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 realize 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
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
• Show your driver license and/or vehicle registration only when requested.
• Stay in your vehicle. DO NOT GET OUT UNLESS REQUESTED.
• 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 zones are defined as the adjacent lanes of the roadway 200 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 zone 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 zone is subject to a 60-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 hard- packed sand. Watch for beach closure signs and signs that occasionally prohibit beach driving.
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.
