SESKStuff Everyone Should Know
SESK: Stuff Everyone Should Know · sesk.info/bike-pass-change-lanes

In Washington, how must a driver pass a bike in the right lane when at least two lanes go that way?

Move completely into the next lane to the left.

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  1. Pass within the same lane
  2. Honk, then squeeze by
  3. Move completely into the lane to the left ✔

Why: When a rider is in the right lane, right shoulder, or bike lane and another lane goes the same way, Washington requires the driver to move fully left to pass.

Huh, didn't know that: Breaking this rule in Washington adds an extra fine that goes into a fund for teaching road safety.

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Why did the car change lanes for the bike? It had a wheel good reason.
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References

Answer: Move completely into the lane to the left. When a rider is in the right lane, right shoulder, or bike lane and another lane goes the same way, Washington requires the driver to move fully left to pass.

  1. RCW 46.61.110 Overtaking on the left app.leg.wa.gov/rcw/default.aspx?cite=46.61.110
    move completely into a lane to the left of the right lane when it is safe to do so
    Checked 2026-10-12.

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