RCW ch. 46.61 — Revised Code of Washington Chapter 46.61 RCW — Rules Of The Road

RCW 46.61.005 Chapter refers to vehicles upon highways—Exceptions. The provisions of this chapter relating to the operation of vehicles refer exclusively to the operation of vehicles upon highways except: (1) Where a different place is specifically referred to in a given section. (2) The provisions of RCW 46.52.010 through 46.52.090, 46.61.500 through 46.61.525, and 46.61.5249 shall apply upon highways and elsewhere throughout the state. [ 1997 c 66 s 13; 1990 c 291 s 4; 1965 ex.s. c 155 s 1.] RCW 46.61.015 Obedience to police officers, flaggers, or firefighters—Penalty. (1) No person shall willfully fail or refuse to comply with any lawful order or direction of any duly authorized flagger or any police officer or firefighter invested by law with authority to direct, control, or regulate traffic. (2) A violation of this section is a misdemeanor. [ 2003 c 53 s 244; 2000 c 239 s 4; 1995 c 50 s 1; 1975 c 62 s 17; 1965 ex.s. c 155 s 3.] NOTES: Rules of court: RCW 46.61.020 Refusal to give information to or cooperate with officer—Penalty. (1) It is unlawful for any person while operating or in charge of any vehicle to refuse when requested by a police officer to give his or her name and address and the name and address of the owner of such vehicle, or for such person to give a false name and address, and it is likewise unlawful for any such person to refuse or neglect to stop when signaled to stop by any police officer or to refuse upon demand of such police officer to produce his or her certificate of license registration of such vehicle, his or her insurance identification card, or his or her vehicle driver's license or to refuse to permit such officer to take any such license, card, or certificate for the purpose of examination thereof or to refuse to permit the examination of any equipment of such vehicle or the weighing of such vehicle or to refuse or neglect to produce the certificate of license registration of such vehicle, insurance card, or his or her vehicle driver's license when requested by any court. Any police officer shall on request produce evidence of his or her authorization as such. (2) A violation of this section is a misdemeanor. [ 2003 c 53 s 245; 1995 c 50 s 2; 1989 c 353 s 6; 1967 c 32 s 65; 1961 c 12 s 46.56.190. Prior: 1937 c 189 s 126; RRS s 6360-126; 1927 c 309 s 38; RRS s 6362-38. Formerly RCW 46.56.190.] NOTES: Rules of court: RCW 46.61.021 Duty to obey law enforcement officer—Authority of officer. (1) Any person requested or signaled to stop by a law enforcement officer for a traffic infraction has a duty to stop. (2) Whenever any person is stopped for a traffic infraction, the officer may detain that person for a reasonable period of time necessary to identify the person, check for outstanding warrants, check the status of the person's license, insurance identification card, and the vehicle's registration, and complete and issue a notice of traffic infraction. (3) Any person requested to identify himself or herself to a law enforcement officer pursuant to an investigation of a traffic infraction has a duty to identify himself or herself and give his or her current address. [ 2006 c 270 s 1; 1997 sp.s. c 1 s 1; 1989 c 353 s 7; 1979 ex.s. c 136 s 4.] NOTES: Effective date— RCW 46.61.022 Failure to obey officer—Penalty. Any person who wilfully fails to stop when requested or signaled to do so by a person reasonably identifiable as a law enforcement officer or to comply with RCW 46.61.021(3), is guilty of a misdemeanor. [ 1979 ex.s. c 136 s 5.] NOTES: Rules of court: RCW 46.61.024 Attempting to elude police vehicle—Defense—License revocation. (1) Any driver of a motor vehicle who willfully fails or refuses to immediately bring his or her vehicle to a stop and who drives his or her vehicle in a reckless manner while attempting to elude a pursuing police vehicle, after being given a visual or audible signal to bring the vehicle to a stop, shall be guilty of a class C felony. The signal given by the police officer may be by hand, voice, emergency light, or siren. The officer giving such a signal shall be in uniform and the vehicle shall be equipped with lights and sirens. (2) It is an affirmative defense to this section which must be established by a preponderance of the evidence that: (a) A reasonable person would not believe that the signal to stop was given by a police officer; and (b) driving after the signal to stop was reasonable under the circumstances. (3) The license or permit to drive or any nonresident driving privilege of a person convicted of a violation of this section shall be revoked by the department of licensing. [ 2010 c 8 s 9065; 2003 c 101 s 1; 1983 c 80 s 1; 1982 1st ex.s. c 47 s 25; 1979 ex.s. c 75 s 1.] NOTES: Severability— RCW 46.61.025 Persons riding animals or driving animal-drawn vehicles. Every person riding an animal or driving any animal-drawn vehicle upon a roadway shall be granted all of the rights and shall be subject to all of the duties applicable to the driver of a vehicle by this chapter except those provisions of this chapter which by their very nature can have no application. [ 1965 ex.s. c 155 s 4.] RCW 46.61.030 Persons working on highway right-of-way—Exceptions. Unless specifically made applicable, the provisions of this chapter except those contained in RCW 46.61.500 through 46.61.520 shall not apply to persons, motor vehicles and other equipment while engaged in work within the right-of-way of any highway but shall apply to such