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Washington Traffic Tickets Questions & Answers
Q: I was a backseat passenger wearing a seat belt when the car I was in was involved in a collision with another vehicle.

No citations, no police, no insuance. The driver of the car has no valid DL nor insurance. The owner was in the passenger seat and was not carrying license. And, i dont think the car is presently insured, possibly no title and unknown about registration. This happened this past weekend. What court... View More

Antone Alfred Weber
Antone Alfred Weber
answered on Dec 18, 2024

You need a Personal Injury lawyer, not a traffic lawyer.

1 Answer | Asked in Traffic Tickets for Washington on
Q: i was pulled over and they charged me for going 8 over limit and not having insurance do i have a chance to win

if i fight is it possible to win

Antone Alfred Weber
Antone Alfred Weber
answered on Oct 12, 2024

If you actually had insurance but could not provide proof at the time it is an easy dismissal. As to the speeding ticket, it will depend on what court your hearing will be in. Judges do not all rule the same. Officer do not all write their reports the same: some make mistakes that we can take... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Traffic Tickets for Washington on
Q: Is it legal for an offixer to give driving citations on public property? Ie grocery store parking lot. (WA. State)

Was in a fender bender I didn't cause. Officer was supposed to do a transfer of information and instead gave me a ticket that I should not have received.

James L. Arrasmith
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James L. Arrasmith pro label Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Jan 8, 2024

In Washington State, law enforcement officers can issue traffic citations on private property, including a grocery store parking lot, in certain circumstances. This usually includes incidents where traffic laws are violated, such as reckless driving or DUI, and in some cases, accidents that may... View More

3 Answers | Asked in Traffic Tickets for Washington on
Q: Do non moving violations in Washington( which don't appear on ur record) make a deferall agreement void?
Antone Alfred Weber
Antone Alfred Weber
answered on Dec 29, 2023

Typically no, if the violation deferred was a moving violation. You have a deferral available for both a moving and a separate non-moving violation. However, individual courts may have their own standard for what constitutes a violation, so it is best to check with the court involved.

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1 Answer | Asked in Traffic Tickets and Car Accidents for Washington on
Q: I'm told by a WSP that I'm free to go&I'm not getting an infraction cuz it wasn't my fault, Can they change their mind?

They said they saw the whole thing (accident) & it wasn't my fault cuz I was in the roundabout first. I didn't get a ticket that day, just a "receipt of information" for insurance. Then after the weekend they said they had dashcam footage that showed it was my fault&... View More

Jahnis John Abelite
Jahnis John Abelite
answered on Nov 8, 2023

The first thing to keep in mind is you have 33 days from the date of mailing of the ticket to you (look at the postmark on the envelope in which the ticket was mailed) to respond to the court. You will have to contact the WSP to obtain a copy of the dashcam recording so you can review it. But you... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Traffic Tickets for Washington on
Q: I have traffic court on this November 16. 2023 In lewis county District court. Chehalis, WA.

The offense was alleged "speed 26 over limit (over 40)" violation 46.61.400.26. Not sure if that's a wac or rcw. I heard taking a lawyer to traffic court is a guaranteed win. Is this true?

Antone Alfred Weber
Antone Alfred Weber
answered on Nov 4, 2023

Very little in life is guaranteed. But a traffic lawyer who has experience in taking on traffic tickets nearly every single day will probably have a much greater chance of finding an error or mistake that would get the speeding ticket dismissed (FYI it is an RCW. Leave off the .26) And is also... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Traffic Tickets for Washington on
Q: I got a ticket on I-5. The violation code is RCW 46.61.100 How can I prevent it from my driving record?
Jahnis John Abelite
Jahnis John Abelite
answered on Sep 26, 2023

It depends on the facts of your case. You cannot drive in the left lane of traffic of I-5 if you are pulling a trailer, your vehicle combination weighs 10,000 pounds or more, you are impeding traffic or you are not passing slower traffic. The general legal requirement is to drive in the right lane... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Traffic Tickets for Washington on
Q: As a passenger in a vehicle without a seat belt do you have to give the officer your ID

I was a passenger in a vehicle took my seat belt off before the cop approached my side of the vehicle cop asked for my ID I refuse to give it to him said he had been talking to me.

Jahnis John Abelite
Jahnis John Abelite
answered on Sep 26, 2023

If a police officer is going to issue a notice of infraction to a person in a motor vehicle for not wearing a seat belt while riding in that vehicle that was stopped, under RCW 7.80.060, the officer can request the person's name, address and date of birth. If the person refuses to provide that... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Traffic Tickets for Washington on
Q: Does WSP officer need to sign the ticket they give you?

Was told I was going 70 on I-5(don’t think that is true) he wrote it up saying I went 61 “ to cut me a break” then after saying his speech he let me leave. Interaction lasted about 5 mins. I want to contest

Antone Alfred Weber
Antone Alfred Weber
answered on Sep 14, 2023

Most traffic tickets are electronically filed these days, so there are procedures for the officer filing using a unique registered username and password. On the copy provided to you it will have the officers name and badge number printed.

There are a few officers out there who are not...
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1 Answer | Asked in Traffic Tickets for Washington on
Q: Can I request dashcam footage for a Speeding Ticket?

In Washington State, Kitsap County.

I got a traffic ticket for going 78 MPH in a 60 MPH zone. I know for a fact that I was not going that fast, I would have accepted a ticket for going 68-70 MPH as that is how fast I was going.

