Traffic Laws in Washington? (Seattle: transplants, homes, school)

[MrFreeze2014]

Hi, everyone.

Can any of you transplants tell me how traffic laws are different in Washington? Specifically, anyone from Minnesota? I'm obviously going to have to get a Washington license when I get out there, which, I assume, will mean taking a written test. Any important differences I need to know about?

Thank you. Happy New Year.

[homesinseattle]

You must drive very slowly in the left hand land of the freeway and glare indignantly if anyone honks at you. Related to this, you must inch forward, lurching a bit but never go first at a four way stop, then get angry at the one person who does go first.

[Hemlock140]

Originally Posted by homesinseattle

You must drive very slowly in the left hand land of the freeway and glare indignantly if anyone honks at you. Related to this, you must inch forward, lurching a bit but never go first at a four way stop, then get angry at the one person who does go first.

Sad but true. Seriously, though, you have only 30 days to get your license and car registered in the state after arriving. You will have to pass a written test and a vision test. I can't say which laws may be different here, as we moved from CA, but you can turn right on a red light unless posted otherwise, and you can only use the left (fast) lane on a freeway for passing. The laws that seem to have the most rigorous enforcement here are the handicapped parking spaces, texting/hand held cell phone while driving, and staying at least 3' away when passing a bicyclist.



http://www.dol.wa.gov/driverslicense...erguide-en.pdf

Washington - AAA Digest of Motor Laws

[franklin42]

One thing that had me scratching my head is that you can turn right on a red arrow. After coming to a stop and making sure it is safe, obviously. I couldn't figure out why the person behind me was honking at me haha. Had to look that one up.

[dhpeter]

I moved from CA. I didn't have to take a written test. One thing that caught me off guard is that school zones are 20 mph where in CA they are 25.

I saw a flash when i drove past from a camera a couple weeks ago - i have yet to receive the ticket...(Delridge in West Seattle)

[509]

Originally Posted by franklin42

One thing that had me scratching my head is that you can turn right on a red arrow. After coming to a stop and making sure it is safe, obviously. I couldn't figure out why the person behind me was honking at me haha. Had to look that one up.

Yes, but in Florida you can turn LEFT on a red arrow. First time, I ever saw THAT traffic law! I did get the horn for it.

[PollyGlott]

Originally Posted by homesinseattle

You must drive very slowly in the left hand land of the freeway and glare indignantly if anyone honks at you. Related to this, you must inch forward, lurching a bit but never go first at a four way stop, then get angry at the one person who does go first.

So, so true!!!
Also, be sure your vehicle has one headlight that is dead, or shines brighter/duller than the other.

[Hemlock140]

I forgot about one, if you pass a school bus with flashing red lights it's a fine of $250-500, and may be enforced by cameras mounted on the school bus.

[CanadianEh]

Sorry to cut in on your thread, a few questions. We will be in company type housing for the first bit while our stuff arrives do we have to still write within 30 days or do you wait until you have a more perm. spot to live? I know coming from Canada we have to do written and driving. Are there smaller areas you can to the driving test or do you have to do it right downtown Seattle. Do you have to register vehicles at the same time? One vehicle is being shipped a lot later than the other.

I better start studying..it has been along time since I have written a drivers test. I will also have to learn miles vs km's.

Good luck on your test and move.

[homesinseattle]

Take off, Eh! At your driving at least Yes, there are smaller centers around town. Example: http://m.yelp.com/biz/shoreline-limi...fice-shoreline