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Changes to Driver Guide Rev 3/23

Updates to the driver guide are available, including information on REAL ID, driving records, insurance, and child restraints.

REAL ID Update (Page 1-2)

• Standard driver's licenses will not be accepted for boarding domestic flights or entering secure federal facilities beginning May 7, 2025.
• These secure federal facilities include military bases and nuclear power plants.
• Visit the Transportation Safety Administration (TSA) website, www.tsa.gov, for a list of federally approved identification forms.
• REAL ID is only required for air travel and access to secure federal facilities; it is not needed for driving in Washington, crossing state lines, or riding a train.
• Washington's enhanced driver licenses (EDLs) comply with REAL ID for air travel within the U.S.
• More document options for EDLs are available at www.dol.wa.gov/driverlicense/edlget.html.
• Visit www.realidwa.com for informational videos and a quiz to determine your REAL ID needs.

Abstract of Driving Record (Page 1-15)

• A record of license applications, traffic infractions, convictions, collision involvement, and Failure-to-Appear notices are kept for every driver in the state.
• A copy of the driving record can be provided for a fee to the driver, insurance carriers, employers, volunteer organizations, attorneys, governmental agencies, and drug/alcohol treatment agencies.
• Certified records are also available online at www.dol.wa.gov.

Insurance Required (Page 2-2)

• Operating a motor vehicle registered in Washington requires liability insurance and proof of such insurance.
• Government vehicles, mopeds, and common or contract carrier vehicles are exempt from this requirement.

Child Restraint Updates (Page 2-10)

• Infants and children under two years old must use a child safety restraint system in a rear-facing position.
• Children under four who have outgrown rear-facing child safety seat height and weight recommendations must use a forward-facing child safety restraint system.
• Children four or older, until 4'9" tall, who cannot properly fit in a vehicle lap and shoulder belt, must use a booster seat with lap belt across the lap and knees bent at the end of the vehicle seat and shoulder belt coming across the shoulder and not the neck.
• Children typically between 8 and 12 years who have reached the required height and age can move to a seat belt.
• The restraint system must be used exactly according to BOTH the safety seat and vehicle manufacturer's instructions.
• Vehicles with only lap belts are exempt from booster seat requirements.
• Children who have reached the maximum recommended booster seat weight or are at least 4'9" who wear a seat belt MUST use it correctly, or continue to use a child safety restraint.
• A booster seat positions the seat belt to fit over the strong parts of the child's body, while a seat belt should lie across the hip bones and be snug across the shoulder and chest.
• Children should remain in each stage as long as they are within the manufacturer's weight and height limits for maximum safety.
• The Washington Child Passenger Safety Program Manager's phone number is 253-447-3257.
• The Washington Traffic Safety Commission can be contacted at www.wtsc.wa.gov or 360-725-9860.
• Washington State Department of Health Safe Kids Washington can be contacted at 360-236-2863.

Warning Signs

• Warning signs are usually yellow with black lettering and diamond shaped.
• These signs alert drivers to slow down and be prepared to stop if necessary.
• They warn of sharp curves, special situations, speed zones, or hazards ahead.

Railroad Crossing Warning Signs

• Many railroad crossings have signs or signals to warn drivers to slow down and yield to trains.
• Round yellow warning sign with an "X" symbol and black "RR" letters.
• White X-shaped sign or "crossbuck" with "Railroad Crossing" signals a yield.
• Alternate flashing side-by-side red lights when a train is detected means stop.
• Some crossings also have a crossing gate and a bell or horn.
• Crossings with multiple train tracks will post a sign to warn of more than one track. Do not proceed until all trains have passed.

Safety at Railroad Crossings

• Drivers are instructed to call the Emergency Notification System (ENS) number if their vehicle becomes disabled on the crossing, or they observe an obstruction on the railroad tracks.
• ENS numbers on blue signs attached to the track-crossing gate.
• Report issue with location to 911 for local law enforcement.

Slow Moving Vehicle Sign

• An orange triangle on the rear of a vehicle indicates it is traveling less than 25 mph.
• Usually seen on construction equipment and in rural areas on farm vehicles, animal-drawn wagons, or carriages.

Work Area Signs

• Construction, maintenance, or emergency operations signs are generally diamond or rectangle shaped and orange with black letters or symbols.
• Traffic may be controlled by a person with a sign or flag, and motorists must obey their directions.
• Motorists, pedestrians, and bicyclists must yield to any highway construction personnel, vehicles with flashing yellow lights, or equipment inside a highway construction or maintenance work zone.
• Fines double in construction areas when workers are present.

