So that you’ve acquired 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 info that will help you navigate Washington’s roads with confidence. From quirky state legal guidelines to good automotive care ideas, we’ve acquired you coated. Let’s hit the street!
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 below the affect – it’s nicknamed the DUI-E (Driving Below 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. When 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 telephone use (it’s a main offense). Backside line: save the texting for later and maintain your eyes on the street. Your Snapchat can wait!
2. Carpool Lanes: Associates or Fines
Don’t do this at dwelling: Some drivers have tried utilizing life-size dummies to cheat HOV lane guidelines, which can lead to additional fines! Washington’s highways have HOV (Excessive Occupancy Car) 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 price 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 depend – utilizing a faux 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 known for its rain, and moist roads will be tough 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 each time it’s raining onerous or grey out, so others can see you. Good tire tread is a lifesaver on slick roads – attempt the “quarter take a look at”: insert 1 / 4 into your tire groove, Washington’s head first. When you 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 street at speeds as little as 35 mph on standing water. When 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 additional 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. When you 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 have to put tire chains in your wheels – sure, that is enforced by legislation! In actual fact, if situations get unhealthy sufficient that “chains required on all automobiles” is posted, each car 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 steel pins) are authorized solely from November 1 by way of March 31 in Washington. Utilizing studded tires outdoors that interval might land you a fantastic 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 proper 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 Take a look at? No Downside!
Right here’s a shock for brand new Washington drivers: you now not have to get an emissions take a look at in your automotive. Washington phased out its car emission test program on January 1, 2020. For almost 38 years earlier than that, automobiles in sure counties needed to move a smog test each couple of years. However because of cleaner automobiles and higher air high quality, this system ended. Now, whenever 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!). In fact, it’s nonetheless good to keep up 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
When 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 couple of additional guidelines to maintain you secure. For the primary 6 months, you can’t have any passengers below 20 years outdated in your automotive, except they’re fast household (siblings, for instance). So, no cruising with a bunch of associates instantly. After you’ve had your license 6 months, you’ll be able to 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 might need to attend.) And another biggie: No telephone use in any respect whereas driving if you happen to’re below 18, even hands-free – besides in an emergency. Meaning 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, 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 shortly be taught that pedestrians have the proper 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 number 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 could cease too, since they may be letting a pedestrian cross in entrance of them. Failing to yield to pedestrians is likely one of the prime causes of incidents involving walkers, so be additional alert everytime you strategy crosswalks or intersections. An excellent rule of thumb: if you happen to see somebody even pondering 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. 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 truly requires slower site visitors to remain in the proper 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 spot automobiles piling up behind, transfer to the proper and allow them to by – even if you happen to’re going the pace restrict. The legislation lists exceptions (like if you happen to’re overtaking somebody, getting ready for a left exit, or letting merging site visitors in), however typically, “maintain proper besides to move.” It’s a site visitors infraction to hog the left lane and impede site visitors. Washington State Patrol has been recognized to ticket “left-lane campers.” Apart from, 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 proper or middle lanes, and use that far left lane to move or when site visitors is shifting 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) 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 shocked 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 at some stage in the voyage. Ferries have bogs and even snack bars on greater routes. A professional-tip: arrive early for common ferry runs, particularly in summer season, as a result of there will be wait strains. Additionally, use your parking brake on the ferry (it may well 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? Eventually you’ll in all probability take a ferry – and now you’ll be able to 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 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 if you happen to 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. Apart from avoiding a fantastic, you’re defending your self and your pals. Additionally be aware: All passengers should buckle up, and youngsters below 13 are typically most secure within the again seat (it’s really useful, and in some instances required by legislation, relying on age/measurement). When you’ve got little siblings, know that Washington has particular little one 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/peak. Driving with no seatbelt or with unrestrained kiddos not solely dangers a ticket, it’s harmful. Luckily, virtually everybody right here does put on their belt – be one among them, and maintain that 95% going robust!
Driving in Washington is a unbelievable expertise – you’ll be able to go from metropolis skyscrapers to mountain roads to coastal highways (and even ferries!) multi functional 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 situations, and at all times be courteous to others on the street. Take pleasure in your new freedom as a driver in Washington State, and pleased driving!
