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In Washington State, ferries are a critical part of the transportation system, especially in coastal and island communities. Due to the high volume of vehicles that often wait in line to board ferries, specific laws have been established to ensure orderly and fair access to ferry services. One such law is RCW 46.61.735, which addresses violations related to ferry queues.

Key Provisions of RCW 46.61.735

RCW 46.61.735 outlines the rules for drivers waiting to board a Washington State ferry. The law identifies two primary violations that drivers should be aware of:

  1. Blocking a Residential Driveway: It is illegal for a driver waiting in a ferry queue to block a residential driveway. Residents must have unobstructed access to their property at all times, and drivers are required to keep these access points clear.
  2. Cutting in Line: The law also prohibits a driver from moving ahead of another vehicle in a queue that is already waiting to board the ferry, unless specifically authorized by a state ferry system employee. This ensures that all vehicles are treated fairly and that no driver gains an unfair advantage by skipping ahead in line.

Penalties for Violations

Violating the provisions of RCW 46.61.735 is considered a traffic infraction in Washington State. In addition to any fines or penalties associated with the infraction, the driver will be required to move their vehicle to the end of the queue. This ensures that the driver does not benefit from their illegal actions.

However, it is important to note that violations of this section do not affect the driver’s official driving record. This means that while a driver may face immediate penalties and inconveniences, the violation will not contribute points to their driving record under RCW 46.52.101 and 46.52.120.

Exemptions to the Rule

There are specific exemptions to the rules outlined in RCW 46.61.735:

  • Preferential Loading Vehicles: Certain vehicles that qualify for preferential loading privileges, as determined by the Washington State Department of Transportation, are exempt from the restrictions on moving ahead in a ferry queue. These vehicles typically include emergency vehicles, vehicles with disabled permits, and others specified by the department.
  • Keller Ferry Exemption: The law also exempts drivers intending to board the Keller Ferry on State Route 21 from the restrictions of this statute. This exemption acknowledges the unique circumstances of the Keller Ferry and allows for different queuing practices in that specific location.

Importance of Compliance

Understanding and complying with RCW 46.61.735 is crucial for drivers who frequently use Washington State ferries. Adhering to these rules not only helps maintain an orderly boarding process but also ensures fairness and respect for other drivers and residents living near ferry terminals.

About Blanford Law: At Blanford Law, we are committed to providing relentless, fair, and honest legal representation. With over 20 years of experience, Ken Blanford founded our firm on the belief that every client deserves respect and the best possible defense, free from assumptions or preconceived notions. If you or someone you know is facing criminal charges or has been injured due to someone else’s negligence, please contact us anytime at 253-720-9304 or email us at info@blanfordlaw.com.

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