So that you’ve acquired your first driver’s license in Washington – congratulations! Whether or not you’re a teen 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 details that can assist you navigate Washington’s roads with confidence. From quirky state legal guidelines to good automobile care suggestions, we’ve acquired you coated. Let’s hit the street!
1. Put the Telephone Down – Washington’s “E-DUI” Legislation
Washington is critical about distracted driving. In truth, utilizing a handheld telephone whereas driving is handled like driving beneath the affect – it’s nicknamed the DUI-E (Driving Underneath the Affect of Electronics) regulation. This implies you can’t textual content, scroll social media, or maintain your telephone in any respect when behind the wheel – even at stoplights. For those who’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 street. Your Snapchat can wait!
2. Carpool Lanes: Buddies or Fines
Don’t do that at residence: 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 autos with 2 or extra folks (bikes rely too) throughout posted hours. Driving solo in a carpool lane can value you a hefty nice (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 faux passenger brings an additional $200 penalty on high of the nice. 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 site visitors with a buddy, however in the event you’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 may be difficult for brand new drivers. Be sure your automobile 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 exhausting 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. For those who can see the highest of George Washington’s head, your tread is just 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. For those who really feel your automobile 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, 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 jap areas get snow. For those who 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 would possibly have to put tire chains in your wheels – sure, that is enforced by regulation! In truth, if situations get unhealthy 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 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 may land you a nice 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 to’ve acquired the precise 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 Drawback!
Right here’s a shock for brand new Washington drivers: you now not have to get an emissions check in your automobile. Washington phased out its car emission test program on January 1, 2020. For practically 38 years earlier than that, autos 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, once 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 payment to pay!). In fact, it’s nonetheless good to take care of your automobile’s exhaust system and repair any tremendous smoky mufflers – no person likes being “that automobile” 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
For those who’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 protected. For the primary 6 months, you can’t have any passengers beneath 20 years outdated in your automobile, except they’re instant household (siblings, for instance). So, no cruising with a bunch of pals straight away. After you’ve had your license 6 months, you may have pals 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. except you’re with a dad or mum, guardian, or a licensed driver age 25+ driving shotgun. (Late-night Taco Bell runs might need to attend.) And yet another biggie: No telephone use in any respect whereas driving in the event you’re beneath 18, even hands-free – besides in an emergency. Which means no calls with a headset, no music searching, 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 definately’ll have nice driving habits. Till then, observe the principles – you’ll be at that solo street journey with pals very quickly!
7. Each Intersection is a Crosswalk (Look ahead to Pedestrians)
New drivers rapidly study that pedestrians have the precise 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 folks crossing at intersections and crosswalks, interval. It is a large deal, particularly in cities like Seattle the place you’ll see a lot of foot site visitors. Additionally, it’s unlawful to move 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 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. A great rule of thumb: in the event you 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. 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 regulation really requires slower site visitors to remain in the precise lanes and says you shouldn’t cruise within the leftmost lane in the event you’re blocking the move of automobiles behind you. In different phrases, in the event you’re within the quick lane and see automobiles piling up behind, transfer to the precise 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, making ready for a left exit, or letting merging site visitors in), however usually, “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 bear in mind, on I-5 or I-90, cruise in the precise 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 most important 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 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 loos and even snack bars on greater routes. A professional-tip: arrive early for in style ferry runs, particularly in summer season, as a result of there may be wait strains. Additionally, use your parking brake on the ferry (it will possibly 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 greater). How’s that for a novel driving expertise? Eventually 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 Legislation
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. Apart from avoiding a nice, you’re defending your self and your folks. Additionally be aware: All passengers should buckle up, and children beneath 13 are usually most secure within the again seat (it’s really useful, and in some instances required by regulation, relying on age/dimension). You probably have little siblings, know that Washington has particular baby automobile seat legal guidelines – toddlers and infants want correct automobile seats or boosters. So be certain any younger passengers are in the precise restraint for his or her age/peak. Driving with no seatbelt or with unrestrained kiddos not solely dangers a ticket, it’s harmful. Fortuitously, nearly everybody right here does put on their belt – be one among them, and maintain that 95% going sturdy!
Driving in Washington is a improbable expertise – you may go from metropolis skyscrapers to mountain roads to coastal highways (and even ferries!) multi functional state. By understanding 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 street. Get pleasure from your new freedom as a driver in Washington State, and pleased driving!
