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  Washington State Patrol title head District 4 Frequently Asked Questions

If you don’t find what you need, check the State Patrol’s main FAQ Page . If you still can’t find an answer, write to us at WSP District 4, PO Box 19130, Spokane, WA 99219-9130. Some questions may take ten business days to answer.


When do snow tires have to come off my car and when can I put them back on my car in the wintertime?

Studded tires are approved for use from November 1 to March 31. The Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) determines additional periods in which they can be used. Studded tires are not allowed on vehicles over 10,000 pounds. Studded tires are not a substitute for chains.

For more information, visit WSDOT's studded tire page.



What is a “winter traction tire?”

Tires that are labeled snow tire, all-season, all-weather, or studded (must be labeled M&S on the sidewall) qualify so long as they meet the standards set in WAC 204-24-040 Traction Devices.



What is the phone number for road and weather pass conditions?

For Washington state road and travel conditions, you can dial 5-1-1 or the DOT toll-free number at 1-800-695-7623. You can also go to the DOT travel conditions web page at http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/.



What is the difference between the new seat belt law and the old seat belt law?

Under the new seat belt law, when an officer observes an individual driving a motor vehicle not wearing a seat belt, the officer can stop the individual and take enforcement. The old seat belt law required the officer to observe another violation before the contact. The new law took effect June 13, 2002.
If I have a doctor's statement saying I can’t wear a seat belt, will I get a ticket?

The seat belt law does not apply to an operator or passenger who possesses written verification from a licensed physician that the operator or passenger is unable to wear a seat belt for physical or medical reasons. RCW 46.61.688



What changes are in the new child restraint law and when does it go into effect?

The new child restraint law went into effect June 1, 2007.
  • Children under 13 years old must be transported in the back seat where it is practical to do so.
  • Children up to their 8th birthday, unless they are 4'9" tall (which ever comes first), must ride in a child restraint (For example a child car seat, booster seat, vest, or other restraint that is federally approved for use in the car.)
  • The restraint system must be used correctly according to the car seat AND vehicle manufacturer's instructions.
  • Vehicles equipped with lap-only seat belts are exempt from the requirement to use a booster seat.
  • Children 8-years of age or at least 4'9" who wear a seat belt MUST use it correctly (never under the arm or behind the back) or continue to use a booster.

    For more information on child restraint and seat belt laws, see the Washington Seat Belt Laws on the main WSP FAQ page.


Where can I get a booster seat or child seat checked to see if it is properly installed?

Child safety seat checks are conducted monthly at various locations throughout the Spokane community. To find when the next check is scheduled, you can call 1-509-232-2985.

Who do I call about information concerning commercial vehicles and operations?

For information concerning commercial vehicles and operations, you can call or contact the Spokane Port of Entry at RR1 Westbound I-90, Milepost 299, Liberty Lake (509) 226-3366.

Where can I find the laws of the State of Washington on the Internet so I can look up laws?

You can access the laws of the State of Washington by going to the following web site: http://www.leg.wa.gov/wsladm/rcw.cfm



How can I get criminal history on an individual?

You can obtain criminal histories from the State Patrol in two ways:

1. Going on-line by using WATCH (Washington Access To Criminal History). This feature requires either a credit card or an account number which can be set up by contacting the Identification and Criminal History Section.

2. Completing forms available through our Identification and Criminal History Section (use link above). Return the completed forms to us through the US Postal Service. (Sorry, we don't have downloadable forms at this time.)

 

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