King County Road Services - Frequently-asked questions
Road, traffic and pedestrian safety
Where do I find answers to my questions about abandoned vehicles?
I abandoned my vehicle on the roadside and now it is gone. Who do I call to get it back?
During weather related incidents, such as snow and ice, flooding, or trees down, any vehicles found blocking the roadway, are subject to impound. In unincorporated King County or in a city which contracts with the King County Sheriff's Office for law enforcement, contact the King County Sheriff's Communication Center (non-emergency number) at 206-296-3311. For the list of those cities, go to the King County Sheriff's Web site. If your city does not contract with the King County Sheriff's Office for law enforcement, use these links to find contact information. Your vehicle is very likely to be towed away if it is abandoned on a snow route or "lifeline" route which must be kept open for emergency response. Learn more about abandoned vehicles. How can I find out about pedestrian walkway and safety information?
Call 206-296-6596 if you are concerned about pedestrian safety, the safety of youngsters walking to school, or for information on the county's Pedestrian Walkway Program. How can I report a pothole that needs to be repaired?
please contact the Road Services Division's Road Maintenance Section with the street name, nearby cross streets, and the location of the pothole. What can I do to reduce traffic accidents and save lives?
Drive slower and observe the rules of the road. If you want to make a difference in peoples lives, remember that you are setting an example. Teach others, supervise carefully and get involved in your neighborhood's safety. Learn more about how the County can help you in your efforts at making lives safer through neighborhood traffic safety. What is the Radar Readerboard Project?
A County vehicle is equipped with an electronic readerboard sign connected to a speed radar unit. The equipment is loaned to a neighborhood after its representative receives brief, special training on its use and a police records check. The equipment is taken to the neighborhood, set up safely along the residential street, and shows passing drivers their speeds as they drive by. Through use of the radar/readerboard equipment, local residents themselves monitor and record the speed of cars, trucks and other vehicles that drive through their neighborhoods. Learn more.Where can I find answers to road repair questions?
Please visit the road repair section of our frequently-asked questions pages. If I'm hauling debris in my vehicle or trailer, is it required that I tie the material down?
How do I get speed humps and bumps in my neighborhood?
Please call Keith Brown of the Road Services Division's Traffic Engineering Section at 206-263-6132. How can I help solve speeding problems in my neighborhood?
Check out the Road Service Division's Radar Readerboard Project. Through minimal training and cooperation among citizens, the King County Sherrif's Office and the King County Road Services Division, neighborhood speeding problems can be addressed through this inexpensive educational progam. Who do I contact about trucks that are speeding up and down our road?
Please contact the Road Services Division at 206-296-8100 or toll-free at 1-800-KCROADS. A Citizen Action Request (CAR) form will be written up for a roads use investigation. How can I report traffic problems?
Call 206-296-6596 for traffic-related safety problems including signs, paint striping and safety markings, traffic signal malfunction, parking problems on the right-of-way and on paved pathways, or sight distance problems. Will my road be plowed when it snows?
Priority is given to keeping "lifeline routes" open during any situation including snow. These are routes which must be kept open for emergency response personnel. Most residential streets will not be plowed, even if on a steep hill. You may need to plan to park at the bottom of the hill and walk to your vehicle (don't forget to put your warmest boots in the vehicle). Given the short duration of our snowfalls, most jurisdictions do not have the equipment to do more than keep main roads cleared. Be prepared. Find out about snow routes before it snows. Where can I find out about studded tires, traction tires, traction devices, etc?
The Washington State Patrol (WSP) regulates vehicle equipment including tires. Studded tires are approved for use from Nov. 1 to March 31. The Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) determines additional periods in which they can be used. Both WSDOT and the WSP have good information at: - WSP - Traction Devices
 (includes links to the state laws and regulations)
- For information on traction devices, tires and chains for commercial vehicles (trucks over 10,000 lbs. GVW), contact the WSDOT Motor Carrier Services Office at 1-800-562-6902, or visit the nearest WSDOT Permit Office.
Where can I find out about pass reports and other winter and holiday traffic information?
Internet resources:
Telephone resources: For information on emergency highway closures, ferry schedules and construction updates in northwest Washington and the Puget Sound area; call the 24-hour WSDOT Commuter Information line: - In the greater Seattle area: 206-DOT-HIWY (206-368-4499)
- Toll-free statewide: 1-800-695-ROAD (1-800-695-7623)
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