Practise now
Washington syllabus › Washington rules of the road › Sharing the road in Washington
Part 2 · Washington rules of the road

Sharing the road in Washington

Washington roads carry people on foot, bicycles, motorcycles, scooters and heavy trucks, not just cars. Each needs different space and attention.

State law sets clear rules for passing vulnerable road users, yielding to emergency vehicles and stopping at railroad crossings. Breaking some of them carries extra fines.

By the end of this topic you can

  • You can pass bicyclists and pedestrians at a safe and legal distance.
  • You can give motorcycles full use of their lane.
  • You can stay out of a large truck's blind spots.
  • You can respond correctly to an approaching emergency vehicle.
  • You can stop at the right place at a railroad crossing.

What you need to know and understand

  • When passing a person walking or cycling on the right, move fully into the next lane if there are two or more lanes your way.
  • On a single lane, slow down and leave at least 3 feet where practicable when passing.
  • Motorcycles are entitled to a full lane. Lane splitting is illegal in Washington.
  • For an emergency vehicle using lights and siren, pull to the right edge and stop until it passes, keeping clear of intersections.
  • Do not follow a fire truck answering an alarm closer than 500 feet.
  • At a railroad crossing with warning signals or a train near, stop between 15 and 50 feet from the nearest rail.
  • Never drive through, around or under a lowered crossing gate.

People walking and cycling

Bicyclists, pedestrians and people on scooters can be hard to see and are easily hurt. When you pass one who is on the right side of the road, shoulder or bike lane, and there are two or more lanes your way, move completely into the lane to the left when it is safe.

On a road with one lane your way, slow down and pass with at least 3 feet of space where practicable. If you need to use the oncoming lane, wait until it is clear and passing is allowed. Breaking these rules brings an added fine.

Motorcycles and large trucks

Never share a lane with a motorcycle; riders have the right to the full lane. Motorcycles may ride two abreast, but they may not split lanes between rows of traffic. Leave extra following distance, because motorcycles can stop quickly.

Large trucks have big blind spots beside the cab, behind the trailer and in front of the bumper. If you cannot see the driver in their mirror, they cannot see you. Do not cut in front of a truck after passing, and give it room to make wide turns.

Emergency vehicles and trains

At railroad crossings, stop between 15 and 50 feet from the nearest rail when lights flash, a gate is down or a train is close. Only go when it is safe. Our guide to the Washington E-DUI law explains why distraction is so risky around vulnerable road users.

  1. When you hear a siren or see flashing lights approaching, check mirrors and signal.
  2. Pull over to the right edge of the road and stop, clear of any intersection.
  3. Stay stopped until the vehicle passes, unless an officer directs you.
  4. Keep more than 500 feet behind a fire truck answering an alarm.

Common mistakes

  • Squeezing past a cyclist without changing lanes on a multilane road. Move fully into the next lane.
  • Sharing a lane with a motorcycle. Treat it like any other vehicle.
  • Stopping in an intersection for an ambulance. Clear the intersection, then pull right.
  • Stopping on the tracks in heavy traffic. Wait until there is room on the far side.
Practice tip: On practice drives near schools, parks and downtown streets, ask your supervisor to point out every pedestrian and cyclist they see, then compare with what you noticed.

Test yourself: Sharing the road in Washington

Answer each question, then read the explanation. Questions come in a random order each time.

Loading questions…

Go deeper

Sources: Washington Driver Guide (Washington State Department of Licensing); RCW 46.61.110 Overtaking on the left (Washington State Legislature, app.leg.wa.gov); RCW 46.61.608 Operating motorcycles on roadways laned for traffic (Washington State Legislature, app.leg.wa.gov); RCW 46.61.210 Operation of vehicles on approach of emergency vehicles (Washington State Legislature, app.leg.wa.gov); RCW 46.61.635 Following fire apparatus (Washington State Legislature, app.leg.wa.gov); RCW 46.61.340 Obedience to signal indicating approach of train (Washington State Legislature, app.leg.wa.gov). Independent guide, not affiliated with any licensing agency. Always check the latest official rules with the Washington licensing agency.

← Signs, signals and markings in WashingtonTake the full quiz →