Washington State Driver Guide PDF

HOT Lanes & Express Toll Lanes High occupancy toll (HOT) lanes and Express toll lanes are high occupancy vehicle (HOV) lanes for carpools that are also open to solo drivers who choose to pay a toll. Toll rates adjust electronically to ensure that traffic in the HOT or Express lane is free flowing ev...

HOT Lanes & Express Toll Lanes High occupancy toll (HOT) lanes and Express toll lanes are high occupancy vehicle (HOV) lanes for carpools that are also open to solo drivers who choose to pay a toll. Toll rates adjust electronically to ensure that traffic in the HOT or Express lane is free flowing even when the regular lanes are congested. It provides toll-free express trips for buses, vanpools, carpools and motorcycles, while giving solo drivers the option to pay for a faster, more reliable trip. Those who choose to use the HOT lanes or Express toll lanes as a solo driver must have a Good To Go! account. Carpools, vanpools, buses, and motorcycles may also need a Good To Go! account to use the toll lanes without charge. For more information regarding Good To Go! accounts, visit www. ygoodtogo.co. For more information regarding tolling, including requirements for carpools, vanpools, buses, and motorcycles, visit www.wsdot.wa.gov goodtogo. General Rules General driving – If you back your vehicle, look carefully and move slowly. Drivers do not expect a vehicle to be backing towards them and may not reali e it until it is too late. If you miss your turn or exit, do not back up, but go on to the next turn or exit or where you can safely turn around. It is illegal to back up on a shoulder or a freeway. Do not stop in travel lanes for any reason (confusion, breakdown, letting out a passenger). Keep moving until you can safely pull off the road. In Washington State it is illegal to give or to seek a ride on any limited access roadway such as a freeway unless otherwise posted. No person seeking a ride may stand on or along a public 3-15 highway or street where a vehicle cannot safely stop off the main traveled portion of the roadway. On a road with two lanes traveling in opposite directions, you must drive on the right side of the road except when you are legally passing another vehicle. On a road with two or more lanes traveling in the same direction, stay in the right lane except to pass. On a road with three or more lanes traveling in the same direction, if there is a lot of entering or exiting traffic, use the center travel lane. Unless directed to do so by officials or signs, never drive on the shoulder of the road. Law Enforcement Stops Police vehicles attempting to stop drivers will do so by turning on flashing lights and/or a siren. If a law enforcement officer pulls you over: Drive as close as you safely can to the right side of the road, stop and turn off the engine. Do not stop in an intersection or pull into the center median of a highway. Limit your movements and those of any passengers. Keep your hands on the steering wheel. Passengers should keep their hands in plain view. Show your driver license and/or vehicle registration only when requested. Stay in your vehicle. DO NOT GET OUT UNLESS RE UESTED. If it is dark, turn on the vehicles’ interior dome light after stopping and before the officer approaches your vehicle. Do not argue with the officer at the scene. Traffic violations and traffic crimes charged against you are decided in court. Emergency zones – Emergency ones are defined as the adjacent lanes of the roadway 2 feet before and after a stationary emergency vehicle with a siren or flashing lights, tow truck using red lights, emergency assistance vehicle using warning lights, or police vehicle using emergency lights. The fines for traffic infractions issued for speeding in an emergency 3-16 one or improper passing of a designated stationary vehicle are doubled, and the driver license of a person who recklessly endangers a worker or property in an emergency one is subject to a -day suspension. Passing – On a road with two lanes traveling in the same direction, the left-hand lane is intended to be used for passing slower vehicles. On roads with more than two lanes traveling in the same direction, use the right lane for slower speeds, the middle lanes for higher speeds, and the left-hand lane for passing only. If you pass on the right, the other driver may have difficulty seeing you and might suddenly change lanes in front of you. Never pass on the shoulder, whether it is paved or not. Other drivers will never expect you to be there and may pull off the road without looking. The shoulder can also be used by pedestrians and bicyclists. On limited access roadways of three or more lanes in one direction, vehicles towing a trailer or vehicles over ten thousand pounds may not use the left-hand lane unless otherwise posted. However, this does not prevent these vehicles from using the HOV lanes. Driving on ocean beaches – Driving is allowed on ocean beaches in Grays Harbor and Pacific counties. The beach is considered a state highway so all road, vehicle registration, and driver licensing regulations apply. The speed limit is 25 mph and pedestrians and bicyclists have the right-of-way at all times. You may only