persons and vehicles when traveling to or from such work. [ 1969 c 76 s 1; 1965 ex.s. c 155 s 5.] RCW 46.61.035 Authorized emergency vehicles. (1) The driver of an authorized emergency vehicle, when responding to an emergency call or when in the pursuit of an actual or suspected violator of the law or when responding to but not upon returning from a fire alarm, may exercise the privileges set forth in this section, but subject to the conditions herein stated. (2) The driver of an authorized emergency vehicle may: (a) Park or stand, irrespective of the provisions of this chapter; (b) Proceed past a red or stop signal or stop sign, but only after slowing down as may be necessary for safe operation; (c) Exceed the maximum speed limits so long as he or she does not endanger life or property; (d) Disregard regulations governing direction of movement or turning in specified directions. (3) The exemptions herein granted to an authorized emergency vehicle shall apply only when such vehicle is making use of visual signals meeting the requirements of RCW 46.37.190, except that: (a) An authorized emergency vehicle operated as a police vehicle need not be equipped with or display a red light visible from in front of the vehicle; (b) authorized emergency vehicles shall use audible signals when necessary to warn others of the emergency nature of the situation but in no case shall they be required to use audible signals while parked or standing. (4) The foregoing provisions shall not relieve the driver of an authorized emergency vehicle from the duty to drive with due regard for the safety of all persons, nor shall such provisions protect the driver from the consequences of his or her reckless disregard for the safety of others. [ 2010 c 8 s 9066; 1969 c 23 s 1; 1965 ex.s. c 155 s 6.] RCW 46.61.050 Obedience to and required traffic control devices. (1) The driver of any vehicle, a person operating a bicycle, and every pedestrian shall obey, and the operation of every personal delivery device shall follow, the instructions of any official traffic control device applicable thereto, and as specified in this chapter, placed in accordance with the provisions of this chapter, unless otherwise directed by a traffic or police officer, subject to the exception granted the driver of an authorized emergency vehicle in this chapter. (2) No provision of this chapter for which official traffic control devices are required shall be enforced against an alleged violator if at the time and place of the alleged violation an official device is not in proper position and sufficiently legible or visible to be seen by an ordinarily observant person. Whenever a particular section does not state that official traffic control devices are required, such section shall be effective even though no devices are erected or in place. (3) Whenever official traffic control devices are placed in position approximately conforming to the requirements of this chapter, such devices shall be presumed to have been so placed by the official act or direction of lawful authority, unless the contrary shall be established by competent evidence. (4) Any official traffic control device placed pursuant to the provisions of this chapter and purporting to conform to the lawful requirements pertaining to such devices shall be presumed to comply with the requirements of this chapter, unless the contrary shall be established by competent evidence. [ 2020 c 66 s 1; 2019 c 214 s 9; 1975 c 62 s 18; 1965 ex.s. c 155 s 7.] NOTES: Rules of court: RCW 46.61.055 Traffic control signal legend. Whenever traffic is controlled by traffic control signals exhibiting different colored lights, or colored lighted arrows, successively one at a time or in combination, only the colors green, red and yellow shall be used, except for special pedestrian signals carrying a word or legend, and said lights shall indicate and apply to drivers of vehicles, pedestrians, and personal delivery devices, as follows: (1) Green indication (a) Vehicle operators facing a circular green signal may proceed straight through or turn right or left unless a sign at such place prohibits either such turn. Vehicle operators turning right or left shall stop to allow other vehicles lawfully within the intersection control area to complete their movements. Vehicle operators turning right or left shall also stop for pedestrians who or personal delivery devices that are lawfully within the intersection control area as required by RCW 46.61.235(1). (b) Vehicle operators facing a green arrow signal, shown alone or in combination with another indication, may enter the intersection control area only to make the movement indicated by such arrow, or such other movement as is permitted by other indications shown at the same time. Vehicle operators shall stop to allow other vehicles lawfully within the intersection control area to complete their movements. Vehicle operators shall also stop for pedestrians who or personal delivery devices that are lawfully within the intersection control area as required by RCW 46.61.235(1). (c) Unless otherwise directed by a pedestrian control signal, as provided in RCW 46.61.060 as now or hereafter amended, pedestrians or personal delivery devices facing any green signal, except when the sole green signal is a turn arrow, may proceed across the roadway within any marked or unmarked crosswalk. (2) Steady yellow indication (a) Vehicle operators facing a steady circular yellow or yellow arrow signal are thereby warned that the related green movement is being terminated