Wednesday, the Washington State House passed a bill prohibiting teenage drivers from using a cell phone while driving. This ban is a primary offense and includes talking and texting. The penalty is a $124 fine. The House did not pass the portion of the bill proposing to make it a primary offense for adult [...]
Mar
5
2010
5
2010
Jan
24
2010
24
2010
Washington State Lawmakers Working to Make Cell Phone Distraction Primary Offense For Drivers
Currently Washington State drivers can be cited for talking on a cell phone or texting only if a police officer pulls them over for some other traffic violation (e.g., speeding, swerving, running a red light, no seat belt, etc.)
Citizens and public officials recognize the serious (and sometimes fatal) risks caused by drivers distracted by cell [...]
Jan
16
2010
16
2010
Proposed Bill Would Lower Red Light Camera Fine
Washington State Senator Jim Kastama has proposed Bill 6410, which would reduce the fine for running a red light issued by a traffic camera from $124.00 to as low as $42.00.
Senator Kastama recognizes that the traffic camera law was created to safeguard the public but has quickly shifted to an egregious revenue-generator for cities. Representative [...]
Jan
5
2010
5
2010
Bellevue Adds Controversial Traffic Cameras
The City of Bellevue is adding two new traffic cameras that will automatically ticket drivers who run red lights at the intersections of 148th Avenue NE & Bel-Red Road and 148th Avenue NE & Main Street.
For the first 30 days, the cameras will just issue warnings to drivers who run red lights. Then, starting February [...]
Nov
19
2009
19
2009
Seattle Bicycle Commuters: Traffic Laws Apply
Biking originated as a recreational activity. Over time in an increasingly congested region, many Puget Sound residents have adopted bicycling as a form of transportation to/from work. The majority of bicyclist commuters abide by the Washington State bike laws, however, there are the few that do not and unfortunately inflict serious personal injury upon innocent [...]
Oct
19
2009
19
2009
Special Rules for Vespas and Scooters In Seattle
Although they maneuver and fit in places that a bicycle can – vespas and scooters can not legally travel in the same places as bicycles do on roadways. Seattle Municipal Code 11.53.190 provides one exception: vespas and scooters may enter a bike lane only when maneuvering a turn, and only after first yielding to bicyclists.
Which [...]
Sep
1
2009
1
2009
Furlough Days For City of Seattle
Save, save, save. Penny pinching continues and hits home on a local level. In order to maintain a budget, the City of Seattle has imposed furlough days upon library workers. Seattle Public Library branches are closed from September 1-8 to save $650,000.00 The City intends to save $20 million next year by requiring City workers, [...]
Aug
22
2009
22
2009
Seattle votes against proposed $.20 grocery bag fee
Mirroring grocery stores in the EU that charge customers a nominal fee for plastic bags, Seattle residents proposed Referendum 1 that would charge customers $.20 for a plastic grocery bag.
However, tonight, we learned that the referendum was not supported by voters in the primary.
The plastics/oil industry spent $1.4 million to defeat the campaign.
