Question: A friend and I have had a disagreement over the use of the carpool lanes. Please help clarify the legal use of these lanes.
I believe that if I am driving the speed limit with at least two people in my car, that I do not have to yield to the right for a vehicle behind me traveling faster than the posted speed limit.
My friend believes it is not my position to police the speed of the vehicle behind me and I should move over into the next right lane, the true passing lane, where traffic is very likely moving at a much faster speed.
What is the law in Washington state?
Kristine Hansen, Snohomish
Answer: Carpool lanes are not fast lanes nor passing lanes. The posted speed limits apply to all lanes of traffic, including high occupancy vehicles.
Despite this fact, aggressive drivers sometimes speed and tailgate in the car pool lanes. Aggressive drivers are dangerous and the State Patrol advises that it’s often safest to move aside and let these drivers pass.
Drivers who speed, tailgate or exhibit other aggressive driving behaviors risk a traffic citation and accompanying fines and auto insurance rate increases.
Christine Fox, spokeswoman for the State Patrol
Question: The City of Mukilteo does not have a reliable process to keep the bike lanes clear on Beverly Park Road. Case in point: the lanes were full of sand for more than two months this winter, though the last snow we had was in early January.
We have called the city to request cleaning this year and last year, yet it always seems to be a freak of nature when it actually happens. The car lanes are regularly swept; we would appreciate it if the bike lanes were given the same attention.
Between Mukilteo Speedway and Airport Road, there is no bike lane on Beverly Park Road, nor even a paved shoulder. We had heard that this section of road is scheduled to be improved this year (including bike lanes), but have not seen much activity yet. Do you know if this project is still in the works and on schedule?
Lisa and Jerry Harrison, Mukilteo
Answer: The city of Mukilteo sweeps streets several times each year: in the fall, right after the leaves have fallen; at the end of winter when the threat of snow and ice have passed and in the summer after we’ve had a relatively long period of no rain.
When necessary, we sweep more often, such as after especially heavy winters when we’ve had excessive buildups of sand on the roadways. In this particular case, Beverly Park Road was swept on March 22.
In regard to the lack of bike lanes on Beverly Park Road between Mukilteo Speedway and Airport Road, this section of roadway is the responsibility of Snohomish County. I understand that it has a construction project scheduled for later this year to widen and add bike lanes on this section of road, however, I suggest contacting the county directly.
Tom Hansen, Mukilteo public works director
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