10 Fun Facts for New Drivers in Washington State
So you’ve got your first driver’s license in Washington – congratulations! Whether you’re a teenager or an adult, driving in the Evergreen State comes with its own set of rules, tips, and a few surprises. In this friendly guide, we’ll share 10 fun and informative facts to help you navigate Washington’s roads with confidence. From quirky state laws to smart car care tips, we’ve got you covered. Let’s hit the road!
1. Put the Phone Down – Washington’s “E-DUI” Law
Washington is serious about distracted driving. In fact, using a handheld phone while driving is treated like driving under the influence – it’s nicknamed the DUI-E (Driving Under the Influence of Electronics) law. This means you cannot text, scroll social media, or hold your phone at all when behind the wheel – even at stoplights. If you’re caught, the ticket is about $136 for a first offense, and goes up to around $234 for repeat offenses. Officers can pull you over just for phone use (it’s a primary offense). Bottom line: save the texting for later and keep your eyes on the road. Your Snapchat can wait!
2. Carpool Lanes: Friends or Fines
Don’t try this at home: Some drivers have attempted using life-size dummies to cheat HOV lane rules, which can result in extra fines! Washington’s highways have HOV (High Occupancy Vehicle) lanes – marked with a diamond symbol – also called carpool lanes. These lanes are reserved for vehicles with 2 or more people (motorcycles count too) during posted hours. Driving solo in a carpool lane can cost you a hefty fine (around $186 for the first ticket, and $336 for the second within two years). And no, your mannequin or inflatable dummy “passenger” doesn’t count – using a fake passenger brings an extra $200 penalty on top of the fine. Also, remember not to cross the double white lines; only enter or exit a carpool lane at designated areas. Carpool lanes are great for beating traffic with a buddy, but if you’re alone, stick to the regular lanes to avoid an expensive lesson.
3. Rainy Days? Wipers, Lights, and Hydroplaning
Western Washington is famous for its rain, and wet roads can be tricky for new drivers. Make sure your car is ready for the rain: keep your windshield wipers in good shape (replace them if they streak) and turn on your headlights whenever it’s raining hard or gray out, so others can see you. Good tire tread is a lifesaver on slick roads – try the “quarter test”: insert a quarter into your tire groove, Washington’s head first. If you can see the top of George Washington’s head, your tread is too low and it’s time for new tires. On wet highways, slow down to avoid hydroplaning – even new tires can start to lose contact with the road at speeds as low as 35 mph on standing water. If you feel your car start to hydroplane (slide on water), don’t slam the brakes; instead, ease off the gas and steer straight until you regain traction. Give extra following distance in rain, because stopping takes longer. With good wipers, bright lights, and cautious speeds, you’ll handle Washington’s liquid sunshine like a pro.
4. Winter Ready – Snow, Chains, and Studded Tires
While the coast is rainy, Washington’s mountains and eastern areas get snow. If you plan to drive over Snoqualmie Pass or other mountains in winter, be prepared for traction rules. When you see “chains required” signs, it means you might need to put tire chains on your wheels – yes, this is enforced by law! In fact, if conditions get bad enough that “chains required on all vehicles” is posted, every vehicle must have chains installed, even 4WD/AWD, or you’ll have to turn around. It’s smart to carry a set of chains in your trunk during winter trips. Also, know that studded snow tires (the ones with metal pins) are legal only from November 1 through March 31 in Washington. Using studded tires outside that period could land you a fine of about $137. They restrict studded tires because they chew up the roads. Instead, many locals use all-season or winter tires without studs. So, before the snow falls, make sure you’ve got the right tires or chains ready. And if it’s your first time driving in snow, take it slow and give yourself plenty of room – Washington drivers famously take it easy when it dumps snow, especially in Seattle where it’s a rare event!
5. No Emissions Test? No Problem!
Here’s a surprise for new Washington drivers: you no longer need to get an emissions test on your car. Washington phased out its vehicle emission check program on January 1, 2020. For nearly 38 years before that, vehicles in certain counties had to pass a smog check every couple of years. But thanks to cleaner cars and better air quality, the program ended. Now, when you register or renew your car tabs, no emissions inspection is required. This is one less thing for you to worry about (and one less fee to pay!). Of course, it’s still good to maintain your car’s exhaust system and fix any super smoky mufflers – nobody likes being “that car” blowing clouds on I-5. Overall, cleaner air for everyone and one less errand for you. Win-win!
6. Teen Drivers Have Special Rules
If you’re 16 or 17 and just got that shiny new license (called an Intermediate License), Washington has a graduated licensing system with a few extra rules to keep you safe. For the first 6 months, you cannot have any passengers under 20 years old in your car, unless they’re immediate family (siblings, for example). So, no cruising with a bunch of friends right away. After you’ve had your license 6 months, you can have friends under 20, but no more than three at a time until you turn 18. Also, there’s a nighttime curfew: you’re not allowed to drive between 1:00 a.m. and 5:00 a.m. unless you’re with a parent, guardian, or a licensed driver age 25+ riding shotgun. (Late-night Taco Bell runs might have to wait.) And one more biggie: No phone use at all while driving if you’re under 18, even hands-free – except in an emergency. That means no calls with a headset, no music browsing, nothing. These rules might sound strict, but they dramatically reduce risks for teen drivers. After you turn 18, the restrictions drop off, but hopefully by then you’ll have great driving habits. Until then, follow the rules – you’ll be at that solo road trip with friends in no time!