or that a red indication will be exhibited immediately thereafter when vehicular traffic shall not enter the intersection. Vehicle operators shall stop for pedestrians who or personal delivery devices that are lawfully within the intersection control area as required by RCW 46.61.235(1). (b) Pedestrians or personal delivery devices facing a steady circular yellow or yellow arrow signal, unless otherwise directed by a pedestrian control signal as provided in RCW 46.61.060 shall not enter the roadway. (3) Steady red indication (a) Vehicle operators facing a steady circular red signal alone shall stop at a clearly marked stop line, but if none, before entering the crosswalk on the near side of the intersection or, if none, then before entering the intersection control area and shall remain standing until an indication to proceed is shown. However, the vehicle operators facing a steady circular red signal may, after stopping proceed to make a right turn from a one-way or two-way street into a two-way street or into a one-way street carrying traffic in the direction of the right turn; or a left turn from a one-way or two-way street into a one-way street carrying traffic in the direction of the left turn; unless a sign posted by competent authority prohibits such movement. Vehicle operators planning to make such turns shall remain stopped to allow other vehicles lawfully within or approaching the intersection control area to complete their movements. Vehicle operators planning to make such turns shall also remain stopped for pedestrians who or personal delivery devices that are lawfully within the intersection control area as required by RCW 46.61.235(1). (b) Unless otherwise directed by a pedestrian control signal as provided in RCW 46.61.060 as now or hereafter amended, pedestrians or personal delivery devices facing a steady circular red signal alone shall not enter the roadway. (c) Vehicle operators facing a steady red arrow indication may not enter the intersection control area to make the movement indicated by such arrow, and unless entering the intersection control area to make such other movement as is permitted by other indications shown at the same time, shall stop at a clearly marked stop line, but if none, before entering a crosswalk on the near side of the intersection control area, or if none, then before entering the intersection control area and shall remain standing until an indication to make the movement indicated by such arrow is shown. However, the vehicle operators facing a steady red arrow indication may, after stopping proceed to make a right turn from a one-way or two-way street into a two-way street or into a one-way street carrying traffic in the direction of the right turn; or a left turn from a one-way street or two-way street into a one-way street carrying traffic in the direction of the left turn; unless a sign posted by competent authority prohibits such movement. Vehicle operators planning to make such turns shall remain stopped to allow other vehicles lawfully within or approaching the intersection control area to complete their movements. Vehicle operators planning to make such turns shall also remain stopped for pedestrians who or personal delivery devices that are lawfully within the intersection control area as required by RCW 46.61.235(1). (d) Unless otherwise directed by a pedestrian signal, pedestrians or personal delivery devices facing a steady red arrow signal indication shall not enter the roadway. (4) If an official traffic control signal is erected and maintained at a place other than an intersection, the provisions of this section shall be applicable except as to those provisions which by their nature can have no application. Any stop required shall be made at a sign or marking on the pavement indicating where the stop shall be made, but in the absence of any such sign or marking the stop shall be made at the signal. [ 2019 c 214 s 10; 1993 c 153 s 2; 1990 c 241 s 2; 1975 c 62 s 19; 1965 ex.s. c 155 s 8.] NOTES: Effective date— RCW 46.61.060 Pedestrian control signals—Pedestrians, personal delivery devices. Whenever pedestrian control signals exhibiting the words "Walk" or the walking person symbol or "Don't Walk" or the hand symbol are operating, the signals shall indicate as follows: (1) WALK or walking person symbol— RCW 46.61.065 Flashing signals. (1) Whenever an illuminated flashing red or yellow signal is used in a traffic sign or signal it shall require obedience by vehicular traffic as follows: (a) FLASHING RED (STOP SIGNAL). When a red lens is illuminated with rapid intermittent flashes, drivers of vehicles shall stop at a clearly marked stop line, but if none, before entering a marked crosswalk on the near side of the intersection, or, if none, then at the point nearest the intersecting roadway where the driver has a view of approaching traffic on the intersecting roadway before entering the intersection, and the right to proceed shall be subject to the rules applicable after making a stop at a stop sign. (b) FLASHING YELLOW (CAUTION SIGNAL). When a yellow lens is illuminated with rapid intermittent flashes, drivers of vehicles may proceed through the intersection or past such signal only with caution. (2) This section shall not apply at railroad grade crossings. Conduct of drivers of vehicles approaching railroad grade crossings shall be governed by the rules as set forth in RCW 46.61.340. [ 1975 c 62 s 21; 1965 ex.s. c 155 s 10.] NOTES: Severability— RCW 46.61.070 Lane-direction-control signals. When lane-direction-control