Washington State’s tough distracted driving law went into effect in July 2017. The law makes it illegal to use a handheld device while driving, even while stopped at a traffic signal or stop sign. But users who have holders for the device on their dash, can use the device minimally to start or stop an…

The Seattle Municipal Court will now vacate old misdemeanor marijuana convictions for possession of marijuana that were obtained before marijuana was legalized in Washington in December 2012. About 542 convictions between 1996 and 2010 could be affected. Contact Lynnwood criminal defense lawyer Paul Hanson for more information. Call (425) 778-7339

Washington State Patrol Troopers are doing emphasis patrols on HOV carpool violators. The five day emphasis patrols focus on freeways between north Pierce County and south Snohomish County. It includes all of King County. HOV / Carpool violations are one of the most frequent complaints troopers receive. Drivers face $136 if they are caught breaking…

Washington drivers face a $430.00 traffic ticket if they illegally pass a school bus that has it’s red lights flashing on and stop-arm out.  So when is it OK, or not OK, to pass a stopped school bus with its red flashing lights on and stop-arm out?  If you are on a two lane road,…

Washington State Patrol is now carrying out one of its periodic emphasis patrols on loose vehicle loads. These traffic violations have a minimum penalty of $228.00. But $ penalties can be higher, depending on the circumstances. An unsecured load has not been fastened in or attached to the vehicle with tarps, rope, straps, netting, or chains,…

Washington State Troopers are arresting more DUI drivers with kids under 16 in the car. DUI drivers with child passengers under 16 in the car could face an additional charge of Reckless Endangerment for each child. Plus face an additional Department of Licensing 6 month Ignition Interlock Device (IID  – “blow & go”) requirement.  Child…

  Lynnwood Traffic Lawyer Paul HansonWashington drivers are still confused as to what they can – and cannot – do while driving. Even after a year of the toughest distracted driving laws in the country. Drivers can still receive a citation for texting or holding their phone for any reason while stopped in traffic. You…

Before you pick up a drink and head outside, be aware that Washington State law prohibits you from consuming any alcohol or marijuana in public. The only exception is if you are at an event holding a valid liquor permit allowing alcohol consumption. For example, you cannot walk through the park with your opened beer…

This coming weekend troopers across Washington will be cracking down on drivers who don’t move over when passing within 200 feet of any police cars or emergency vehicles stopped on the side of the roadway or when passing roadwork zones. State law requires drivers on roadways with more than two lanes to move over to…

The WSP grace period has ended for distracted drivers. Under the “Driving Under the Influence of Electronics” law, also known as E-DUI, drivers may not hold cell phones or watch videos while they are driving, stopped in traffic, or at a stop light. That includes tablets, laptops, games, or any hand-held electronic devices. The law…