So that you’ve bought your first driver’s license in Washington – congratulations! Whether or not you’re a youngster 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 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 highway!
1. Put the Cellphone Down – Washington’s “E-DUI” Regulation
Washington is critical about distracted driving. The truth is, utilizing a handheld telephone whereas driving is handled like driving beneath 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 maintain your eyes on the highway. 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 Automobile) 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 high-quality (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 high of the high-quality. 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 site 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 difficult for brand new drivers. Ensure that your automotive is prepared for the rain: maintain 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 laborious or grey out, so others can see you. Good tire tread is a lifesaver on slick roads – strive the “quarter check”: 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 simply 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 highway 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, 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. If you happen to plan to drive over Snoqualmie Cross or different mountains in winter, be ready for traction guidelines. If you see “chains required” indicators, it means you may must put tire chains in your wheels – sure, that is enforced by legislation! The truth is, if situations get unhealthy sufficient that “chains required on all automobiles” is posted, each automobile 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 metallic pins) are authorized solely from November 1 by means of March 31 in Washington. Utilizing studded tires exterior that interval may land you a high-quality 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, be sure to’ve bought the correct 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 Take a look at? No Drawback!
Right here’s a shock for brand new Washington drivers: you not must get an emissions check in your automotive. Washington phased out its automobile emission test program on January 1, 2020. For almost 38 years earlier than that, automobiles in sure counties needed to cross a smog test each couple of years. However due to cleaner vehicles 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 payment to pay!). After all, 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. 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 beneath 20 years outdated in your automotive, until they’re speedy household (siblings, for instance). So, no cruising with a bunch of associates straight away. After you’ve had your license 6 months, you possibly can have associates beneath 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 mother or father, guardian, or a licensed driver age 25+ driving shotgun. (Late-night Taco Bell runs may need to attend.) And another biggie: No telephone use in any respect whereas driving when you’re beneath 18, even hands-free – besides in an emergency. Meaning no calls with a headset, no music looking, 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 highway journey with associates very quickly!
7. Each Intersection is a Crosswalk (Look ahead to Pedestrians)
New drivers rapidly study that pedestrians have the correct 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 folks crossing at intersections and crosswalks, interval. This can be a massive deal, particularly in cities like Seattle the place you’ll see a lot of foot site 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, you should 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. rule of thumb: when you see somebody even pondering about crossing the road, decelerate and be able to cease. The pedestrians will respect 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 legislation really requires slower site visitors to remain in the correct lanes and says you shouldn’t cruise within the leftmost lane when you’re blocking the circulate of vehicles behind you. In different phrases, when you’re within the quick lane and spot vehicles piling up behind, transfer to the correct and allow them to by – even when you’re going the velocity restrict. The legislation lists exceptions (like when you’re overtaking somebody, getting ready for a left exit, or letting merging site visitors in), however usually, “maintain proper besides to cross.” It’s a site visitors infraction to hog the left lane and impede site visitors. Washington State Patrol has been identified 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 correct or heart lanes, and use that far left lane to cross or when site visitors is shifting 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 highway 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 stunned in case your GPS tells you to “board a ferry” on a highway 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 bogs and even snack bars on greater routes. A professional-tip: arrive early for standard ferry runs, particularly in summer season, as a result of there could be wait strains. Additionally, use your parking brake on the ferry (it could actually 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? 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 Regulation
Seatbelts save lives, and Washington actually needs 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 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 high-quality, you’re defending your self and your mates. Additionally observe: All passengers should buckle up, and children beneath 13 are usually most secure within the again seat (it’s advisable, and in some circumstances required by legislation, relying on age/measurement). In case you have little siblings, know that Washington has particular baby automotive seat legal guidelines – toddlers and infants want correct automotive seats or boosters. So make certain any younger passengers are in the correct restraint for his or her age/peak. Driving with out a seatbelt or with unrestrained kiddos not solely dangers a ticket, it’s harmful. Happily, nearly everybody right here does put on their belt – be one among them, and maintain that 95% going robust!
Driving in Washington is a improbable 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 additional time in winter situations, and all the time be courteous to others on the highway. Get pleasure from your new freedom as a driver in Washington State, and glad driving!
