Washington state new Laws
New driving fines for the state of Washington
These fines went into effect on July 1st. 2007

HOV: (Carpool) Lane - 1st time offense $1068.50
(note: the sign posted on the HOV lanes that says $271 is now wrong and DOT is in the process of changing them) 2nd offense fine is doubled , 3rd offense it is tripled and 4th your license is suspended for a year! (they are not playing around !!!)

Incorrect Lane Change : $380.00 (not using turn signal or "cutting" someone, crossing the white lines while merging )

Block Intersection: $485.00

Driving on Shoulder $ 450.00

$285.00 (cell phone usage must now be done with "hands free" device.) Law Enforcement has been told to really start cracking down on this, as the accident rate is increasing due to cell phone use .

Cell Phone Usage in a Construction Zone: $570.00 (this fine is doubled from the regular $285.00)

Passengers over the age of 18 not in a seat belt : both the passenger AND the driver will get tickets of $101.00

DUI: Instant ARREST!! (the courts are now placing DUI's on your driving record for a period of 10 years!! )

Last but not least. You know that there was a thought that you could go at least 5 MPH over the posted speed limit , well according to the Washington State Patrol, you are now allowed 3 MPH over !

So, watch your speed my friends.

 

damn the man is cracking down

 

It's about time.

I'm glad they're cracking down on everything in general now though.


Yes, I know, all you hardcore enthusiasts probably have strong opinions in opposition to that statement, but hear me out:

The US is getting heavily congested with automobile traffic. It's too easy to get a license these days, and driving skill is a joke compared to what it was even a decade ago. Combine that with the mindset that it's OK to multitask behind the wheel and it's not a matter of "if". It's a matter of "when".

I've been driving for over 16 years and have never been in an accident. I can't help but think that the odds are more and more against me every day. It's one of the reasons why I got rid of my EVO -- why risk damaging such an incredible car? I certainly don't want to be responsible for that.

Take it to the track to have your fun...

<steps off of soap box>



Cabo

 

This is a hoax people. Always go to Snopes before re-posting emails.

http://www.snopes.com/politics/traffic/california.asp

But still, there's some of those I wouldn't mind being enforced.

- Patrick

 

Yeah the cell phone law doesnt go into affect till 2008.

 

windows need more tint

 

This state is ridiculous with laws and cops either way.

 

We don't need more law enforcement (which is motivated by generating cash flow not improving safety), we need more stringent driving education requirements before giving people their license (but of course that might reduce car-sales).

Growing up in Germany I had to go through driving school for over a year before getting my license. In almost 20 years of driving I have never been the cause of an accident, and been able to avoid countless accidents where other people were at fault (including a multi-car freeway pile-up caused by a DUI where I came out without a scratch). And this is not because I'm "super-driver", but because I've had enough training to know what to expect in emergency situations, what my limitations are, and what the limitations are of what a car can do. And yes, I use my cell phone while driving, I fiddle with my radio, and I look at my GPS - I just do it when the situation allows me to do so.

I pisses me off that traffic laws are getting more & more in-your-face to regulate idiotic drivers, instead of putting any effort into making sure people are better trained/educated before handing them a license in the first place. Call my cynical, but once you realize that the automotive dealership/sales industry has the most influential lobbying organization in this country, it becomes pretty obvious what is motivating traffic laws, and it sure as hell ain't safety.

ok, I'm done ranting now ...

 

I almost wish the sales industry was driving this sort of law making. Unfortunately, what I see are representatives who think they have a clue.

Sadly all the laws in the world will not stop people from loosing attention to the road. Good driver education or an accident will do the trick for most people.


which makes it a good time to pump up the driver trainer events coming up soon.

Alfa club and I think the porsche club, do end of the year driver/ car knowledge update. its not all out hot driving but a number of practices that a person should know about car maneuvers. skid pads, cones, emergency braking...



http://welcome.to/nwarc

 

hefty fines :/

 

WTF kind of retarded rule is this. Because the idiot next to you decides not to wear a seat belt the driver will be punished??? What are you suppose to say...sit down, shut up, and oh put your seat belt on cause I dont want a ticket

 

Dont mean to hijack....but

Sadly, this is TRUE in VA.... (which i just moved back to)

http://www.usatoday.com/news/nation/...ing-laws_N.htm

 

Hey I am not shy about setting ground rules in my car, Wear your seatbelt, don't touch my stereo, no screaming and we are good to go. Hey if you don't like it you don't have ride in my car.

 

That's like saying why would I get in trouble if my friend is doing heroin in the back seat.