Driving on the highway can be a frustrating experience at times. The behavior of the drivers around you can dictate the overall experience. Annoying habits like tailgating, driving under the speed limit, or camping in the left lane can quickly ruin an enjoyable drive.
If you’re stuck driving around someone with these habits, what responses are legal? Can they honk at the slow driver? Use the right lane to pass the camper?
One solution people often wonder is whether they can speed up a little while using the left lane to pass.
Here’s what the Washington state law says.
Speeding up to pass in Washington state
Any time you speed on state roadways, you risk being pulled over. It’ll come down to the discretion of the individual trooper or officer.
That said, the general recommendation is to follow the flow of traffic. Drivers are expected to maintain the speed limit, but the safest way to drive is to keep pace with traffic flow, according to the state driver guide.
Washington State Patrol trooper and public information officer John Dattilo previously told McClatchy News the flow of traffic normally hovers around the speed limit.
“Our primary focus is what’s reasonable, what is prudent,” Dattilo said. “If you’re keeping up with traffic, you’re not going to stick out, and likely you won’t be pulled over.”
If you get stuck behind a car that isn’t keeping up or is driving at inconsistent speeds, can you speed up a bit to get past them?
Technically, yes. The Revised Code of Washington states that drivers can exceed the posted speed limit while passing a vehicle driving under the limit. This exception only applies on highways with one lane in each direction, at only such a speed and for only a certain distance necessary to complete the pass safely.
But if you maintain that speed and get pulled over, you may still be ticketed, depending on the officer.
Penalties for speeding in Washington state
If you’re pulled over for speeding, you may receive a warning or a speeding ticket. Based on the Washington State Courts’ Bail Schedule, a ticket could come with a fine of:
Speed zones under 40 mph
- 1-5 mph over — $114
- 6-10 mph over — $145
- 11-15 mph over — $176
- 16-20 mph over — $217
- 21-25 mph over — $268
- 26-30 mph over — $319
- 31-35 mph over — $370
- 36-40 mph over — $432
40 mph speed zones
- 1-5 mph over — $135
- 6-10 mph over — $135
- 11-15 mph over — $165
- 16-20 mph over — $196
- 21-25 over — $227
- 26-30 mph over — $268
- 31-35 mph over — $319
- 36-40 mph over — $370
Other fines
- 41 mph or more in any speed zone — $432
- Speeding in a construction zone — minimum of $158
- Speeding in a school zone — minimum of $223
According to the Washington Department of Licensing, drivers who receive six traffic violations during a 12-month period or those who receive seven traffic violations during a 24-month period will have their license suspended for 60 days. After the suspension period is up, drivers will be put on probation for one year.
