Speed Limit Laws: Washington
Rural Interstates: Cars (MPH)
70
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
Alcohol Impaired Driving Laws: Washington
Ignition Interlocks
Mandatory for all convictions
Child Passenger Safety Laws: 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
Teen and Novice Drivers: Washington
Full Privilege Minimum Age
18 years
Seat Belt Laws: Washington
Type of Law
Primary
Distracted Driving Laws: Washington
Hand-Held Ban?
Yes. Primary law.
Speed and Red Light Cameras: Washington
Speed Cameras
Permitted by state law
Red Light Cameras
Permitted by state law and city ordinance
Work Zone Traffic Laws: Washington
Violations Affected
Speeding
Enhanced Penalties
Double original fine
Workers Must Be Present?
No
Signs Must Be Present?
No
"What's Your Goal?" Video
Washington State’s traffic safety community established their Target Zero goal thirteen years ago. The plan has become a living, breathing document used by behavioral change professionals.
Click it 2 Ride
The Washington Traffic Safety Commission, Washington State Liquor Control Board and MillerCoors have partnered with Puget Sound area bars and restaurants to encourage social responsibility and safe rides after alcohol consumption.