While this may be a stretch to deem an HR issue, new traffic laws in the state of Washington effect those of us that call Washington home (or simply those that travel often through the state). Here is a list of some of the new fines that are already in effect:
- HOV Lane – First time offense is a $1068.50 fine (note: the signs posted on the HOV lanes that state that the fine is $271 are now wrong and DOT is in the process of changing them). Second offense fine is doubled. Third it is tripled. On the fourth offense, your license is suspended for a year!
- Incorrect Lane Change – $380.00 fine (this could include not using turn signal or ‘cutting off’ someone)
- Block Intersection – $485.00 fine
- Driving on Shoulder – $450.00 fine
- Cell Phone Usage While Driving – $285.00 fine. Until January 1, 2008, you can use a hand held cell phone while driving, but if a police officer observes a driving infraction, he can stop you and cite you for both. After January 1, you can be stopped for cell phone usage without any other cause. You must now use a hands free device to talk on your cell phone while driving. We have heard that 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 fine (This fine has doubled from the previous $285.00 fine.)
- Passengers over the age of 18 not in a seat belt – Both the passenger AND driver with get tickets of $101.00
- DUI – Instant arrest. (The courts are now placing DUIs on your driving record for a period of 10 years.)
- Finally, it is generally thought that t you could go about 5 MPH over the posted speed limit; according to the Washington State Patrol, you are now allowed only 3 MPH over the limit.