The Big Surge in 2020 Traffic Deaths Had an Uneven Toll
The rise in U.S. road deaths after Covid-19 hit was historic, but it was especially concentrated among certain groups of people, new federal data show.
Washington
GHSA maintains data on state laws surrounding a number of highway safety issues. Below is information regarding laws in the state of Washington. For more information, consult the State Highway Safety Office.
Washington
Motorcycle Helmet Required?
Universal helmet law enacted 1990.
Washington
Length of Regular Renewal Cycle
6 or 8 years
Washington
Provisions for Mature Drivers
70 and over: no electronic renewal
Washington
DUID Zero Tolerance or Per se Laws for Some Drugs
Per se >0 for some drugs
Washington
Marijuana Possession and Use
Decriminalized and legal for recreational and medical use
Washington
Marijuana Impaired Driving
THC per se (5 ng)
Washington
Rural Interstates: Cars (MPH)
70
Washington
Rural Interstates: Trucks (MPH)
60
Washington
Urban Interstates: Cars (MPH)
60
Washington
Urban Interstates: Trucks (MPH)
60
Washington
Other Limited Access Roads: Cars (MPH)
60
Washington
Other Limited Access Roads: Trucks (MPH)
60
Washington
Increased penalty for high BAC
0.15
Washington
Administrative license suspension on first offense
90 days
Washington
Limited driving privileges during suspension
With an ignition interlock driver's license
Washington
Ignition Interlocks
Mandatory for all convictions
Washington
Open container laws
yes
Washington
Repeat Offender Laws
No
Washington
Child Restraint Required
Under 2 years – rear-facing child restraint
2 to 4 years – child restraint with harness (rear or forward-facing)
4 years and older – car or booster seat until 4’9”
Up to age 13 years – must ride in back seat when practical
Washington
Adult Safety Belt Permissible
4’9” or taller
Adult seat belt fits properly
40 lbs or over in seating position with only lap belt
Washington
Intermediate Stage: Nighttime Driving Restriction
1 a.m. - 5 a.m. (secondary enforcement)
Washington
Intermediate Stage: Passenger Restrictions (Except Family, Unless Noted)
First 6 months: no passengers under 20 Remainder: no more than 3 passengers under 20 (secondary enforcement)
Washington
Full Privilege Minimum Age
18 years
Washington
Learner Stage: Minimum Age (Years/Months)
15 15 / 6 without driver's ed.
Washington
Learner Stage: Minimum Duration (Months)
6
Washington
Learner Stage: Supervised Driving Hours (Night Hours in Parenthesis)
50 (10)
Washington
Intermediate Stage: Minimum Age (Years/Months)
16
Washington
Type of Law
Primary
Washington
Who is Covered?
Over 16 or over 4'9"
Washington
In What Seat?
All
Washington
Hand-Held Ban?
Yes. Primary law.
Washington
All Cell Phone Ban? School Bus Drivers
No
Washington
All Cell Phone Ban? Novice Drivers
Drivers with learner or intermediate license. Primary law.
Washington
Text Messaging Ban?
All drivers. Primary law.
Washington
Speed Cameras: State Law
Permitted by state law
Washington
Speed Cameras: Where Permitted
School speed zones, school walk routes, park zones, hospital zones, highway work zones, one camera per 10,000 residents in priority areas such as areas with higher rates or collisions or areas designated as problem racing zones
Washington
Red Light Cameras: State Law
Permitted by state law and city ordinance
Washington
Red Light Cameras: Where Permitted
Statewide; at intersections of two arterials
States Focus on Impaired Driving Leading into Labor Day Weekend to Prevent Traffic Deaths
As summer winds down and millions of Americans take to the roads for the Labor Day weekend, GHSA is reminding motorists that State Highway Safety Offices and their federal and law enforcement partners are stepping up efforts to reduce drunk and drug-impaired driving.
States Focus on Impaired Driving Leading into Labor Day Weekend to Prevent Traffic Deaths
As summer winds down and millions of Americans take to the roads for the Labor Day weekend, GHSA is reminding motorists that SHSOs and their federal and law enforcement partners are stepping up efforts to reduce drunk and drug-impaired driving, a preventable behavior that puts road users at risk.
States Ramp Up Traffic Safety Initiatives Ahead of Deadly Summer Travel Season
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 26, 2021
CONTACT: Adam Snider, 202-580-7930
202-365-8971 (after hours)
As traffic volumes rise, State Highway Safety Offices increase efforts to protect road users
States Ramp Up Traffic Safety Initiatives Ahead of Deadly Summer Travel Season
With more Americans returning to the road and millions expected to take summer road trips, GHSA is alerting motorists that State Highway Safety Offices and their partners are stepping up programs to make sure the nation’s roads are safe for everyone.
As Drivers Return to the Roadways, Seven States Receive Grants to Stop High Risk Impaired Driving
For the sixth consecutive year, the Governors Highway Safety Association (GHSA) and the Foundation for Advancing Alcohol Responsibility (Responsibility.org) are awarding grants to help states keep Americans safe from the most dangerous impaired drivers.
Drivers Hitting Triple-Digit Speeds on Open Roads During Coronavirus Pandemic
With many people staying home during the coronavirus pandemic, once-crowded highways are now relatively empty, prompting more drivers to speed.
Drivers Hitting Triple-Digit Speeds on Open Roads During Coronavirus Pandemic
Story by Erin McLaughlin
April 25, 2020
Drive Safely — Our Healthcare Professionals Are Busy Enough
Staying home is helping our communities immensely, but being a hero doesn't stop there. Stick to the speed limit to ensure the safety of all who use our streets.
Drive Safely — Our Healthcare Professionals Are Busy Enough
Story by Niki Seligman
April 3, 2020
Lyft Grant Results: Washington
With its grant, WTSC continued messaging around the findings of its Driving Under the Influence of Cannabis and Alcohol (DUICA) survey and promoted the use of Lyft for safe and sober rides.
Lyft and GHSA Partner with States to Deter Impaired Driving During the Holidays
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
December 11, 2019
Contact: Kara Macek, 202-789-0944