enter the beach with your vehicle through marked beach approaches and you may only drive on hardpacked sand. Watch for beach closure signs and signs that occasionally prohibit beach driving. Toll Bridges – Currently tolls are collected when crossing State Route (SR) 52 Bridge in either direction and State Route (SR) 1 Tacoma Narrows Bridge when traveling eastbound. When crossing the SR 52 Bridge the tolls are either collected through your Good To Go! account or a bill that is sent to the address of the vehicle’s owner. SR 1 Tacoma Narrows Bridge is similar, with the additional option of toll booths, allowing drivers to pay cash on site. For more information regarding tolls please visit www.wsdot.wa.gov. 3-17 A tomated Traffic afety ameras – Automated traffic safety cameras automatically record one or more images of a motor vehicle at the time it fails to stop when facing a steady red traffic control signal or an activated railroad grade crossing control signal, or exceeds a speed limit in a school speed one as detected by a speed measuring device. All locations equipped with traffic cameras will be clearly marked with signs in locations that clearly indicate that you are entering a one where traffic laws are enforced by an automated traffic safety camera. The camera will only take pictures of the vehicle and license plate while the infraction is occurring. The notice of infraction will be sent in the mail within fourteen days after the owner is determined. Included in the notice will be facts relating to the infraction and images taken by the traffic camera. These infractions are not included in a driving record, and are instead processed as a parking infraction. The maximum fine for any parking infraction is 25. 3-18 Ferries Washington State Ferries (WSF) is part of Washington’s highway network, sometimes referred to as the state’s marine highway system. As part of the state highway system, all rules of the road apply and must be followed at all times. Approaching the Terminal - WSF operates 2 ferry terminals on 1 routes in Washington State and Canada. As you approach the ferry terminal, you may see signs directing you into a designated ferry holding lane on the road leading up to the terminal. Other vehicles may already be lined up in this lane to catch the ferry, and the end of the line may be at some distance before you reach the terminal. If other vehicles have already lined up in the ferry holding lane, do not cut in front of these vehicles find a safe place to turn around and go to the back of the line. Ferry line-cutting is a traffic offense that can lead to a fine. If you see someone cutting into the ferry line, do not take matters into your own hands and instead contact the HERO Program at 1HERO ( ). If you are in a ferry holding lane in a residential area, please do not block residential driveways or intersections. Passengers on bicycles may proceed past cars to the terminal. Terminal layouts vary bicyclists receive priority loading on most ferries and have a bicycle waiting area in front of motor vehicles. For more information about the WSF system, or for fares and schedules please visit www.wsdot.wa.gov ferries. 3-19 Turning Turn from the lane that is closest to the direction you want to go and turn into the lane closest to the one you came from. When making turns, go from one lane to the other as directly as possible without crossing lane lines or interfering with traffic. Once you have completed your turn, you can change to another lane if you need to. Right turns – On right turns avoid moving wide to the left before going into the turn. If you swing wide, the driver behind you may think you are changing lanes or turning left and may try to pass you on the right. If you swing wide as you complete the turn, drivers who are in the far lane will not expect to see you there. 3-20 Incorrect Correct Left turns – When making a left turn, avoid starting the turn so soon that you are turning on the wrong side of the street. However, be sure to leave room for oncoming vehicles to turn left in front of you. Multiple lanes turning – If there are signs or lane markings that allow for two or more turning lanes, stay in your lane during the turn. U Turns – You should only make a U turn when it is safe. U turns should not be made on any curve or when approaching the crest of a hill when your vehicle cannot be seen by others. Some towns and cities do not allow U turns. Check with local police to be sure. Turns across bicycle lanes It is illegal to drive in a bicycle lane. Low-speed Battery Electric Vehicles Both Neighborhood Electric Vehicles (NEV) and Medium Electric Vehicles (MEV) are electrically powered, four-wheeled vehicles that can be driven on roads. A NEV can reach speeds of 2 -25 mph. A MEV can reach speeds of - 5 mph and is equipped with a roll-cage or a crush-proof body design. Persons operating a NEV or MEV are permitted on roads with a posted speed limit of up to 5 mph, unless banned by local law. Only San Juan County permits operation on roads with a posted speed limit of 5 mph. NEVs and MEVs are prohibited from operating on streets and highways that are part of the state highway system. 