Washington State Patrol boosts line-cutting enforcement at ferry terminals

WASHINGTON — Cutting in line while trying to get onto a Washington state ferry will now cost drivers even more. People caught breaking the law will be hit with a $145 fine amid Washington State Patrol's summer emphasis patrols.

WSP said they get the most complaints about people cutting the line in Edmonds and Bainbridge Island. The big summer rush for the state ferry system means more opportunities for some drivers to try to sneak past the long lines of idling cars in the boarding lanes.

“I just got cut off like two minutes before I got here,” Bhavin Ministry told KOMO News.

It's a problem that not only causes delays, but state ferries officials worry about it leading to road rage and other dangers they've experienced.

“We had instances a couple years ago where someone brandished a firearm on the way to West Seattle because of line-cutting,” said Ian Sterling, aWSP Spokesperson.

Now, WSP is cracking down on people who ignore the warnings about the penalties for breaking the rules.

“Very frustrating. Especially if you have schedules. I’m actually meeting somebody on the other side and people are waiting,” said Katherine Jarrard.

Sheriff's deputies and WSP's K-9 unit were making the rounds at the Edmonds terminal on Monday. Drivers said they want to see those patrols more often.

“Anything they can do to make people obey the laws and make it fair for everyone is great,” said David Wills. “I see people coming straight down Dayton and turning right into the ferry lane instead of going all the way up past the park.”

What's more, getting caught will cost $145, up slightly from $139 in 2023. Still, some drivers question how WSP might make this enforcement happen among all their other priorities.

“I haven’t seen them writing fines to anybody,” Mistry said. “I hope police officers just do their job and give people fines.”

WSF reports one person got a steep fine in Mukilteo last weekend. KOMO News asked WSP how they have the personnel for this enforcement effort.

“We will do that through some emphasis patrols to focus, with our partners, the line cutting, specifically,” said Kevin Fortino, a WSP Spokesperson. “We’re constantly working in various terminals with our explosive detection canines and then through vessel rides, and things like that.”

State ferry workers encourage people who witness the line cutting to report it to a trooper on site or to ferry workers.

A trooper said their goal is first to educate people, and if they determine someone cut by accident, WSP is likely to first give a warning.