BIPD: few resources for line-cutting enforcement at ferry terminal

Published 1:30 am Wednesday, August 12, 2026

Officials warn Washington State Ferries’ riders against line cutting, as it can create unsafe conditions during the busy summer sailing season and could result in a $150 fine, but enforcing it on Bainbridge Island has been an issue due to lack of resources.

Bainbridge Island Police Department chief Joe Clark said the department doesn’t currently have adequate resources to conduct emphasis patrols for line cutting at the BI ferry terminal, and he isn’t aware of citations issued by BIPD for line cutting. A public records request to Washington State Patrol found no citations were issued by troopers between Jan. 1, 2015, and Aug. 6, 2026, for line cutting at the BI ferry terminal.

The city of Bainbridge Island previously conducted a feasibility study that determined photo enforcement was not effective at curbing line cutting at the ferry terminal. Clark said WSF is responsible for managing lines at the ferry terminal. “The most effective solution for managing the line at the SR 305 and Winslow Way intersection has been the physical presence of ferry personnel or the private security staff hired by the state to manage access to Olympic Drive. This staffing appears to be consistently provided at the Kingston and Edmonds terminals. While availability of this resource at the Winslow Way/Highway 305 intersection has increased over the last two years, consistent presence is needed,” he said.

WSF employees are not allowed to issue citations or settle disputes between drivers; however, they do help manage safe operations. “Under Washington law, only law enforcement officers who witness the violation can issue the citation. Washington State Patrol is aware of locations with high line cutting, and they will place officers at those locations as resources allow,” a WSF line cutting flyer states.

Certain modes of transportation, such as ambulances, transit vehicles, motorcycles, bicycles, and United States Postal Service vehicles, among others, can bypass the lines. WSF also allows customers with a physician-approved medical preferential loading pass to bypass the line.

WSP Homeland Security Division spokesperson Kevin Fortino said the division does not currently plan for special emphasis patrols for line cutting. “Traffic control is handled by Washington State Ferries on a contract basis at the various terminals. The WSP Homeland Security Division is not directly involved in traffic control at the various WSF terminals. The WSP Homeland Security Division’s primary mission has been and will remain Anti-Terrorism and Crime Prevention throughout the WSF system,” he said

Since 2007, Washington has had a state law regarding line cutting with infraction-based penalty amounts set by the state Supreme Court. The state legislature can also impose penalties or surcharges during legislative sessions, Fortino said.

BIPD previously arrested a man April 19 on charges of reckless driving after he allegedly drove his car towards a traffic control officer at the ferry terminal.