Editor’s note: Just to give you an idea how other states might handle traffic violators in the future:
New driving fines for the State of Washington. These fines went into effect on November 1st, 2007
* HOV (High Occupancy Vehicle) Lane – 1st time offense $1068.50 (note: the sign posted on the HOV lanes that says $271 is now wrong and DOT is in the process of changing them)

-2nd offense fine is doubled
-3rd it is tripled
-4th your license is suspended for a year! (they are not playing around!)
* Incorrect Lane Change – $380.00 (not using turn signal or 'cutting' someone)
* Block Intersection – $485.00
* Driving on Shoulder – $450.00
* Cell Phone Usage While Driving – $285.00 (cell phone usage (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, they can stop you for cell phone usage w/o any other cause.) must now be done with 'hands free' device.)

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 (this fine is doubled from the regular $285.00)
* 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 court s are now placing DUI's on your driving record for a period of 10 years!)
* Last but not least – You know that there was a th ought that you could go at least 5 MPH over the posted speed limit, well according to the W A. State Patrol, you are now allowed 3 MPH over!
So, watch your speed my friends.
Kathleen S. Anderson
Sr. Transportation Planner,
TDM Implementation & Services
Seattle Department of Transportation
PO Box 34996
Seattle WA 98124-4996
206-684-5017, FAX 206-470-693 2

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