Rules of the Road (Pages 3-1, 4-42)

• Traffic rules dictate where, when, and how fast one can drive, ensuring safe traffic flow, including traffic control devices, right-of-way, parking regulations, and more.
• Move Over/Slow Down law requires drivers to move over one lane or reduce speed to 10 mph below the limit but no more than 20mph when passing stopped emergency or service vehicles with flashing lights.
• Emergency and service include law enforcement, fire/ambulance, incident response, highway maintenance, utility, solid waste, and tow trucks.
• Work zones require caution and obedience to directions, with doubled traffic fines.

License eXpress

• Online services, such as driver license or ID renewals, address changes, and pre-applying for a first driver's license, are available at www.dol.wa.gov.
• Visa, Mastercard, and American Express are accepted for online services; gift cards are not.
• To get started, visit www.dol.wa.gov.

The Driver License

• A valid driver license is required to legally operate a motor vehicle, motorcycle, moped, or motor-driven cycle on public roadways in Washington State.

Washington Residents

• Required to hold a driver license to legally operate a vehicle on public roadways.
• A resident if they register to vote, receive state payments or financial aid, have a state license at the resident rate, or intend to live in this state for more than six months.

New Residents

• Must obtain a Washington State driver license within 30 days of becoming a resident.
• May not need to take the knowledge or driving tests if your out-of-state license is valid when you apply.
• Under 18s must prove the completion of a driver-training course meeting Washington State standards to receive an intermediate driver license.

Nonresidents and Visitors

• Allowed to operate a motor vehicle if they have a valid driver license from their home state, province, territory, or country and are at least 16 years old.

Real ID

• Effective May 3, 2023, standard driver licenses will no longer be an acceptable form of identification for boarding domestic flights or entering secure federal facilities.
• Standard driver license will work for U.S. travel like driving in Washington, across state lines, or riding a train.

Types of Driver Licenses

Instruction Permit allows you to operate a motor vehicle within Washington State while supervised by a licensed driver with at least five years of licensed driving experience.

• Intermediate Driver License is issued to 16- and 17-year-olds who meet the requirements.
• Standard Driver License allows you to operate a motor vehicle on public roadways and is valid for up to six years. Its important to know that this license is not Real ID compliant.
• Enhanced Driver License and identification card are REAL ID compliant and valid for air travel within the United States and to cross the borders of Canada and Mexico by land or sea.

Getting An Instruction Permit

• Applicant must be at least 15.5 years old/ or 15 years old if enrolled in an approved driver-training course; Pass knowledge test (unless enrolled in an approved driver- training course); Vision and medical screening and pay an application/examination fee.

Intermediate Driver License requirements

• Be between ages 16-18; Completed course w/ 30 hours in class, 6 behind wheel; Parent OK; Pass medical/ vision/ driving test; Had instruction permit for 6 months; Parent signs off on 50 hours driving including 10 at night; Not issued ticket; Not committed traffic violation last 6 months and provide Social Security # .

Traffic Signals

• Green light means go if it is safe.
• Yellow light means caution and a red light means stop.
• A green arrow means a turn can be made safely in the direction of the arrow.
• A steady yellow traffic light means the traffic light is about to change to red.
• A flashing yellow traffic light means slow down and proceed with caution.
• A steady red traffic light means stop, wait until the light turns green, and there is no crossing traffic before continuing to move ahead.

Speeding and Speed Limits (page 4-2)

• Speeding is defined as traveling above the posted speed limit or too fast for conditions.
• Speeding is almost a factor of 40% of traffic fatalities (Washinton).

Imtermidate licence restrictions

• Cant drive between 1am / 5am unless with parent / guardian 25 yr old driver; First 6 months, no passengers under 20 - unless immediate family.

Additional points for Intermediate Drivers

• No cell phone under any circumstances unless its for illeal activity, medical etc; Violation will result in delay until age 18 (passenger/ nighttime restrictions), receive ticket, determined to have caused collision and 2nd vioation = Suspended for 6 months / age 18 (whichever come first), a 3rd infraction will cause suspension until age 18! and to get Standard Lisence - Be at least 18; show proof of Identity and acceptable age!

What is a "FTA Violation"?

• Failure to Appear*. a FTA notice is a result of failing to appear / comply. respond too or failing and /or pay ticket. You have then 45 days to comply/ suspend driving privelage.

Other Lisencing Services

• Identifcation Cards*** - Can be obtained photo ID cards both drivers and non drivers - using same requriments as Driver Lisence!

• *All male applicats applying for driers lisence, permit - under age of 24 - to Register with Selective Service System - with decline if wish to not decline document.

Securing a Load - "Marias Law"

• Secure your load on highways to avoid unsecured loads - fine, jail for death and injuries; 40% highway litter come form unsecured loans! Check beefore you drive - is there debris from cargo falling -

• Is there debris from cargo fallings + is load secured at side, top; is load secured if you hit bump would you want loaded driving in your neighboor.