FINAL BILL REPORT
SSB 5541
C 202 L 97
Synopsis as Enacted
Brief Description: Restricting the distance a vehicle may travel in a two‑way left‑turn lane.
Sponsors: Senate Committee on Transportation (originally sponsored by Senators Wood, Goings and Winsley; by request of Washington State Patrol).
Senate Committee on Transportation
House Committee on Transportation Policy & Budget
Background: The existing statute regarding two-way left turn lanes only states that a vehicle may not pass another in a two-way left turn lane. Drivers often travel significant distances in two-way left turn lanes before making a turn or entering traffic. This increases the risk of right-of-way collisions, especially during peak traffic hours.
Summary: The distance in which a vehicle can travel in a two-way left turn lane is 300 feet.
Votes on Final Passage:
Senate 45 3
House 91 6
Effective: July 27, 1997