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 information that can assist you navigate Washington’s roads with confidence. From quirky state legal guidelines to sensible automotive care suggestions, we’ve bought you lined. Let’s hit the street!
1. Put the Cellphone Down – Washington’s “E-DUI” Regulation
Washington is severe about distracted driving. In truth, utilizing a handheld telephone 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 telephone in any respect when behind the wheel – even at stoplights. If you happen to’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 telephone use (it’s a major offense). Backside line: save the texting for later and hold your eyes on the street. Your Snapchat can wait!
2. Carpool Lanes: Buddies or Fines
Don’t do this at residence: 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 Automobile) lanes – marked with a diamond image – additionally known 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 price you a hefty advantageous (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 advantageous. 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 should you’re alone, persist 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 may be tough for brand spanking new drivers. Ensure your automotive is prepared for the rain: hold your windshield wipers in fine condition (change them in the event that they streak) and switch in your headlights every 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. If you happen to 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. If you happen to really feel your automotive 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, shiny 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. If you happen to plan to drive over Snoqualmie Go or different mountains in winter, be ready for traction guidelines. If you see “chains required” indicators, it means you would possibly must put tire chains in your wheels – sure, that is enforced by legislation! In truth, if circumstances 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 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 advantageous of about $137. They limit 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, 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 Take a look at? No Downside!
Right here’s a shock for brand spanking new Washington drivers: you not must get an emissions take a look at in your automotive. Washington phased out its automobile emission verify program on January 1, 2020. For almost 38 years earlier than that, autos in sure counties needed to go a smog verify each couple of years. However because of cleaner vehicles and higher air high quality, this system ended. Now, if 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 price to pay!). In fact, it’s nonetheless good to take care of 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
If you happen to’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 protected. For the primary 6 months, you can’t have any passengers underneath 20 years previous in your automotive, except they’re quick household (siblings, for instance). So, no cruising with a bunch of mates straight away. After you’ve had your license 6 months, you possibly can have mates 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. except you’re with a guardian, guardian, or a licensed driver age 25+ using shotgun. (Late-night Taco Bell runs might need to attend.) And yet one more biggie: No telephone use in any respect whereas driving should 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 scale 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 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 study that pedestrians have the proper of manner 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 individuals crossing at intersections and crosswalks, interval. It is a large deal, particularly in cities like Seattle the place you’ll see a number of foot visitors. Additionally, it’s unlawful to go a automotive that’s stopped at a crosswalk – if the automotive within the lane subsequent to you stops, you need to cease too, since they could be letting a pedestrian cross in entrance of them. Failing to yield to pedestrians is among the prime causes of incidents involving walkers, so be additional alert everytime you method crosswalks or intersections. An excellent rule of thumb: should you 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. Preserve Proper, Go Left (Don’t Be a Left-Lane Camper)
Right here’s a pro-tip that many skilled drivers nonetheless overlook: on multi-lane highways, the left lane is for passing. Washington legislation really requires slower visitors to remain in the proper lanes and says you shouldn’t cruise within the leftmost lane should you’re blocking the circulation of vehicles behind you. In different phrases, should you’re within the quick lane and see vehicles piling up behind, transfer to the proper and allow them to by – even should you’re going the pace restrict. The legislation lists exceptions (like should you’re overtaking somebody, making ready for a left exit, or letting merging visitors in), however usually, “hold proper besides to go.” It’s a visitors infraction to hog the left lane and impede visitors. Washington State Patrol has been recognized to ticket “left-lane campers.” Apart from, 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 proper or middle lanes, and use that far left lane to go or when visitors is transferring 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) kind the most important 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 may get out and benefit from the view at some stage in the voyage. Ferries have bogs 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 may be wait traces. Additionally, use your parking brake on the ferry (it will probably gently rock). Washington’s ferry system has 21 vessels and serves 20 terminals, and it’s the second-largest vehicular ferry system on the 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 Regulation
Seatbelts save lives, and Washington actually desires you to put on them. The state’s seatbelt legislation is major 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 should 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. Apart from avoiding a advantageous, you’re defending your self and your folks. Additionally word: All passengers should buckle up, and children underneath 13 are usually most secure within the again seat (it’s advisable, and in some circumstances required by legislation, relying on age/measurement). When you have little siblings, know that Washington has particular youngster automotive seat legal guidelines – toddlers and infants want correct automotive seats or boosters. So make sure any younger passengers are in the proper restraint for his or her age/top. Driving with no seatbelt or with unrestrained kiddos not solely dangers a ticket, it’s harmful. Fortuitously, virtually everybody right here does put on their belt – be certainly one of 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 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. Keep in mind to remain alert in our wet climate, give your self additional time in winter circumstances, and at all times be courteous to others on the street. Take pleasure in your new freedom as a driver in Washington State, and comfortable driving!