signals are placed over the individual lanes of a street or highway, vehicular traffic may travel in any lane over which a green signal is shown, but shall not enter or travel in any lane over which a red signal is shown. [ 1965 ex.s. c 155 s 11.] RCW 46.61.072 Special traffic control signals—Legend. Whenever special traffic control signals exhibit a downward green arrow, a yellow X, or a red X indication, such signal indication shall have the following meaning: (1) A steady downward green arrow means that a driver is permitted to drive in the lane over which the arrow signal is located. (2) A steady yellow X or flashing red X means that a driver should prepare to vacate, in a safe manner, the lane over which the signal is located because a lane control change is being made, and to avoid occupying that lane when a steady red X is displayed. (3) A flashing yellow X means that a driver is permitted to use a lane over which the signal is located for a left turn, using proper caution. (4) A steady red X means that a driver shall not drive in the lane over which the signal is located, and that this indication shall modify accordingly the meaning of all other traffic controls present. The driver shall obey all other traffic controls and follow normal safe driving practices. [ 1975 c 62 s 49.] NOTES: Severability— RCW 46.61.075 Display of unauthorized signs, signals, or markings. (1) No person shall place, maintain or display upon or in view of any highway any unauthorized sign, signal, marking or device which purports to be or is an imitation of or resembles an official traffic-control device or railroad sign or signal, or which attempts to direct the movement of traffic, or which hides from view or interferes with the effectiveness of an official traffic-control device or any railroad sign or signal. (2) No person shall place or maintain nor shall any public authority permit upon any highway any traffic sign or signal bearing thereon any commercial advertising. (3) This section shall not be deemed to prohibit the erection upon private property adjacent to highways of signs giving useful directional information and of a type that cannot be mistaken for official signs. (4) Every such prohibited sign, signal or marking is hereby declared to be a public nuisance and the authority having jurisdiction over the highway is hereby empowered to remove the same or cause it to be removed without notice. [ 1965 ex.s. c 155 s 12.] RCW 46.61.080 Interference with official traffic-control devices or railroad signs or signals. No person shall, without lawful authority, attempt to or in fact alter, deface, injure, knock down or remove any official traffic-control device or any railroad sign or signal or any inscription, shield or insignia thereon, or any other part thereof. [ 1965 ex.s. c 155 s 13.] NOTES: Interference with traffic-control signals or railroad signs or signals: RCW 47.36.130. RCW 46.61.085 Traffic control signals or devices upon city streets forming part of state highways—Approval by department of transportation. No traffic control signal or device may be erected or maintained upon any city street designated as forming a part of the route of a primary state highway or secondary state highway unless first approved by the state department of transportation. [ 1984 c 7 s 62; 1965 ex.s. c 155 s 14.] NOTES: Local authorities to provide stop signs at intersections with increased speed highways: RCW 46.61.435. RCW 46.61.090 Crash prevention zones. (1)(a)(i) Until January 1, 2029, the legislative body of a county, city, or town may create a crash prevention zone within its jurisdiction on the portion of U.S. Highway 395 from milepost 23 to milepost 32 between Pasco and Mesa, on highway 12 from Tank Farm Road to A street, and on highway 12 from Attalia East road to Nine Mile Canyon road. (ii) These crash prevention zones may be dissolved prior to, on, or after January 1, 2029, in accordance with the provisions of subsection (5) of this section. (iii) A crash prevention zone created under (a)(i) of this subsection must use the process described in (b)(i) of this subsection. (b) Beginning January 1, 2029: (i) The legislative body of a county, city, or town may create a crash prevention zone within its jurisdiction by identifying public roads where the incidence of collisions resulting in serious injuries or fatalities is greater than expected for similar roads over the previous five-year period using processes as adopted in the highway safety manual published by the American association of state highway and transportation officials; (ii) The secretary of the department of transportation may create a crash prevention zone within its jurisdiction by identifying public roads where the incidence of collisions resulting in serious injuries or fatalities is greater than expected for similar highways over the previous five-year period using processes as adopted in the highway safety manual published by the American association of state highway and transportation officials. (c) A county, city, or town or the department of transportation may consider and implement safety improvement approaches in designated crash prevention zones. A county, with the approval of a city or town, may designate a crash prevention zone that includes public roads within the county and city or town. A county, city, or town may designate a crash prevention zone under (a)(i) and (b)(i) of this subsection that includes roadways managed by the department of transportation with the approval of the department of transportation. The