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…

Today from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM the Seattle Municipal Court is hosting a Warrant Outreach Event at the Rainier Beach Community Center, located at 8825 Rainier Ave S. in Seattle. Court officials say this is not a trap. There will not be police waiting to arrest you. It is just for you to come…

Seattle City Prosecutors will soon request the Seattle Municipal Court to vacate (remove) all misdemeanor marijuana possession convictions prosecuted by the City before marijuana was legalized in Washington State in December, 2012. During a press conference today (02/08/2018) new Seattle Mayor Jenny Durkan and Seattle City Attorney Pete Holmes will announce the City’s plan to…

The grace period for Washington’s distracted driving law ended January 1st. Washington State Patrol (WSP) troopers will now start ticketing all drivers caught talking, texting, or even holding their phones in the car. The first offense will cost drivers $136. A second ticket will cost $234. These offenses are reportable to insurance companies, which could…

On Monday October 2, 2017, the King County Sheriff’s Office will being issuing $419.00 tickets for illegally passing an unloading school bus. Exterior cameras have been put on 120 Seattle Public School buses. These cameras, similar to the school zone cameras, will get video of the illegally passing vehicle and its license plate. The vehicle’s…