Ferry lane road rules can get a bit confusing

Q Traveling north on Highway 525 toward Mukilteo, there is a dedicated ferry traffic holding lane. When turning into a side street across the ferry lane from the northbound lane or left from the southbound lane, who has the right of way, the cars turning or the cars in the ferry lane?

—Pete Stevenson, Mukilteo

A Dawn M. McIntosh, assistant area traffic engineer with the Department of Transportation, said traffic laws do not address situations involving conflicting movement between street traffic and ferry waiting traffic.

"Lacking a regulation, we have developed a black-on-yellow "WARNING" sign to alert travelers to the potential conflict at these intersections," McIntosh said. "We are in the process of working with the Washington State Patrol and state Department of Transportation authorities in Olympia, to develop the regulation needed to assign legal right of way for a right turning movement at these locations."

It would be enforceable after the appropriate signing is installed, she said.

"We are not considering new regulations for left turning," she said. "Based on rules of the road, a driver making a left turn into a local side street needs to yield to all oncoming traffic, including those in the ferry waiting lane and the local traffic lane. Our advice to ferry travelers is to yield right of way to local traffic turning at these intersections, and for all travelers to exercise due care by using good defensive driving practices."

Have a question about traffic or street rules around Snohomish and Island counties? We can help find an answer. Send questions by fax to 425-339-3435; e-mail to newstips@heraldnet.com; or address to Street Smarts, P.O. Box 930, Everett, WA 98206. Include your name and phone number.

Talk to us

> Give us your news tips.

> Send us a letter to the editor.

> More Herald contact information.

More in Local News

George Beard walks into the Stanwood Library with coffee in hand on Thursday, May 23, 2024, in Stanwood, Washington. (Ryan Berry / The Herald)
As winter approaches, Stanwood man remains homeless

George Beard is living in his car because he’s too sick to work. So far, connections to resources haven’t been enough.

Logo for news use featuring the municipality of Monroe in Snohomish County, Washington. 220118
‘Right-hand man’ in Snohomish County drug ring sentenced to 10 years

Humberto Garcia was convicted of drug trafficking in April. He’s the last member of the group to be sentenced.

Snow is visible along the top of Mount Pilchuck from bank of the Snohomish River near Rotary Park on Wednesday, May 10, 2023 in Everett, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Everett initiative asks: Should the Snohomish River have legal rights?

Initiative 24-03 proposes legal standing to prevent environmental damage. Opponents say it’ll lead to unnecessary lawsuits.

The Grand Avenue Park Bridge is seen as the sun sets in 2022 in Everett. (Ryan Berry / The Herald)
Elevator at Grand Ave. bridge in Everett closed due to vandalism

The city hopes to reopen the elevator by December. Repairs could cost tens of thousands of dollars.

Riaz Khan finally wins office on his fifth try. (Kevin Clark / The Herald)
Mukilteo police seek info on alleged attack on House candidate

Riaz Khan, a former City Council member, said he was fixing campaign signs Tuesday morning when two men attacked him.

Brandon Borg, 21, fills his gas tank in Everett on Oct. 24. Borg must drive long distances for work, and is worried about how the rise in gas prices will affect his ability to save money for his future. (Caroline Walker Evans for Cascade PBS)
Young WA voters say cost of living is their top concern

Everett and Seattle residents cited gas prices and rising rents as motivating factors for their votes this year.

Arlington
9K remain without power in Snohomish, Island counties

At one point Monday afternoon, over 20,000 had lost power. Winds were expected to subside.

Boeing workers file into Angel of the Winds Arena to vote on the latest contract proposal from the company on Monday, Nov. 4, 2024 in Everett, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Boeing Machinists approve contract, ending 52-day strike

After voting no twice, 59% of union members approved the latest contract.

Snohomish County Elections employees check signatures on ballots on Tuesday, Oct. 29, 2024 in Everett , Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
5 things to watch in Washington heading into Election Day

Keep your eyes on statewide initiatives, the race for public lands commissioner and two contentious congressional races.

Snohomish County Elections employees Frank Monkman, left, and Tina Ruybal, right, place sorted ballots in a green container on Tuesday, Oct. 29, 2024 in Everett , Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Snohomish County’s guide to the 2024 election

Here is everything you need to know before Election Day.

The Victorian home sits on Whidbey Island. (Alyse Young for The Washington Post)
Whidbey couple thought they found their dream home — then came the bats

The couple had no recourse after unknowingly buying a home infested with thousands of bats.

Everett
Everett men arrested in huge bust of Seattle drug ring

On Wednesday, investigators searched 31 locations, but suspects from Lynnwood and Edmonds remained at large, officials said.

Support local journalism

If you value local news, make a gift now to support the trusted journalism you get in The Daily Herald. Donations processed in this system are not tax deductible.