What are the laws about running a stop sign?

In Washington, there are laws about running a stop sign. Generally, these involve the driver not coming to a complete stop before crossing the intersection. Depending on the specific circumstances, running a stop sign can be considered either a civil or a criminal infraction. If a police officer personally witnesses the driver running the stop sign, they may issue a traffic ticket. Such a ticket would need to be paid within 15 days of being issued and usually results in a fine. The amount of the fine varies depending on the severity of the violation. If a driver is deemed to have acted with “criminal negligence” when running a stop sign, they may be subject to criminal charges. These may include reckless driving and could result in a significant fine and even a period of incarceration. Additionally, when drivers are deemed to be acting with criminal negligence, they may also have their driver’s license revoked and/or suspended. In the event the driver runs a stop sign and causes an accident, the consequences can vary. The driver could be charged with vehicular assault or vehicular homicide, and in such cases, the driver could face severe fines or jail time. In sum, running a stop sign in Washington can result in a civil infraction or even a criminal charge. Additionally, depending on the severity of the violation and the potential for causing an accident, the penalties for running a stop sign can be severe. Therefore it is best for drivers to abide by the laws and always come to a complete stop before crossing an intersection.

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