So that you’ve obtained 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, ideas, 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 automotive care ideas, we’ve obtained 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 below the affect – it’s nicknamed the DUI-E (Driving Beneath 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. In the event 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 preserve your eyes on the street. Your Snapchat can wait!
2. Carpool Lanes: Associates 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 value 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 faux passenger brings an additional $200 penalty on prime of the positive. Additionally, bear 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 in the event 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 spanking new drivers. Make sure that your automotive is prepared for the rain: preserve your windshield wipers in fine condition (substitute them in the event that they streak) and switch in your headlights at any time when it’s raining arduous 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. In the event 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. In the event 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, vibrant 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. In the event 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 regulation! In reality, if circumstances get unhealthy sufficient that “chains required on all autos” is posted, each automobile 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 steel pins) are authorized solely from November 1 by means of March 31 in Washington. Utilizing studded tires exterior that interval might 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, ensure you’ve obtained 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 Downside!
Right here’s a shock for brand spanking 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, autos in sure counties needed to go a smog test 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!). 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. General, cleaner air for everybody and one much less errand for you. Win-win!
6. Teen Drivers Have Particular Guidelines
In the event you’re 16 or 17 and simply obtained that shiny new license (known as an Intermediate License), Washington has a graduated licensing system with a number of further guidelines to maintain you protected. For the primary 6 months, you can not have any passengers below 20 years outdated in your automotive, except they’re instant household (siblings, for instance). So, no cruising with a bunch of associates immediately. After you’ve had your license 6 months, you may have associates 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 dad or mum, guardian, or a licensed driver age 25+ using shotgun. (Late-night Taco Bell runs may need to attend.) And yet one more 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 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, comply with the principles – you’ll be at that solo street journey with associates very quickly!
7. Each Intersection is a Crosswalk (Look ahead to Pedestrians)
New drivers rapidly be taught that pedestrians have the correct 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 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 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, it’s essential to cease too, since they is perhaps letting a pedestrian cross in entrance of them. Failing to yield to pedestrians is without doubt one of the prime causes of incidents involving walkers, so be further alert everytime you method crosswalks or intersections. An excellent rule of thumb: in the event you see somebody even pondering 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. Maintain 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 regulation truly requires slower visitors to remain in the correct lanes and says you shouldn’t cruise within the leftmost lane in the event you’re blocking the stream of vehicles behind you. In different phrases, in the event you’re within the quick lane and see vehicles piling up behind, transfer to the correct and allow them to by – even in the event you’re going the velocity restrict. The regulation lists exceptions (like in the event you’re overtaking somebody, getting ready for a left exit, or letting merging visitors in), however usually, “preserve 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.” In addition to, it’s simply good etiquette – it retains visitors flowing and everybody (together with you) much less annoyed. So bear in mind, on I-5 or I-90, cruise in the correct or middle lanes, and use that far left lane to go or when 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 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 stunned in case your GPS tells you to “board a ferry” on a street journey. For brand 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 throughout the voyage. Ferries have bogs and even snack bars on larger 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 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 larger). How’s that for a novel driving expertise? Ultimately you’ll in all probability take a ferry – and now you may 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 the event you or your passengers aren’t buckled up. The excellent news is Washington drivers obtained 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 pals. Additionally observe: All passengers should buckle up, and youngsters below 13 are usually most secure within the again seat (it’s beneficial, and in some instances required by regulation, relying on age/dimension). You probably have little siblings, know that Washington has particular baby automotive seat legal guidelines – toddlers and infants want correct automotive seats or boosters. So make sure 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. Luckily, nearly everybody right here does put on their belt – be certainly one of them, and preserve that 95% going robust!
Driving in Washington is a unbelievable expertise – you may go from metropolis skyscrapers to mountain roads to coastal highways (and even ferries!) multi functional state. By realizing these legal guidelines and ideas, 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 circumstances, and at all times be courteous to others on the street. Get pleasure from your new freedom as a driver in Washington State, and joyful driving!
