Here are some questions from Mercer Island residents to the Mercer Island Police Department.

I sometimes see police officers talking on cell phones while they are driving. Is it illegal for them to talk on their cell phones while driving too?

No. Authorized emergency vehicles (Police Department, Fire Department, Ambulance Vehicles, etc.) are exempt from this law.

Note: See RCW 46.61.667 (cell phone) and RCW 46.61.668 (texting) for more information on these laws. See RCW 46.04.040 on the definition for authorized emergency vehicles.

Does Mercer Island have a “jaywalking” law?

Not specifically. However, the state of Washington has a “Pedestrian on Roadway” law where it is unlawful for pedestrians to walk or otherwise move along and upon an adjacent roadway if sidewalks are provided. See RCW 46.61.250 for details on other information about walking on roadways where sidewalks are not provided.

Can I get a speeding ticket while riding my bicycle?

Yes. If you are riding your bicycle on a public roadway, you are expected to follow all of the same laws that drivers of motor vehicles are expected to follow. See RCW 46.61.755 for more information.

Are my vehicle’s tabs (registration) due at the end of the month or on a specific date?

A specific date. If you look on your vehicle’s current Washington state vehicle registration, find the top line/row of boxes on the registration, then look for the fourth box (left to right) over on the top line of the registration, and you should see your vehicle’s specific registration due date (some registrations may vary).

Have a question for Officer Jira? Write to him at Rob.Jira@mercergov.org.