Our Seattle traffic ticket attorneys see people getting pulled over for speeding all the time on the freeway.  I’m sure you do too.  Often, the person about to be issued a WA State speeding ticket is in the left lane.  So, they often pull over to the left hand shoulder – some are even specifically directed to do so by the officer. 

Recently, however, we encountered a ticket a gentleman received for pulling over to the left hand side when being stopped for speeding.  Incredibly, the Officer felt it was necessary to additionally charge him with RCW 46.61.210 (failure to yield to emergency vehicles) which requires you to pull over to the right side when an emergency vehicle approaches you with a siren on.

(1) Upon the immediate approach of an authorized emergency vehicle making use of audible and visual signals meeting the requirements of RCW 46.37.190, or of a police vehicle properly and lawfully making use of an audible signal only the driver of every other vehicle shall yield the right-of-way and shall immediately drive to a position parallel to, and as close as possible to, the right-hand edge or curb of the roadway clear of any intersection and shall stop and remain in such position until the authorized emergency vehicle has passed, except when otherwise directed by a police officer.

Frankly, our Seattle traffic lawyers were appalled.  We think it is ridiculous to receive a $1,062 ticket for pulling over safely to the left rather than cross two or three lanes of traffic on a busy highway.  It appears clear that statute was intended to apply in situations where the officer is trying to pass you rather than pull you over.  Nevertheless, pull over to the right unless the officer specifically directs you to the left.  Otherwise, you might be issued very expensive Washington ticket.