When do snow tires have to come off my car and when can I put them back on
my car in the wintertime?
Only snow tires,
or winter traction tires, equipped with studs must be removed during
the year. Studded tires may be used between November 1 and March 31.
Studded tires are illegal from April 1 through October 31 of each
year unless the Washington State Department of Transportation determines
a period of additional use is warranted.
Studded tires
are not allowed on vehicles over 10,000 pounds gross vehicle weight.
Studded tires are not a substitute for chains.
For more information,
visit WSDOT's studded
tire page.
What
is a "winter traction tire?"
Tires that are
labeled snow tire, all-season, all-weather, or studded (must be labeled
M&S on the sidewall) qualify so long as they meet the standards
set in WAC
204-24-040
Traction Devices.
What
is the phone number for road and weather pass conditions?
For Washington
state road and travel conditions, you can dial 5-1-1 or our the
DOT toll-free number at 1-800-695-7623. You can also go to the
DOT travel conditions web page at http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/.
What
is the difference between the new seat belt law and the old seat belt
law?
Under the old
law, failing to wear a seat belt could only be enforced as a secondary
violation. An officer could only take enforcement for not wearing
a seat belt if he/she had stopped the vehicle for another violation,
such as speeding. In 2002, failing to wear your seat became a primary
violation. Officers can now stop vehicles if they observe the occupant(s)
not wearing a seat belt.
For more information
about child restraint and seat belt laws, see the Washington Seat
Belt laws on the main WSP FAQ page.
If I have
a doctor's letter stating I am physically unable to wear a seat belt,
will I get a ticket?
An occupant of
a vehicle who has in their possession written verification from a
physician indicating the individual is unable to wear a safety belt
due to physical or medical reasons is exempt and will not receive
a ticket.
For more information
about child restraint and seat belt laws, see the Washington Seat
Belt Laws on the main WSP FAQ page
.
When
is a child safety seat or booster seat required?
The new child
restraint law went into effect on July 1, 2002. Infants are to
ride in rear-facing infant seats until they are 1 years old or
weigh 20 pounds. Children 1 to 4 years old or weighing 40 pounds
are to ride in forward-facing child car seats. Washington law requires
a child who is less than 8 years of age or 4'9" tall (which ever
comes first) be properly restrained in a child booster seat when
both lap and shoulder belts are available.
For more information
on child restraint and seat belt laws, see the Washington Seat Belt
Laws on the main WSP FAQ page.
Where can
I find the laws of the State of Washington on the Internet?
You can access
the laws of the State of Washington (Revised Code of Washington) by
going to the following web site: http://apps.leg.wa.gov/rcw/default.aspx
District
3 - Frequently Asked Questions
