Speeding in Washington State

Washington State Speeding Law is governed by statute.  The most common type of speeding ticket under Washington Law is for Violation of the Basic Rule.  Other important speeding laws are also cited below.

In most cases, a speeding ticket issued in Washington State is based upon an alleged reading from a Speed Measuring Device (SMD).  Here in Washington the two most common speed measuring devices are laser and radar.

Some speed measuring devices are hand held, while others are mounted in the police car itself.  The hand held devices are typically referred to as "radar guns", even though some of them utilize laser technology.

Speeding in Washington State is big business.  Every year, the fines paid from speeding tickets and traffic infractions provide millions and millions of dollars in revenue to the state, the counties and the cities that issue them throughout Washington.

As you can see below, the primary speeding statute in Washington is somewhat vague and ambiguous.  The attorneys at Washington Ticket Lawyer are experienced trial lawyers.  We fight hundreds of speeding tickets throughout Washington State every year.  Put our experience and resources to work for you.


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RCW 46.61.400

Basic rule and maximum limits.

(1) No person shall drive a vehicle on a highway at a speed greater than is reasonable and prudent under the conditions and having regard to the actual and potential hazards then existing. In every event speed shall be so controlled as may be necessary to avoid colliding with any person, vehicle or other conveyance on or entering the highway in compliance with legal requirements and the duty of all persons to use due care.

     (2) Except when a special hazard exists that requires lower speed for compliance with subsection (1) of this section, the limits specified in this section or established as hereinafter authorized shall be maximum lawful speeds, and no person shall drive a vehicle on a highway at a speed in excess of such maximum limits.

     (a) Twenty-five miles per hour on city and town streets;

     (b) Fifty miles per hour on county roads;

     (c) Sixty miles per hour on state highways.

     The maximum speed limits set forth in this section may be altered as authorized in RCW 46.61.405, 46.61.410, and 46.61.415.

     (3) The driver of every vehicle shall, consistent with the requirements of subsection (1) of this section, drive at an appropriate reduced speed when approaching and crossing an intersection or railway grade crossing, when approaching and going around a curve, when approaching a hill crest, when traveling upon any narrow or winding roadway, and when special hazard exists with respect to pedestrians or other traffic or by reason of weather or highway conditions.

[1965 ex.s. c 155 § 54; 1963 c 16 § 1. Formerly RCW 46.48.011.]

Notes:

Rules of court:  Monetary penalty schedule -- IRLJ 6.2.

     Saving of existing orders, etc., establishing speed limits -- 1963 c 16: "This act shall not repeal or invalidate existing orders and resolutions of the state highway commission or existing resolutions and ordinances of local authorities establishing speed limits within their respective jurisdictions." [1963 c 16 § 7. Formerly RCW 46.48.016.]



SPEED RESTRICTIONS
46.61.400 Basic rule and maximum limits.
46.61.405 Decreases by secretary of transportation.
46.61.410 Increases by secretary of transportation -- Maximum speed limit for trucks -- Auto stages -- Signs and notices.
46.61.415 When local authorities may alter maximum limits.
46.61.419 Private roads -- Speed enforcement.
46.61.425 Minimum speed regulation -- Passing slow moving vehicle.
46.61.427 Slow-moving vehicle to pull off roadway.
46.61.428 Slow-moving vehicle driving on shoulders, when.
46.61.430 Authority of secretary of transportation to fix speed limits on limited access facilities exclusive -- Local regulations.
46.61.435 Local authorities to provide "stop" or "yield" signs at intersections with increased speed highways -- Designated as arterials.
46.61.440 Maximum speed limit when passing school or playground crosswalks -- Penalty, disposition of proceeds.
46.61.445 Due care required.
46.61.450 Maximum speed, weight, or size in traversing bridges, elevated structures, tunnels, underpasses -- Posting limits.
46.61.455 Vehicles with solid or hollow cushion tires.
46.61.460 Special speed limitation on motor-driven cycle.
46.61.465 Exceeding speed limit evidence of reckless driving.
46.61.470 Speed traps defined, certain types permitted -- Measured courses, speed measuring devices, timing from aircraft.

Washington Speeding Ticket Lawyer