department of transportation may designate a crash prevention zone on a state highway without the approval of a county, city, or town. (d) Prior to the final establishment of a crash prevention zone, the county, city, or town must hold a public hearing, to which the department of transportation regional administrator must be invited, where members of the public may view and comment on a map of the designated crash prevention zone. (2) Once a crash prevention zone has been designated, the jurisdiction that established the zone must conduct an engineering and traffic investigation of the public roads in the zone to identify options for safety improvements, including adjustments to the speed limits. A county, city, or town may contract with the department of transportation to have the department conduct an engineering and traffic investigation of the public roads in the zone. (3)(a) The Washington state patrol and local law enforcement agencies must coordinate within existing resources and to the extent practicable increased [increase] enforcement of traffic laws within the crash prevention zone in a manner intended to reduce collisions in the crash prevention zone. (b) The department of transportation may use speed reduction methods, approaches, and technologies to reduce speeding within the crash prevention zones. (4) For each crash prevention zone created by a city, town, or county, a corresponding local account must be created, administered, and maintained by the jurisdiction. Expenditures from the corresponding local account may only be used for engineering and traffic investigations, creation and installation of road signs, and safety improvements in the crash prevention zone. (5)(a) A crash prevention zone must be dissolved once safety improvements have been implemented. (b) Until January 1, 2029, a crash prevention zone may also be dissolved at the discretion of the city, town, county, or department of transportation that created the zone. (c) Beginning January 1, 2029, a crash prevention zone may also be dissolved at the discretion of the city, town, county, or department of transportation that created the zone or by direction of the Washington state legislature. (6) The designation, establishment, investigation, or dissolution of a crash prevention zone under this section, or any data, reports, maps, county staff comments, public comments, engineering studies, prior testimony, or other materials prepared or used in connection with the creation or management of a crash prevention zone, are not admissible as evidence in any civil action. [ 2026 c 123 s 1.] RCW 46.61.100 Keep right except when passing, etc. (1) Upon all roadways of sufficient width a vehicle shall be driven upon the right half of the roadway, except as follows: (a) When overtaking and passing another vehicle proceeding in the same direction under the rules governing such movement; (b) When an obstruction exists making it necessary to drive to the left of the center of the highway; provided, any person so doing shall yield the right-of-way to all vehicles traveling in the proper direction upon the unobstructed portion of the highway within such distance as to constitute an immediate hazard; (c) Upon a roadway divided into three marked lanes and providing for two-way movement traffic under the rules applicable thereon; (d) Upon a street or highway restricted to one-way traffic; or (e) Upon a highway having three lanes or less, when approaching the following vehicles in the manner described under RCW 46.61.212(2)(b): (i) A stationary authorized emergency vehicle; (ii) a tow truck or other vehicle providing roadside assistance while operating warning lights with three hundred sixty degree visibility; (iii) a police vehicle; or (iv) a stationary or slow moving highway construction vehicle, highway maintenance vehicle, solid waste vehicle, or utility service vehicle that meets the lighting requirements identified in RCW 46.61.212(1). (2) Upon all roadways having two or more lanes for traffic moving in the same direction, all vehicles shall be driven in the right-hand lane then available for traffic, except (a) when overtaking and passing another vehicle proceeding in the same direction, (b) when traveling at a speed greater than the traffic flow, (c) when moving left to allow traffic to merge, or (d) when preparing for a left turn at an intersection, exit, or into a private road or driveway when such left turn is legally permitted. On any such roadway, a vehicle or combination over ten thousand pounds shall be driven only in the right-hand lane except under the conditions enumerated in (a) through (d) of this subsection. (3) No vehicle towing a trailer or no vehicle or combination over ten thousand pounds may be driven in the left-hand lane of a limited access roadway having three or more lanes for traffic moving in one direction except when preparing for a left turn at an intersection, exit, or into a private road or driveway when a left turn is legally permitted. This subsection does not apply to a vehicle using a high occupancy vehicle lane. A high occupancy vehicle lane is not considered the left-hand lane of a roadway. The department of transportation, in consultation with the Washington state patrol, shall adopt rules specifying (a) those circumstances where it is permissible for other vehicles to use the left lane in case of emergency or to facilitate the orderly flow of traffic, and (b) those segments of limited access roadway to be exempt from this subsection due to the operational characteristics