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.
Universal helmet law enacted 1990.
6 or 8 years
70 and over: no electronic renewal
Per se >0 for some drugs
Decriminalized and legal for recreational and medical use
THC per se (5 ng)
70
60
60
60
60
60
0.15
90 days
With an ignition interlock driver's license
Mandatory for all convictions
yes
No
4’9” or taller
Adult seat belt fits properly
40 lbs or over in seating position with only lap belt
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
18 years
15 15 / 6 without driver's ed.
6
50 (10)
16
1 a.m. - 5 a.m. (secondary enforcement)
First 6 months: no passengers under 20 Remainder: no more than 3 passengers under 20 (secondary enforcement)
Primary
Over 16 or over 4'9"
All
Yes. Primary law.
No
Drivers with learner or intermediate license. Primary law.
All drivers. Primary law.
Statewide; at intersections of two arterials
Permitted by state law
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
Permitted by state law and city ordinance
Through a grant from Ford Driving Skills for Life and GHSA, the Washington Traffic Safety Commission partnered with the Cascade Pacific Action Alliance's (CPAA's) Youth Marijuana Prevention and Education Program (YMPEP) for a campaign warning teens about the dangers of marijuana-impaired driving.
Following a recent string of pedestrian fatalities in Kent, Washington, this article profiles the issue, using GHSA's report on 2018 pedestrian fatality trends for national context.
Story by Steve Hunter
March 14, 2019
The Washington Traffic Safety Commission (WTSC) was the recipient of a GHSA and Lyft grant to deter impaired driving. With this funding, WTSC partnered with Seattle Hempfest Director and cannabis activist Vivian McPeak for "Plan Before You Party," a holiday season campaign discouraging poly-drug (under the influence of a combinations of alcohol and drugs) impaired driving.
This holiday season, the Washington Traffic Safety Commission (WTSC) is reminding drivers not to drive alcohol- or drug-impaired. Through a grant from GHSA and Lyft, WTSC is providing ride credits to patrons of a Seattle marijuana dispensary.
The Washington Traffic Safety Commission (WTSC) is launching a pilot Traffic Safety Team in rural Grant County, comprised of 3 fully grant-funded, full-time sheriff's deputies. WTSC Director and GHSA Chair Darrin Grondel discusses the team's development.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
November 8, 2018
CONTACT: Kara Macek, 202-789-0942 x140
In 2017, the Washington Traffic Safety Commission (WTSC) received a grant from GHSA and the Foundation for Advancing Alcohol Responsibility (Responsibility.org) to help deter drug-impaired driving.
Motorcycle Helmet Required?
Universal helmet law enacted 1990.
Length of Regular Renewal Cycle
6 or 8 years
DUID Zero Tolerance or Per se Laws for Some Drugs
Per se >0 for some drugs.
