines to maintain you secure. For the primary 6 months, you can not have any passengers below 20 years previous in your automobile, except they’re fast household (siblings, for instance). So, no cruising with a bunch of pals immediately. After you’ve had your license 6 months, you possibly can have pals 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 father or mother, guardian, or a licensed driver age 25+ driving shotgun. (Late-night Taco Bell runs may need to attend.) And another biggie: No cellphone use in any respect whereas driving in the event you’re below 18, even hands-free – besides in an emergency. Which means no calls with a headset, no music searching, nothing. These guidelines may sound strict, however they dramatically cut 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, observe the foundations – you’ll be at that solo street journey with pals very quickly!
7. Each Intersection is a Crosswalk (Look ahead to Pedestrians)
New drivers shortly be taught that pedestrians have the suitable 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 traces. Drivers should cease for folks crossing at intersections and crosswalks, interval. It is a large deal, particularly in cities like Seattle the place you’ll see plenty of foot site visitors. Additionally, it’s unlawful to move a automobile that’s stopped at a crosswalk – if the automobile within the lane subsequent to you stops, you could cease too, since they could be 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 additional alert everytime you method crosswalks or intersections. A great rule of thumb: in the event you see somebody even pondering 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. Hold 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 legislation truly requires slower site visitors to remain in the suitable lanes and says you shouldn’t cruise within the leftmost lane in the event you’re blocking the circulate of automobiles behind you. In different phrases, in the event you’re within the quick lane and spot automobiles piling up behind, transfer to the suitable and allow them to by – even in the event you’re going the pace restrict. The legislation lists exceptions (like in the event you’re overtaking somebody, getting ready for a left exit, or letting merging site visitors in), however usually, “maintain proper besides to move.” It’s a site visitors infraction to hog the left lane and impede site visitors. Washington State Patrol has been recognized to ticket “left-lane campers.” In addition to, it’s simply good etiquette – it retains site 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 site 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 may discover that your street actually ends on the water and also you drive onto a ferry. Washington State Ferries (WSF) kind the biggest 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 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 during the voyage. Ferries have loos and even snack bars on larger routes. A professional-tip: arrive early for standard ferry runs, particularly in summer time, as a result of there will be wait traces. Additionally, use your parking brake on the ferry (it might 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 greater). How’s that for a novel driving expertise? Ultimately you’ll in all probability 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 legislation 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 the event 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. In addition to avoiding a tremendous, you’re defending your self and your mates. Additionally observe: All passengers should buckle up, and youngsters below 13 are usually most secure within the again seat (it’s really useful, and in some instances required by legislation, relying on age/measurement). In case you have little siblings, know that Washington has particular little one automobile seat legal guidelines – toddlers and infants want correct automobile seats or boosters. So make certain any younger passengers are in the suitable 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. Luckily, nearly everybody right here does put on their belt – be one among them, and maintain that 95% going sturdy!
Driving in Washington is a improbable expertise – you possibly can go from metropolis skyscrapers to mountain roads to coastal highways (and even ferries!) multi functional 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. Bear in mind to remain alert in our wet climate, give your self additional time in winter situations, and at all times be courteous to others on the street. Get pleasure from your new freedom as a driver in Washington State, and comfortable driving!