of the roadway. (4) It is a traffic infraction to drive continuously in the left lane of a multilane roadway when it impedes the flow of other traffic. (5) Upon any roadway having four or more lanes for moving traffic and providing for two-way movement of traffic, a vehicle shall not be driven to the left of the center line of the roadway except when authorized by official traffic control devices designating certain lanes to the left side of the center of the roadway for use by traffic not otherwise permitted to use such lanes, or except as permitted under subsection (1)(b) of this section. However, this subsection shall not be construed as prohibiting the crossing of the center line in making a left turn into or from an alley, private road or driveway. [ 2025 c 58 s 2029; 2018 c 18 s 1; 2007 c 83 s 2; 1997 c 253 s 1; 1986 c 93 s 2; 1972 ex.s. c 33 s 1; 1969 ex.s. c 281 s 46; 1967 ex.s. c 145 s 58; 1965 ex.s. c 155 s 15.] NOTES: Rules of court: RCW 46.61.105 Passing vehicles proceeding in opposite directions. Drivers of vehicles proceeding in opposite directions shall pass each other to the right, and upon roadways having width for not more than one line of traffic in each direction each driver shall give to the other at least one-half of the main-traveled portion of the roadway as nearly as possible. [ 1975 c 62 s 22; 1965 ex.s. c 155 s 16.] NOTES: Severability— RCW 46.61.110 Overtaking on the left—Fine. The following rules shall govern the overtaking and passing of vehicles proceeding in the same direction: (1)(a) The driver of a vehicle overtaking other traffic proceeding in the same direction shall pass to the left of it at a safe distance and shall not again drive to the right side of the roadway until safely clear of the overtaken traffic. (b)(i) When the vehicle being overtaken is a motorcycle, motor-driven cycle, or moped, a driver of a motor vehicle found to be in violation of (a) of this subsection must be assessed an additional fine equal to the base penalty assessed under RCW 46.63.110(3). This fine may not be waived, reduced, or suspended, unless the court finds the offender to be indigent, and is not subject to the additional fees and assessments that the base penalty for this violation is subject to under RCW 2.68.040, 3.62.090, and 46.63.110. (ii) The additional fine imposed under (b)(i) of this subsection must be deposited into the vulnerable roadway user education account created in RCW 46.61.145. (2)(a) The driver of a vehicle approaching an individual who is traveling as a pedestrian or on a bicycle, riding an animal, or using a farm tractor or implement of husbandry without an enclosed shell, and who is traveling in the right lane of a roadway or on the right-hand shoulder or bicycle lane of the roadway, shall: (i) On a roadway with two lanes or more for traffic moving in the direction of travel, before passing and until safely clear of the individual, move completely into a lane to the left of the right lane when it is safe to do so; (ii) On a roadway with only one lane for traffic moving in the direction of travel: (A) When there is sufficient room to the left of the individual in the lane for traffic moving in the direction of travel, before passing and until safely clear of the individual: (I) Reduce speed to a safe speed for passing relative to the speed of the individual; and (II) Pass at a safe distance, where practicable of at least three feet, to clearly avoid coming into contact with the individual or the individual's vehicle or animal; or (B) When there is insufficient room to the left of the individual in the lane for traffic moving in the direction of travel to comply with (a)(ii)(A) of this subsection, before passing and until safely clear of the individual, move completely into the lane for traffic moving in the opposite direction when it is safe to do so and in compliance with RCW 46.61.120 and 46.61.125. (b) A driver of a motor vehicle found to be in violation of this subsection (2) must be assessed an additional fine equal to the base penalty assessed under RCW 46.63.110(3). This fine may not be waived, reduced, or suspended, unless the court finds the offender to be indigent, and is not subject to the additional fees and assessments that the base penalty for this violation is subject to under RCW 2.68.040, 3.62.090, and 46.63.110. (c) The additional fine imposed under (b) of this subsection must be deposited into the vulnerable roadway user education account created in RCW 46.61.145. (d) For the purposes of this section, "vulnerable user of a public way" has the same meaning as provided in RCW 46.61.5259. (e) This subsection (2) does not apply on a shared street as defined in RCW 46.61.197. (3) Except when overtaking and passing on the right is permitted, overtaken traffic shall give way to the right in favor of an overtaking vehicle on audible signal and shall not increase speed until completely passed by the overtaking vehicle. [ 2025 c 300 s 4; 2023 c 471 s 4; 2019 c 403 s 3; 2005 c 396 s 1; 1965 ex.s. c 155 s 17.] NOTES: Rules of court: RCW 46.61.115 When overtaking on the right is permitted. (1) The driver of a vehicle may overtake and pass upon the right of another vehicle only under the following conditions: (a) When the vehicle overtaken is making or about to make a left turn; (b) Upon a roadway with unobstructed pavement of sufficient width for two or more lines of vehicles moving lawfully in the direction being traveled by the overtaking vehicle. (2) The driver of a vehicle may overtake and pass another vehicle upon the