With one winter storm over and another possibly impacting the area later in the week, The Department of Safety and Homeland Security (DSHS) would like drivers to understand what each level of driving restriction means. The state employs a three-level system of driving restrictions during emergencies to ensure safety and clear roads for essential employees.
A Level 1 Warning cautions drivers to avoid driving unless absolutely necessary. There are no penalties for driving during Level 1, but drivers should use extra caution as road conditions could deteriorate quickly.
A Level 2 Restriction means that non-essential travel is prohibited, and only essential personnel may drive. Emergency personnel include first responders, healthcare workers, utility personnel, snow removal operators as well as food or fuel delivery drivers.
Businesses who have “pressing operational issues” that require employees to report must file for a waiver from the state. Applications for the waivers can be found online.
There are some questions about what constitutes an essential employee, especially since it specifically lists food delivery. Uber Eats, DoorDash and GrubHub are not considered essential. Food delivery in the regulation refers to supply chain or essential services, such as trucks delivering to local grocery stores.
If caught driving during a Level 2 restriction, whether you are pulled over or your vehicle becomes disabled, you could face a fine of $25 to $115 for the first offense or $50 to $200 for subsequent offenses as well as 10 to 30 days in jail. If an employer requires a non-essential employee to drive during a Level 2 restriction, the employer may be liable for expenses if the employee needs emergency services due to being stuck or involved in an accident.
If the state issues a Level 3 driving ban, there is a complete ban on driving for everyone except for authorized first responders, utility personnel and now removal personnel. All others are required to stay off the roads and violations are punishable by law. Penalties are the same as for Level 2 driving restrictions.
During periods of snow and ice, unnecessary traffic on the roadways is a problem for emergency personnel and road crews. Therefore, when a Level 2 or Level 3 driving ban is issued, it is highly recommended that those who do not have to go out on the roads, do not do so.