3-21 The operator of such vehicles must not cross a roadway with a speed limit in excess of 5 mph unless the crossing occurs at an intersection of approximately 9 degrees. The operator may not cross an uncontrolled intersection of a roadway that is part of the state highway system unless authori ed by local authorities. To drive these, you must have: the vehicle registered as NEV or MEV and have plates. a valid driver license. liability insurance. use of seat belts, child restraints, and other safety equipment. Motorized Foot Scooters (MFS) Must have handlebars, two ten-inch or smaller wheels, and a gas or electric motor. Operators are not required to hold a driver license, vehicle license, or insurance. State patrol approved reflectors are required if the vehicle is driven at night. No Endorsement If you operate any vehicle without having the required endorsement, the vehicle may be impounded. Operating Golf Carts A person may operate a golf cart on public roads in approved golf cart ones if they are at least 1 years old and have either completed a driver education course or have previous experience driving as a licensed driver. No person who has a revoked license can operate a golf cart on public roads in golf cart ones. Golf cart ones must be identified by a sign. Golf carts operating in golf cart ones must have seat belts, rearview mirrors, and reflectors. Operators must use the seat belt. Electric Vehicle Charging Stations It is a parking infraction with a minimum penalty of 12 to park a vehicle in an electric vehicle charging station if the vehicle is not connected to the charging equipment. The parking infraction applies to both public and private electric vehicle charging stations. 3-22 Right-Of-Way There will be many times when you will need to slow down or stop your vehicle to allow another vehicle, pedestrian, or bicyclist to continue safely. Even if there are no signs or signals to regulate traffic, there are laws governing who must yield the right-of-way. Infractions for failing to stop or yield the right of way for pedestrian or bicyclist within a crosswalk that is marked with school or playground speed one signs receive twice the scheduled penalty. The law says who must yield the right-of-way, it does not give anyone the right-of-way. Failure to yield right of way is the number one citation in city collisions. You must do everything you can to prevent striking a pedestrian, on foot or in a wheelchair, a bicyclist, or another vehicle, regardless of the circumstances. For their own safety pedestrians should walk toward oncoming traffic and off the roadway. You should be ready to yield to pedestrians in case they step into your path. A pedestrian crossing a roadway at any point other than in a marked crosswalk or within an unmarked crosswalk at an intersection must yield the right of way to all vehicles on the roadway. The following right-of-way rules apply at intersections: Pedestrians and bicyclists have the right-of-way at crosswalks and intersections, whether the crosswalk is marked or not. Drivers must yield where necessary to avoid striking pedestrians and bicyclists who are crossing the road. 3-23 Drivers must stop if a pedestrian or bicyclist is in their half of the roadway. Drivers must stop if a pedestrian or bicyclist is within one lane of their half of the roadway. Once the pedestrian or bicyclist is beyond one lane of their half of the roadway, the drivers may go. Drivers crossing a sidewalk while entering or exiting a driveway, alley, or parking lot must stop and yield to pedestrians and bicyclists. It is illegal to drive on a sidewalk except to cross it. 3-24 Pedestrians using a guide dog or other service animal or carrying a white cane have absolute right-of-way. It is unlawful to interfere with or distract a service animal. Do not use your horn as it could confuse or frighten the pedestrian or the service animal. Drivers turning left must yield to oncoming vehicles, pedestrians, and bicyclists. Drivers entering a roundabout must yield to drivers and bicyclists already in the circle. At an intersection where there is no stop sign, yield sign, or traffic signal, drivers must yield to vehicles in the intersection and to those coming from the right. Drivers must follow the rules for yielding to pedestrians and bicyclists in the crosswalk whether or not it is marked. At a four-way stop the driver reaching the intersection first, goes first (after coming to a complete stop). If more than one vehicle arrives at the same time, the vehicle on the right goes first. Drivers entering a road from a driveway, alley, parking lot, or roadside must yield to vehicles already on the main road. Drivers must not enter an intersection unless they can get through it without having to stop. You should wait until traffic ahead clears so you are not blocking the intersection. Drivers passing a vehicle going in the same direction must be ready to yield in case the other driver suddenly turns, slows down, or stops. You must yield the right-of-way to trains crossing the roadway trains cannot stop for you. You must yield the right-of-way to a police vehicle, fire engine, ambulance, or other emergency vehicle using a siren, air horn, or a red or blue flashing light. Pull over to the right edge of the road, or as near to the right as possible, and stop when you see or hear an emergency vehicle approaching from any direction. If you are in an intersection, drive through the intersection before you pull over. If the light is red, stay where you are. Follow any instructions given over the emergency vehicle’s loudspeaker. 