So that you’ve bought your first driver’s license in Washington – congratulations! Whether or not you’re a teen 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 details that can assist you navigate Washington’s roads with confidence. From quirky state legal guidelines to sensible automobile care suggestions, we’ve bought you coated. Let’s hit the street!
1. Put the Cellphone Down – Washington’s “E-DUI” Regulation
Washington is critical about distracted driving. In actual fact, utilizing a handheld cellphone whereas driving is handled like driving underneath the affect – it’s nicknamed the DUI-E (Driving Beneath the Affect of Electronics) legislation. This implies you can’t textual content, scroll social media, or maintain your cellphone in any respect when behind the wheel – even at stoplights. When 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: Mates or Fines
Don’t do this 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 rely 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 rely – 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 when you’re alone, follow 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 new drivers. Ensure your automobile is prepared for the rain: maintain your windshield wipers in good condition (substitute them in the event that they streak) and switch in your headlights each time it’s raining onerous or grey out, so others can see you. Good tire tread is a lifesaver on slick roads – strive the “quarter take a look at”: insert 1 / 4 into your tire groove, Washington’s head first. When you can see the highest of George Washington’s head, your tread is just too low and it’s time for brand 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. When you really feel your automobile begin to hydroplane (slide on water), don’t slam the brakes; as an alternative, ease off the fuel and steer straight till you regain traction. Give additional 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 japanese areas get snow. When you plan to drive over Snoqualmie Go or different mountains in winter, be ready for traction guidelines. While you see “chains required” indicators, it means you would possibly must put tire chains in your wheels – sure, that is enforced by legislation! In actual fact, if circumstances get dangerous 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 sensible to hold a set of chains in your trunk throughout winter journeys. Additionally, know that studded snow tires (those with metallic pins) are authorized solely from November 1 by 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 to’ve bought the fitting 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 new Washington drivers: you not must get an emissions take a look at 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 because of cleaner automobiles and higher air high quality, this system ended. Now, while 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 price to pay!). After all, it’s nonetheless good to take care of your automobile’s exhaust system and repair any tremendous smoky mufflers – no one likes being “that automobile” 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
When you’re 16 or 17 and simply bought that shiny new license (known as an Intermediate License), Washington has a graduated licensing system with a couple of additional guidelines to maintain you secure. For the primary 6 months, you can’t have any passengers underneath 20 years previous in your automobile, until they’re instant household (siblings, for instance). So, no cruising with a bunch of associates straight away. After you’ve had your license 6 months, you’ll be able to have associates 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 guardian, 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 when you’re underneath 18, even hands-free – besides in an emergency. Meaning 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 you then’ll have nice driving habits. Till then, observe the foundations – you’ll be at that solo street journey with associates very quickly!
7. Each Intersection is a Crosswalk (Look ahead to Pedestrians)
New drivers shortly be taught that pedestrians have the fitting 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 strains. Drivers should cease for folks crossing at intersections and crosswalks, interval. This can be a large deal, particularly in cities like Seattle the place you’ll see numerous foot 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, 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 high causes of incidents involving walkers, so be additional alert everytime you strategy crosswalks or intersections. A great rule of thumb: when 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. Preserve Proper, Go 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 visitors to remain in the fitting lanes and says you shouldn’t cruise within the leftmost lane when you’re blocking the circulate of automobiles behind you. In different phrases, when you’re within the quick lane and see automobiles piling up behind, transfer to the fitting and allow them to by – even when you’re going the velocity restrict. The legislation lists exceptions (like when you’re overtaking somebody, making ready for a left exit, or letting merging visitors in), however usually, “maintain proper besides to move.” It’s a visitors infraction to hog the left lane and impede visitors. Washington State Patrol has been recognized to ticket “left-lane campers.” In addition to, it’s simply good etiquette – it retains visitors flowing and everybody (together with you) much less annoyed. So keep in mind, on I-5 or I-90, cruise in the fitting or middle lanes, and use that far left lane to move or when visitors is shifting quicker 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 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 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 may get out and benefit from the view during the voyage. Ferries have loos 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 could be wait strains. Additionally, use your parking brake on the ferry (it could 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 larger). How’s that for a singular driving expertise? Ultimately you’ll most likely take a ferry – and now you’ll be able to say you drove on a ship!
10. Click on It or Ticket – Buckle Up, It’s the Regulation
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 when you 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 word: All passengers should buckle up, and youngsters underneath 13 are usually most secure within the again seat (it’s really useful, and in some circumstances required by legislation, relying on age/measurement). When you’ve got little siblings, know that Washington has particular little one automobile seat legal guidelines – toddlers and infants want correct automobile seats or boosters. So be certain any younger passengers are in the fitting restraint for his or her age/peak. Driving with out a seatbelt or with unrestrained kiddos not solely dangers a ticket, it’s harmful. Luckily, virtually everybody right here does put on their belt – be one among them, and maintain that 95% going sturdy!
Driving in Washington is a incredible expertise – you’ll be able to 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 additional time in winter circumstances, and all the time be courteous to others on the street. Get pleasure from your new freedom as a driver in Washington State, and joyful driving!
