Washington Traffic Laws
Traffic laws are intended to ensure drivers’ safety. Violation of traffic laws leads to heft fines. Conider the fact thatWashington State alone collected around one hundred and forty two million dollars from traffic ticket fines in 2010.
Any violation of Washington traffic laws will lead to penalties depending upon whether you committed an infraction or a criminal offense. A yellow or gold colored ticket implies that you are charged with a criminal offense. For instance reckless driving qualifies as a criminal offense. This includes driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol, speeding in a school or work zone, drag racing etc. If convicted with this, you will have to face jail time, pay significant fines and purchase high risk insurance. On the other hand, traffic infractions can generally lead to suspension of driving license, difficulty in finding employment, increased insurance premiums and fines.
Traffic laws are there covering every aspect of driving. Washington Traffic Safety Commission pays utmost attention to those detailing DUI, registration and titling, driving license and permits, and insurance requirements. In addition to these, there are rules regarding the use of safety equipment like helmets, seat belts, child safety seats, air bags etc. The state keeps adding new ones like cell phone laws that prohibit the use of cell phones while driving unless there is an emergency. Laws are also there defining speed limits in construction and school zones, possession of drugs, negligent driving, disregard of red lights and hit and run accidents. Drivers are also required to make proper turns and maintain a safe distance while driving. The state ensures that drivers follow the speed laws by utilizing laser and radar guns. These identify the vehicles that are going beyond speed limits. A traffic police officer then issues you a traffic ticket.
Washington follows a point system under which you lose driving privileges for sixty days if you accumulate six or more moving violations in one year. You will be classified as a habitual traffic offender and lose your license for a number of years if you commit several offenses.