3-25 You must stop for a school bus that is stopped with its red lights flashing whether it is on your side of the road, the opposite side of the road or at an intersection you are approaching. You are not required to stop for a school bus with red lights flashing when the stopped school bus is traveling in the opposite direction and the roadway: – has three or more marked traffic lanes, – is separated by a median, or – is separated by a physical barrier. You should never pass a stopped school bus on the right hand side. After the school bus red lights have stopped flashing, watch for children along the side of the road and do not proceed until they have completely left the roadway. The risk of injuring a child crossing the road is increased during the loading and unloading of a school bus. Be alert for children that may try to return to the bus after unloading. Fines are doubled for anyone that passes a stopped school bus. The penalty for failing to stop for a stopped school bus may not be waived, reduced, or suspended. You must yield to any transit vehicle (bus) that has signaled and is pulling back onto the roadway. 3-26 Parking Drivers are responsible for making sure their vehicle is not a ha ard when it is parked. Whenever you park, be sure it is in a place that is far enough from any travel lane to avoid interfering with traffic and visible to vehicles approaching from either direction. Always park in a designated area if possible. Always set your parking brake when you park. Leave the vehicle in gear if it has a manual transmission or in park if it has an automatic transmission. Check traffic before you open the door. Get out of the vehicle on the curb side if you can. When opening a vehicle door, drivers and passengers should do the following: (1) Check your rear-view mirror. (2) Check your side-view mirror. ( ) Open the door with your far hand (the hand farthest from the door). This is called the Dutch Reach method which originated in the Netherlands. It forces your body to turn, which will better allow you to see approaching bicyclists. It also prevents the vehicle door from being opened too fast. This not only protects bicyclists, but can also prevent your door from being damaged or torn off by an approaching motor vehicle. Shut the door as soon as you can after getting out. Never leave the ignition key in a parked vehicle. It is a good habit to lock the doors whenever you leave your vehicle. It is against the law to leave children under 1 years of age alone in a parked car with the engine running. If you must park on a roadway, park your vehicle as far away from traffic as possible. If there is a curb, park as close to it as you can. No parking zones There are many areas where you cannot park. Check for signs that may prohibit or limit parking. Some parking restrictions are indicated by colored curb markings. Do not park: in an intersection. on a crosswalk or sidewalk. 3-27 in a bicycle lane. in a construction area if your vehicle will block traffic. within feet of a traffic signal, stop sign, or yield sign. within 2 feet of a pedestrian safety one. within 15 feet of a fire hydrant. within 5 feet of a railroad crossing. more than 12 inches from the curb. within 2 feet of a fire station driveway on the same side of the street or within 5 feet of the fire station driveway on the other side of the street. within 5 feet of a driveway, alley, private road, or area of the curb removed or lowered for access to the sidewalk. on a bridge or overpass or in a tunnel or underpass. on the wrong side of the street. in a space marked for the disabled unless you have a disabled license plate or placard. on the road side of a parked vehicle (double parking). on railroad tracks. on the shoulder of the freeway unless you have an emergency. wherever there is a sign that says you cannot park. Other parking restrictions may be indicated by signs or curbs painted: white indicates that only short stops are permitted. yellow/red indicates a loading one or some other restriction. Parking on a Hill When you park on a hill: with a curb and are facing uphill, set your parking brake and turn your steering wheel away from the curb. This way, if your vehicle starts to roll, it will roll into the curb. 3-28 facing downhill, set your parking brake and turn your steering wheel toward the curb. and there is no curb, set your parking brake and turn your steering wheel toward the edge of the road. This way, if your vehicle starts to roll, it will roll away from traffic. Parallel Parking When you parallel park, park within 12 inches of the curb. Here are the steps to parallel parking: Stop even with the car ahead. Turn the wheel sharp right and back slowly toward the car behind. When clear of the car ahead, turn the wheel sharp left and back slowly to the car behind. Turn the wheel sharp right and pull toward the curb in the center of the parking space. 3-29