What are the laws about passing on the shoulder?

In Washington, it is illegal to travel on the shoulder of a public road in an automobile unless it is for an emergency or for a lawful purpose. Shoulder passing is sometimes referred to as “buzzing.” It is illegal to buzz, meaning passing or driving on the shoulder of a public road, except in an emergency or when necessary to make a lawful turn. According to the Washington State Traffic Safety Commission, drivers should not drive on the shoulder of a public road unless they must yield the right-of-way or turn left at a legal intersection. It is also important to remember that shoulder-passing is only allowed when all other traffic has been stopped in order to make a legal turn. In addition, drivers in Washington State must obey all lane usage laws. This means that drivers may not use the shoulder of a road as a passing lane or shortcut. Doing so is considered unlawful and can lead to serious consequences, including hefty fines, loss of driving privileges, and even jail time. As a result, it is important for drivers to remember that the shoulder of a public road should only be used in an emergency and never as a shortcut or passing lane. Abiding by these laws will help keep car and pedestrian accidents to a minimum and help to ensure everyone’s safety.

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What are the laws about passing on the shoulder?

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