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, 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 good automotive care ideas, we’ve bought you lined. Let’s hit the highway!
1. Put the Telephone Down – Washington’s “E-DUI” Regulation
Washington is severe about distracted driving. In actual fact, utilizing a handheld telephone whereas driving is handled like driving underneath the affect – it’s nicknamed the DUI-E (Driving Underneath 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 main offense). Backside line: save the texting for later and hold your eyes on the highway. Your Snapchat can wait!
2. Carpool Lanes: Associates or Fines
Don’t do this at house: Some drivers have tried utilizing life-size dummies to cheat HOV lane guidelines, which can lead to further fines! Washington’s highways have HOV (Excessive Occupancy Car) lanes – marked with a diamond image – additionally referred to as carpool lanes. These lanes are reserved for automobiles with 2 or extra individuals (bikes rely too) throughout posted hours. Driving solo in a carpool lane can value you a hefty fantastic (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 prime of the fantastic. 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 if you happen to’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 could be difficult for brand spanking new drivers. Be sure your automotive is prepared for the rain: hold your windshield wipers in good condition (substitute them in the event that they streak) and switch in your headlights every time 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. 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 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. 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 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 jap areas get snow. If you happen to plan to drive over Snoqualmie Move or different mountains in winter, be ready for traction guidelines. Whenever you see “chains required” indicators, it means you would possibly have to put tire chains in your wheels – sure, that is enforced by legislation! In actual fact, if circumstances 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 fantastic 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 you’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 Downside!
Right here’s a shock for brand spanking new Washington drivers: you now not have to get an emissions check in your automotive. Washington phased out its automobile emission test program on January 1, 2020. For practically 38 years earlier than that, automobiles in sure counties needed to move a smog test each couple of years. However due to cleaner automobiles and higher air high quality, this system ended. Now, once 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 charge to pay!). After all, it’s nonetheless good to take care of 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
If you happen to’re 16 or 17 and simply bought that shiny new license (referred to as an Intermediate License), Washington has a graduated licensing system with a couple of further guidelines to maintain you secure. For the primary 6 months, you can’t have any passengers underneath 20 years outdated in your automotive, except they’re speedy household (siblings, for instance). So, no cruising with a bunch of pals instantly. After you’ve had your license 6 months, you may have pals 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 dad or mum, guardian, or a licensed driver age 25+ using shotgun. (Late-night Taco Bell runs might need to attend.) And another biggie: No telephone use in any respect whereas driving if you happen to’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 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, comply with the principles – you’ll be at that solo highway journey with pals very quickly!
7. Each Intersection is a Crosswalk (Look ahead to Pedestrians)
New drivers rapidly be taught that pedestrians have the fitting 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 are not any painted strains. 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 site visitors. Additionally, it’s unlawful to move 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 further alert everytime you strategy crosswalks or intersections. rule of thumb: if you happen to see somebody even considering 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. Maintain Proper, Move 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 fitting lanes and says you shouldn’t cruise within the leftmost lane if you happen to’re blocking the circulate of automobiles behind you. In different phrases, if you happen to’re within the quick lane and see automobiles piling up behind, transfer to the fitting and allow them to by – even if you happen to’re going the velocity restrict. The legislation lists exceptions (like if you happen to’re overtaking somebody, making ready for a left exit, or letting merging site visitors in), however typically, “hold proper besides to move.” 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 annoyed. So keep in mind, on I-5 or I-90, cruise in the fitting or heart lanes, and use that far left lane to move or when site 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 highway actually ends on the water and also you drive onto a ferry. Washington State Ferries (WSF) kind 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 during 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 could gently rock). Washington’s ferry system has 21 vessels and serves 20 terminals, and it’s the second-largest vehicular ferry system on this planet (solely BC Ferries in Canada is larger). How’s that for a singular driving expertise? Eventually 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 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 carrying a belt), and the longstanding “Click on It or Ticket” marketing campaign means you’ll get a ticket if you happen to 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 fantastic, you’re defending your self and your mates. Additionally observe: All passengers should buckle up, and children underneath 13 are typically most secure within the again seat (it’s beneficial, and in some circumstances required by legislation, relying on age/dimension). When 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 fitting restraint for his or her age/peak. Driving and not using a seatbelt or with unrestrained kiddos not solely dangers a ticket, it’s harmful. Thankfully, virtually everybody right here does put on their belt – be considered one of them, and hold that 95% going sturdy!
Driving in Washington is a unbelievable 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 further time in winter circumstances, and all the time be courteous to others on the highway. Get pleasure from your new freedom as a driver in Washington State, and completely satisfied driving!
