Can I speed up to pass a slow driver in Washington state? What the law says

Driving on the highway can be a frustrating experience in Washington state.

Annoying habits such as tailgating, driving under the speed limit and camping out in the left lane can quickly ruin an enjoyable drive.

If you’re stuck behind a slow driver, what can you legally do? Can you speed up to pass them?

Here’s what Washington state law says.

What’s considered speeding in Washington state?

In Washington state, it’s illegal to drive above the posted speed limit — although there’s one exception.

“No person shall drive a vehicle on a highway at a speed greater than is reasonable and prudent under the conditions,” the Revised Code of Washington says, keeping “actual and potential hazards” in mind.

What’s the speed limit on city streets? Highways?

In general, Washington drivers are expected to follow these speed limits, unless another speed is posted:

• 20 mph in school zones
• 25 mph on city and town streets
• 50 mph on country roads
• 60 mph on state highways

Under Washington state law, you must “drive at an appropriate reduced speed” when crossing an intersection, going around a curve, approaching the crest of a hill or “traveling upon any narrow or winding roadway.”

Drivers should also adjust their speed accordingly when using highway on-ramps and off-ramps, as McClatchy Media previously reported.

Can I speed to pass a slow driver in Washington state?

If you get stuck behind a car that isn’t keeping up with traffic, or traveling at inconsistent speeds, can you speed up a bit to get past them?

Technically, yes.

The Revised Code of Washington says you can exceed the posted speed limit to pass “a vehicle driving at less than the legal maximum speed,” as long as you’re on a highway with one lane in each direction.

However, drivers can only break the speed limit speed up enough such a distance as is “necessary to complete the pass with a reasonable margin of safety,” state law says.

If you maintain that speed and get pulled over, you may still be ticketed, according to the Washington State Patrol.

Can you get pulled over for passing a car in Washington state?

Any time you speed on state roadways, you risk being pulled over, according to the Washington State Patrol.

It comes down to the discretion of the individual trooper or officer.

In general, state officials recommend following the flow of traffic.

Although drivers are expected to maintain the speed limit, the safest way to drive is to keep pace with traffic flow, according to the Washington Driver Guide published by the Washington State Department of Licensing.

Washington State Patrol trooper and public information officer John Dattilo previously told McClatchy Media that the flow of traffic normally hovers around the speed limit.

“Our primary focus is what’s reasonable, what is prudent,” Dattilo said. “If you’re keeping up with traffic, you’re not going to stick out, and likely you won’t be pulled over.”

How much are speeding tickets in Washington state?

If you’re pulled over for speeding, you may receive a warning or a speeding ticket.

Based on the Washington State Courts’ Bail Schedule, here’s how much you can expect to pay in fines.

Speeding in zones under 40 mph

• 1 to 5 mph more than the speed limit: $140
• 6 to 10 mph over: $150
• 11 to 15 mph over: $181
• 16 to 20 mph over: $222
• 21 to 25 mph over: $273
• 26 to 30 mph over: $324
• 31 to 35 mph over: $375
• 36 to 40 mph over: $437

Speeding in zones above 40 mph

• 1 to 5 mph more than the speed limit: $119
• 6 to 10 mph over: $140
• 11 to 15 mph over: $170
• 16 to 20 mph over: $201
• 21 to 25 mph over: $232
• 26 to 30 mph over: $273
• 31 to 35 mph over: $324
• 36 to 40 mph over: $375

If you’re caught going 41 mph or more over the speed limit in any speed zone, you can expect to pay a $437 fine.

Speeding in a construction zone will get you a minimum fine of $163, while speeding in a school zone will cost you a minimum of $228.

You can pay a $150 fine for failing to reduce your speed for certain road conditions.

According to the Washington Department of Licensing, drivers who receive three traffic violations during a 12-month period or those who receive four traffic violations during a 24-month period will have their license suspended for 60 days.

After the suspension period is up, drivers will be put on probation for one year.

This story updates previous coverage originally published in July 2024.

This story was originally published February 10, 2026 at 5:00 AM.