Traffic News

People often call the left lane the “fast lane.”  It is true that it is illegal to continuously drive in that lane and block traffic behind you.  But that does not mean that you can exceed the speed limit while driving in this lane.  I know, it sounds a bit ridiculous.  But it’s true.

RCW 46.61.100(4) specifically states as follows:  It is a traffic infraction to drive continuously in the left lane of a multilane roadway when it impedes the flow of other traffic.  Thus, if you are not going the speed limit and are impeding traffic, you can be issued a Washington traffic ticket.

The problem is this does not mean you can go above the speed limit while in this lane – even if you are trying to “pass” cars in the other lanes.  It is legal (but bad driving form) for someone to drive 60 mph in the left lane in a 60 mph zone but have a line of cars behind them trying to get by.  If the person was going 60 mph in a 70 mph zone, then that would be illegal, and you could be given a ticket under RCW 46.61.100(4).

The simple answer is not very often.  Under normal circumstances, the only time you can legally travel at speeds above the posted limit is when you are passing on a two lane road (one lane each direction).

Under 46.61.425, you can go above the speed limit while passing a vehicle which is traveling at under the legal limit.  This can be done only for a distance necessary to complete a pass with a reasonable margin of safety and also is subject to RCW 46.61.120 – which describes the limitations of passing on the left.

In general, however, Washington’s speed limits are hard limits.  They cannot be exceeded.  If you drive higher than the posted limit, it is technically a violation.  Our Washington speeding attorneys fight hundreds of tickets in WA State every year.  If you or someone you know has been issued a speeding ticket here in Washington, we invite you to call our offices to learn more about how we can help.