right only under conditions permitting such movement in safety. Such movement shall not be made by driving off the roadway. [ 1975 c 62 s 23; 1965 ex.s. c 155 s 18.] NOTES: Rules of court: RCW 46.61.120 Limitations on overtaking on the left. No vehicle shall be driven to the left side of the center of the roadway in overtaking and passing other traffic proceeding in the same direction unless authorized by the provisions of RCW 46.61.100 through 46.61.160 and 46.61.212 and unless such left side is clearly visible and is free of oncoming traffic for a sufficient distance ahead to permit such overtaking and passing to be completely made without interfering with the operation of any traffic approaching from the opposite direction or any traffic overtaken. In every event the overtaking vehicle must return to an authorized lane of travel as soon as practicable and in the event the passing movement involves the use of a lane authorized for vehicles approaching from the opposite direction, before coming within two hundred feet of any approaching traffic. [ 2007 c 83 s 3; 2005 c 396 s 2; 1965 ex.s. c 155 s 19.] NOTES: Rules of court: RCW 46.61.125 Further limitations on driving to left of center of roadway. (1) No vehicle shall be driven on the left side of the roadway under the following conditions: (a) When approaching or upon the crest of a grade or a curve in the highway where the driver's view is obstructed within such distance as to create a hazard in the event other traffic might approach from the opposite direction; (b) When approaching within one hundred feet of or traversing any intersection or railroad grade crossing; (c) When the view is obstructed upon approaching within one hundred feet of any bridge, viaduct or tunnel; (d) When a bicycle or pedestrian is within view of the driver and is approaching from the opposite direction, or is present, in the roadway, shoulder, or bicycle lane within a distance unsafe to the bicyclist or pedestrian due to the width or condition of the roadway, shoulder, or bicycle lane. (2) The foregoing limitations shall not apply upon a one-way roadway, nor under the conditions described in RCW 46.61.100(1)(b), nor to the driver of a vehicle turning left into or from an alley, private road or driveway. [ 2005 c 396 s 3; 1972 ex.s. c 33 s 2; 1965 ex.s. c 155 s 20.] NOTES: Rules of court: RCW 46.61.126 Pedestrians and bicyclists—Legal duties. Nothing in RCW 46.61.110, 46.61.120, or 46.61.125 relieves pedestrians and bicyclists of their legal duties while traveling on public highways. [ 2005 c 396 s 4.] RCW 46.61.130 No-passing zones. (1) The state department of transportation and the local authorities are authorized to determine those portions of any highway under their respective jurisdictions where overtaking and passing or driving to the left of the roadway would be especially hazardous and may by appropriate signs or markings on the roadway indicate the beginning and end of such zones. When such signs or markings are in place and clearly visible to an ordinarily observant person every driver of a vehicle shall obey the directions thereof. (2) Where signs or markings are in place to define a no-passing zone as set forth in subsection (1) of this section, no driver may at any time drive on the left side of the roadway within the no-passing zone or on the left side of any pavement striping designed to mark the no-passing zone throughout its length. (3) This section does not apply under the conditions described in RCW 46.61.100(1)(b), nor to the driver of a vehicle turning left into or from an alley, private road, or driveway. [ 1984 c 7 s 63; 1972 ex.s. c 33 s 3; 1965 ex.s. c 155 s 21.] NOTES: Rules of court: RCW 46.61.135 One-way roadways and rotary traffic islands. (1) The state department of transportation and the local authorities with respect to highways under their respective jurisdictions may designate any highway, roadway, part of a roadway, or specific lanes upon which vehicular traffic shall proceed in one direction at all or such times as shall be indicated by official traffic control devices. (2) Upon a roadway so designated for one-way traffic, a vehicle shall be driven only in the direction designated at all or such times as shall be indicated by official traffic control devices. (3) A vehicle passing around a rotary traffic island shall be driven only to the right of such island. [ 1984 c 7 s 64; 1975 c 62 s 24; 1965 ex.s. c 155 s 22.] NOTES: Rules of court: RCW 46.61.140 Driving on roadways laned for traffic. Whenever any roadway has been divided into two or more clearly marked lanes for traffic the following rules in addition to all others consistent herewith shall apply: (1) A vehicle shall be driven as nearly as practicable entirely within a single lane and shall not be moved from such lane until the driver has first ascertained that such movement can be made with safety. (2) Upon a roadway which is divided into three lanes and provides for two-way movement of traffic, a vehicle shall not be driven in the center lane except when overtaking and passing another vehicle traveling in the same direction when such center lane is clear of traffic within a safe distance, or in preparation for making a left turn or where such center lane is at the time allocated exclusively to traffic moving in the same direction that the vehicle is proceeding and such allocation is designated by official traffic-control devices. (3) Official traffic-control devices may be erected directing slow moving or other specified traffic to use a designated lane