So that you’ve acquired 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 information that will help you navigate Washington’s roads with confidence. From quirky state legal guidelines to sensible automobile care ideas, we’ve acquired you coated. Let’s hit the highway!
1. Put the Telephone Down – Washington’s “E-DUI” Regulation
Washington is severe about distracted driving. Actually, 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 case 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 major offense). Backside line: save the texting for later and preserve your eyes on the highway. 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 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 value you a hefty superb (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 superb. Additionally, bear 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 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 may be tough for brand spanking new drivers. Make sure that your automobile is prepared for the rain: preserve 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. In case 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 highway at speeds as little as 35 mph on standing water. In case you really feel your automobile 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 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. In case you plan to drive over Snoqualmie Move or different mountains in winter, be ready for traction guidelines. If you see “chains required” indicators, it means you may have to put tire chains in your wheels – sure, that is enforced by regulation! Actually, if circumstances get dangerous sufficient that “chains required on all autos” is posted, each car 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 metallic pins) are authorized solely from November 1 by March 31 in Washington. Utilizing studded tires outdoors that interval might land you a superb 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 you’ve acquired 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 now not have to get an emissions take a look at in your automobile. Washington phased out its car emission verify program on January 1, 2020. For almost 38 years earlier than that, autos in sure counties needed to cross a smog verify 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 price 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. General, cleaner air for everybody and one much less errand for you. Win-win!
6. Teen Drivers Have Particular Guidelines
In case you’re 16 or 17 and simply acquired that shiny new license (known as an Intermediate License), Washington has a graduated licensing system with a number of additional guidelines to maintain you secure. For the primary 6 months, you can not have any passengers below 20 years previous in your automobile, until they’re rapid 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. until you’re with a mother or father, guardian, or a licensed driver age 25+ driving shotgun. (Late-night Taco Bell runs might need to attend.) And yet 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 you then’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 shortly study that pedestrians have the suitable of method 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. This can be a huge deal, particularly in cities like Seattle the place you’ll see a lot of foot visitors. Additionally, it’s unlawful to cross a automobile that’s stopped at a crosswalk – if the automobile within the lane subsequent to you stops, you have to cease too, since they is likely to 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. A very good rule of thumb: in the event 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. Hold Proper, Move 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 suitable lanes and says you shouldn’t cruise within the leftmost lane in the event you’re blocking the movement 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 regulation lists exceptions (like in the event you’re overtaking somebody, getting ready for a left exit, or letting merging visitors in), however typically, “preserve proper besides to cross.” 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 pissed off. So bear in mind, on I-5 or I-90, cruise in the suitable or heart lanes, and use that far left lane to cross 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 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 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 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 in the course of the voyage. Ferries have bogs and even snack bars on larger routes. A professional-tip: arrive early for common ferry runs, particularly in summer time, as a result of there may be wait traces. 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 greater). How’s that for a singular driving expertise? In the end you’ll most likely take a ferry – and now you may 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 regulation is major enforcement (officers can cease you only for not carrying 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 acquired 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 superb, you’re defending your self and your folks. Additionally be aware: All passengers should buckle up, and children below 13 are typically most secure within the again seat (it’s advisable, and in some circumstances required by regulation, relying on age/dimension). You probably 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 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 sturdy!
Driving in Washington is a implausible expertise – you may go from metropolis skyscrapers to mountain roads to coastal highways (and even ferries!) multi function state. By figuring out these legal guidelines and ideas, 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 highway. Take pleasure in your new freedom as a driver in Washington State, and comfortable driving!