A couple moments before I got pulled over by the... View More

Stan Glisson
Stan Glisson
answered on Aug 31, 2023

Sure, you can request the dash video. Generally speaking, WSP and the cities have dash cameras, the sheriff's office does not. There are some exceptions, but just be aware not every police car has a dash cam. The best way to obtain the video is normally through a public records request, which... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Traffic Tickets for Washington on
Q: Police officer pulled us over and gave us 2 tickets, did he invalidate them accidentally?

Police officer pulled us over and gave us 2 tickets, one said going 55 in a 40, and the other said going 65 in a 50. The one that says 65 im a 50 was a ticket for driving without id on hand(forgot it at home) and he also put that as a moving violation but under WA law its a nonmoving. But one... View More

Antone Alfred Weber
Antone Alfred Weber
answered on Jul 26, 2023

It is really hard to give answers without seeing the actual documents. But the short version is "maybe." You should consult with an experienced traffic lawyer; most offer a free consultation. You are also more likely to have a successful outcome by retaining one to represent you.... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Collections and Traffic Tickets for Washington on
Q: A collection agency is asking me to pay a traffic fine from Italy in 2017. Do I need to pay this?
Maurice Mandel II
Maurice Mandel II
answered on Jul 10, 2023

Did you get a ticket in Italy in 2017 for driving? This sounds like a possible scam. Be very wary of this "agency" research them on the internet before you give them any money. The other question is "do you plan to return to Italy?" The Italian Highway Patrol (or whatever... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Traffic Tickets for Washington on
Q: When you get pulled over in Washington State do they have to give you your ticket on the spot or can they mail it
Antone Alfred Weber
Antone Alfred Weber
answered on Jul 6, 2023

Yes, they can mail it to you. Make sure that your address with DOL is up to date. You don't want to not get it.

1 Answer | Asked in Traffic Tickets for Washington on
Q: I got pulled over in wa and the officer said that I'd receive the ticket in the mail, is he just trying to scare me or i
Stan Glisson
Stan Glisson
answered on Jul 6, 2023

It's fairly common that officers don't issue the citation at the scene, and then it gets mailed later. That is often because of a technology problem, but can be for other reasons as well. You should probably check with the court for your location to see if anything has been filed. Also... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Traffic Tickets for Washington on
Q: I got a ticket, on the ticket the cop put my car is a coupe and silver. My car is a white sedan. Can I use that in court
Antone Alfred Weber
Antone Alfred Weber
answered on May 30, 2023

Unlikely it would be enough to question vehicle identification. Particularly if the officer got your plate number, make and/or model correct.

You should really talk with an experience traffic lawyer. Most of us offer a free consultation to go over what we might be able to do for you.

1 Answer | Asked in Traffic Tickets and Criminal Law for Washington on
Q: Trip permit violation

I bought a new car and the dealership gave me a fraudulent trip permit. I then got pulled over and sited with trip permit violation usage.

Antone Alfred Weber
Antone Alfred Weber
answered on Apr 5, 2023

Of course the dealership is not going to admit to a criminal violation, even if they gave you an invalid trip permit. (Trip permit or temp license? What is the actual charge?) Were they also going to send in to DOL for the Title and plates as well, or were you? Do you have any proof that you... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law, DUI / DWI, Traffic Tickets and Domestic Violence for Washington on
Q: What can happen if you run out of court room after you have been sentenced and waiting for a jailer to come get you
Patrick Owen Earl
Patrick Owen Earl
answered on Feb 25, 2023

The first thing I would need to know before I can answer this question is: When you were in front of the Judge for sentencing were you nice and compliant with the system, Judge, prosecutor and your attorney or were you a pain in the butt?

1 Answer | Asked in Traffic Tickets for Washington on
Q: Pierce WA Driving NB5, got a speeding/ticket. Provided evidence NOT/Guilty WSP & Courts violated statues GOT 2 PAY. HELP

I have to pay. Judge Pro Temp Attorney & WSP Trooper statement was missing Day, Citation# Name etc... elements they both violated WA Statues What can I do Now who can I report this too

Antone Alfred Weber
Antone Alfred Weber
answered on Feb 6, 2023

You have a right to appeal a court's decision. It must be filed within 30 days of your first hearing, in the same courthouse as the first. (The appeal will be heard by the Superior court). The last I heard the filing fee was $250. You can get the paperwork for filing from the court clerk.... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law and Traffic Tickets for Washington on
Q: Does this go on my record for jobs etc? And also what should I do?

I was pulled over for destruction of public property. They said the parks will sometimes make a deal instead of pressing charges. What should I do? Also if I work out a deal do this goes on my record for jobs and such?

Cristine Beckwith
PREMIUM
Cristine Beckwith
answered on Jan 25, 2023

Sorry to hear. Destruction of property can be charged as a misdemeanor or felony (depending on the level of damage). This definitely could go on your criminal record. It would be a good idea to reach out to a criminal defense attorney to see if they can investigate further...and hopefully work out... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Civil Rights, Constitutional Law and Traffic Tickets for Washington on
Q: I swear the police used to have to give a ticket for the reason they pulled you over if they are giving you ticket or

So I remember getting infractions dropped due to the officer failing to write you up on original reason for the stop . Example cop pulls over says forgot turn signal while switching lanes but doesn't wite you up for that. But proceeded to issue a ticket for something else like failure to... View More

Antone Alfred Weber
Antone Alfred Weber
answered on Jan 12, 2023

Yes, they must have a reasonable suspicion that a crime or an infraction was committed to pull you over. No, they are not required to cite you for that violation. They may elect to warn you regarding that violation. They may also cite you for a violation discovered during the course of the stop,... View More

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