So that you’ve received 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 sensible automotive care ideas, we’ve received you lined. Let’s hit the highway!
1. Put the Cellphone Down – Washington’s “E-DUI” Legislation
Washington is critical about distracted driving. Actually, utilizing a handheld cellphone whereas driving is handled like driving beneath 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 cellphone 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 cellphone use (it’s a major offense). Backside line: save the texting for later and hold your eyes on the highway. Your Snapchat can wait!
2. Carpool Lanes: Pals or Fines
Don’t do this at residence: 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 referred to 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 price you a hefty tremendous (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 pretend passenger brings an additional $200 penalty on prime of the tremendous. 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 visitors with a buddy, however when you’re alone, stick 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 new drivers. Be certain that your automotive is prepared for the rain: hold your windshield wipers in good condition (exchange 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 take a look at”: 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 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 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 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, shiny 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. If you happen to plan to drive over Snoqualmie Cross or different mountains in winter, be ready for traction guidelines. Once you see “chains required” indicators, it means you may have to put tire chains in your wheels – sure, that is enforced by legislation! Actually, if situations get dangerous 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 way of March 31 in Washington. Utilizing studded tires outdoors that interval may land you a tremendous 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 received the suitable tires or chains prepared. And if it’s your first time driving in snow, take it gradual 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 new Washington drivers: you now not have to get an emissions take a look at in your automotive. Washington phased out its automobile emission test program on January 1, 2020. For practically 38 years earlier than that, autos in sure counties needed to cross 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 charge 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
If you happen to’re 16 or 17 and simply received 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 beneath 20 years previous in your automotive, until they’re rapid household (siblings, for instance). So, no cruising with a bunch of buddies instantly. After you’ve had your license 6 months, you possibly can have buddies 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. until 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 one more biggie: No cellphone use in any respect whereas driving when you’re beneath 18, even hands-free – besides in an emergency. Which means no calls with a headset, no music shopping, 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 principles – you’ll be at that solo highway journey with buddies very quickly!
7. Each Intersection is a Crosswalk (Look ahead to Pedestrians)
New drivers shortly be taught that pedestrians have the suitable 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 are not any painted strains. Drivers should cease for folks crossing at intersections and crosswalks, interval. It is a huge deal, particularly in cities like Seattle the place you’ll see plenty of foot visitors. Additionally, it’s unlawful to cross a automotive that’s stopped at a crosswalk – if the automotive 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 without doubt one of the prime causes of incidents involving walkers, so be further alert everytime you strategy crosswalks or intersections. rule of thumb: when you 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, Cross 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 really requires slower visitors to remain in the suitable lanes and says you shouldn’t cruise within the leftmost lane when you’re blocking the movement of automobiles behind you. In different phrases, when you’re within the quick lane and see automobiles piling up behind, transfer to the suitable and allow them to by – even when you’re going the velocity restrict. The legislation lists exceptions (like when you’re overtaking somebody, getting ready for a left exit, or letting merging visitors in), however typically, “hold proper besides to cross.” It’s a visitors infraction to hog the left lane and impede visitors. Washington State Patrol has been identified 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 keep in mind, on I-5 or I-90, cruise in the suitable or middle 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 shocked in case your GPS tells you to “board a ferry” on a highway 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 may get out and benefit from the view throughout the voyage. Ferries have loos and even snack bars on greater routes. A professional-tip: arrive early for common 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 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 earth (solely BC Ferries in Canada is larger). How’s that for a novel driving expertise? Ultimately you’ll most likely take a ferry – and now you possibly can 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 legislation 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 when you or your passengers aren’t buckled up. The excellent news is Washington drivers received 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 tremendous, you’re defending your self and your mates. Additionally notice: All passengers should buckle up, and children beneath 13 are typically most secure within the again seat (it’s really helpful, and in some instances required by legislation, relying on age/measurement). You probably have little siblings, know that Washington has particular little one automotive seat legal guidelines – toddlers and infants want correct automotive seats or boosters. So be certain any younger passengers are in the suitable restraint for his or her age/top. Driving and not using a seatbelt or with unrestrained kiddos not solely dangers a ticket, it’s harmful. Fortuitously, virtually everybody right here does put on their belt – be one in every of them, and hold that 95% going robust!
Driving in Washington is a incredible expertise – you possibly can go from metropolis skyscrapers to mountain roads to coastal highways (and even ferries!) multi functional state. By understanding 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 situations, and all the time be courteous to others on the highway. Take pleasure in your new freedom as a driver in Washington State, and glad driving!
