Q Does the "must exit" rule apply to police officers in a non-emergency situation? Recently, I saw two Seattle motorcycle police use an I-5 off ramp with a "must exit" sign to get around backed up traffic. I feel that they should adhere to traffic laws in non-emergency situations, the same as the rest of the drivers on the road. If it’s good for us, it’s good for them.
John Davis, Everett
A Lt. Mark Thomas with the State Patrol said officers are allowed to circumvent traffic laws when responding to an emergency or when attempting to catch up to and/or stop suspected law breakers.
"It is hard to know the circumstances involving these specific officers," Thomas said. "Complaints about an officer’s actions should be directed to their agency."
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