7. Every Intersection is a Crosswalk (Watch for Pedestrians)
New drivers quickly learn that pedestrians have the right of way at crosswalks – but did you know this applies at any intersection, marked or unmarked? In Washington, every intersection is legally a crosswalk for pedestrians, even if there are no painted lines. Drivers must stop for people crossing at intersections and crosswalks, period. This is a big deal, especially in cities like Seattle where you’ll see lots of foot traffic. Also, it’s illegal to pass a car that’s stopped at a crosswalk – if the car in the lane next to you stops, you must stop too, since they might be letting a pedestrian cross in front of them. Failing to yield to pedestrians is one of the top causes of incidents involving walkers, so be extra alert whenever you approach crosswalks or intersections. A good rule of thumb: if you see someone even thinking about crossing the street, slow down and be ready to stop. The pedestrians will appreciate it, and you’ll avoid a hefty ticket (or worse).
8. Keep Right, Pass Left (Don’t Be a Left-Lane Camper)
Here’s a pro-tip that many experienced drivers still forget: on multi-lane highways, the left lane is for passing. Washington law actually requires slower traffic to stay in the right lanes and says you shouldn’t cruise in the leftmost lane if you’re blocking the flow of cars behind you. In other words, if you’re in the fast lane and notice cars piling up behind, move to the right and let them by – even if you’re going the speed limit. The law lists exceptions (like if you’re overtaking someone, preparing for a left exit, or letting merging traffic in), but generally, “keep right except to pass.” It’s a traffic infraction to hog the left lane and impede traffic. Washington State Patrol has been known to ticket “left-lane campers.” Besides, it’s just good etiquette – it keeps traffic flowing and everyone (including you) less frustrated. So remember, on I-5 or I-90, cruise in the right or center lanes, and use that far left lane to pass or when traffic is moving faster there. You’ll get a thumbs-up from truckers and leadfoots alike!
9. Ferry Boats Are Part of the Highway
One very cool thing about driving in Washington: you might find that your road literally ends at the water and you drive onto a ferry. Washington State Ferries (WSF) form the largest ferry system in the U.S., carrying cars and passengers across Puget Sound and to the San Juan Islands. These green-and-white ferry boats are actually part of our state highways – routes like the Seattle–Bainbridge ferry are signed as State Route 305, for example. So, don’t be surprised if your GPS tells you to “board a ferry” on a road trip. For new drivers, taking a ferry is a fun adventure: you’ll pay at the tollbooth, drive onboard and park where directed, then you can get out and enjoy the view for the duration of the voyage. Ferries have bathrooms and even snack bars on bigger routes. A pro-tip: arrive early for popular ferry runs, especially in summer, because there can be wait lines. Also, use your parking brake on the ferry (it can gently rock). Washington’s ferry system has 21 vessels and serves 20 terminals, and it’s the second-largest vehicular ferry system in the world (only BC Ferries in Canada is bigger). How’s that for a unique driving experience? Sooner or later you’ll probably take a ferry – and now you can say you drove on a boat!
10. Click It or Ticket – Buckle Up, It’s the Law
Seatbelts save lives, and Washington really wants you to wear them. The state’s seatbelt law is primary enforcement (officers can stop you just for not wearing a belt), and the longstanding “Click It or Ticket” campaign means you’ll get a ticket if you or your passengers aren’t buckled up. The good news is Washington drivers got the message – around 95% of people in the state use their seatbelts, one of the highest compliance rates in the nation. As a new driver, make it a habit that everyone belts up every time, even for short trips. Besides avoiding a fine, you’re protecting yourself and your friends. Also note: All passengers must buckle up, and kids under 13 are generally safest in the back seat (it’s recommended, and in some cases required by law, depending on age/size). If you have little siblings, know that Washington has specific child car seat laws – toddlers and babies need proper car seats or boosters. So be sure any young passengers are in the right restraint for their age/height. Driving without a seatbelt or with unrestrained kiddos not only risks a ticket, it’s dangerous. Fortunately, almost everyone here does wear their belt – be one of them, and keep that 95% going strong!
Driving in Washington is a fantastic experience – you can go from city skyscrapers to mountain roads to coastal highways (and even ferries!) all in one state. By knowing these laws and tips, you’ll stay safer and avoid those “oops, I didn’t know” moments with the police. Remember to stay alert in our rainy weather, give yourself extra time in winter conditions, and always be courteous to others on the road. Enjoy your new freedom as a driver in Washington State, and happy driving!