Q: I would like to know if the Washington state seat belt law applies to vehicles on private property, including places such as shopping centers, private mobile parks or private roads.
David Nofziger, Edmonds
A: Trooper Lance Ramsay with the Washington State Patrol said when it comes to someone receiving a seat belt ticket, people would have to be on a highway, state route, county road or city street.
A seat belt violation is an infraction, he said. The only time that someone will be cited on private property would be for a criminal offense, such as DUI, reckless driving or hit and run.
Lt. Butch Braley with the Everett Police Department said there are few infractions they would ticket on private property; however, if a driver was spotted not wearing a seat belt on a roadway and pulled into a grocery store parking lot, they could get a ticket based on where the infraction happened.
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.
