Can I get pulled over for an improper turn in WA? Here’s the law and tips for turning

Bad drivers are everywhere, despite many claiming to know where the worst drivers come from.

Here in Washington, many cities have Facebook pages dedicated to pointing out poor driving. The “I-5 Commuters” have gone viral on Instagram and Tik Tok, narrating their daily commute on busy stretches of Interstate 5, emphasizing the lack of rule-following.

Rules of the road are broken on a daily basis all across the state. But recently, a reader asked this question about the proper protocols:

“What does the law say about which lane to move into when making a turn onto a multiple lane roadway, and can law enforcement pull you over if done incorrectly?”

Here’s what we know.

Multi-turn lanes in Washington state

The Washington State Driver Guide outlines which lane to turn into based on the number of lanes.

In a three-lane roadway, turn right in the right lane and left using the center lane.

On roadways with multiple lanes you can turn from, use the lane with the simplest path to your desired destination. The driver guide states:

“Turn from the lane that is closest to the direction you want to go and turn into the lane closest to the one you came from. When making turns, go from one lane to the other as directly as possible without crossing lane lines or interfering with traffic. Once you have completed your turn, you can change to another lane if you need to.”

This means if you’re in the inside lane before you turn, you should end up in the inside lane after you turn. Imagine a line connecting the lanes on the road you’re on and the road you want to turn onto — your turn shouldn’t cross any real or imaginary lines.

If multiple drivers are heading toward a single lane from different directions, and lights are not controlling the intersection, drivers should go in order of arrival. Whoever stopped at the intersection first should proceed first. If multiple drivers arrive at the same time, the right of way goes to those going straight and turning right before drivers turning left.

Consequences of improper turns in Washington

Failure to follow proper traffic protocols is dangerous, risking the safety of everyone in the vicinity. That said, Washington state law enforcement has specific guidelines for who they can pull over, and minor traffic violations are not included.

If a collision follows improper turn procedures, you will likely get additional fines. The Washington State Courts’ Bail Schedule outlines the various fines and penalties for different charges, including the standard $145 for improper turns. Depending on the turn, you may receive fines for failing to yield, turning when prohibited and inadequate signals.

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