or designating those lanes to be used by traffic moving in a particular direction regardless of the center of the roadway and drivers of vehicles shall obey the directions of every such device. (4) Official traffic-control devices may be installed prohibiting the changing of lanes on sections of roadway and drivers of vehicles shall obey the directions of every such device. (5) Pursuant to subsection (1) of this section, the operator of a commercial motor vehicle as defined in RCW 46.25.010 may, with due regard for all other traffic, deviate from the lane in which the operator is driving to the extent necessary to approach and drive through a circular intersection. [ 2020 c 199 s 2; 1965 ex.s. c 155 s 23.] NOTES: Rules of court: RCW 46.61.145 Following too closely—Vulnerable users of a public way—Fine. (1) The driver of a motor vehicle shall not follow another vehicle more closely than is reasonable and prudent, having due regard for the speed of such vehicles and the traffic upon and the condition of the highway. (2) The driver of any motor truck or motor vehicle drawing another vehicle when traveling upon a roadway outside of a business or residence district and which is following another motor truck or motor vehicle drawing another vehicle shall, whenever conditions permit, leave sufficient space so that an overtaking vehicle may enter and occupy such space without danger, except that this shall not prevent a motor truck or motor vehicle drawing another vehicle from overtaking and passing any like vehicle or other vehicle. (3) Motor vehicles being driven upon any roadway outside of a business or residence district in a caravan or motorcade whether or not towing other vehicles shall be so operated as to allow sufficient space between each such vehicle or combination of vehicles so as to enable any other vehicle to enter and occupy such space without danger. This provision shall not apply to funeral processions. (4)(a) When the vehicle being followed is a vulnerable user of a public way, a driver of a motor vehicle found to be in violation of this section must be assessed an additional fine equal to the base penalty assessed under RCW 46.63.110(3). This fine may not be waived, reduced, or suspended, unless the court finds the offender to be indigent, and is not subject to the additional fees and assessments that the base penalty for this violation is subject to under RCW 2.68.040, 3.62.090, and 46.63.110. (b) For the purposes of this section, "vulnerable user of a public way" has the same meaning as provided in RCW 46.61.5259. (5) The additional fine imposed under subsection (4) of this section must be deposited into the vulnerable roadway user education account created in subsection (6) of this section. (6) The vulnerable roadway user education account is created in the state treasury. All receipts from the additional fine in subsection (4) of this section must be deposited into the account. Moneys in the account may be spent only after appropriation. Expenditures from the account may be used only by the Washington traffic safety commission solely to: (a) Support programs dedicated to increasing awareness by law enforcement officers, prosecutors, and judges of opportunities for the enforcement of traffic infractions and offenses committed against vulnerable roadway users; and (b) With any funds remaining once the program support specified in (a) of this subsection has been provided, support programs dedicated to increasing awareness by the public of the risks and penalties associated with traffic infractions and offenses committed against vulnerable roadway users. [ 2023 c 471 s 5; 2019 c 403 s 4; 1965 ex.s. c 155 s 24.] NOTES: Rules of court: RCW 46.61.150 Driving on divided highways. Whenever any highway has been divided into two or more roadways by leaving an intervening space or by a physical barrier or clearly indicated dividing section or by a median island not less than eighteen inches wide formed either by solid yellow pavement markings or by a yellow crosshatching between two solid yellow lines so installed as to control vehicular traffic, every vehicle shall be driven only upon the right-hand roadway unless directed or permitted to use another roadway by official traffic-control devices or police officers. No vehicle shall be driven over, across or within any such dividing space, barrier or section, or median island, except through an opening in such physical barrier or dividing section or space or median island, or at a crossover or intersection established by public authority. [ 1972 ex.s. c 33 s 4; 1965 ex.s. c 155 s 25.] NOTES: Rules of court: RCW 46.61.155 Restricted access. No person shall drive a vehicle onto or from any limited access roadway except at such entrances and exits as are established by public authority. [ 1965 ex.s. c 155 s 26.] NOTES: Rules of court: RCW 46.61.160 Restrictions on limited access highway—Use by bicyclists. The department of transportation may by order, and local authorities may by ordinance or resolution, with respect to any limited access highway under their respective jurisdictions prohibit the use of any such highway by funeral processions, or by parades, pedestrians, bicycles or other nonmotorized traffic, or by any person operating a motor-driven cycle. Bicyclists may use the right shoulder of limited access highways except where prohibited. The department of transportation may by order, and local authorities may by ordinance or resolution, with respect to any limited access highway under their respective jurisdictions prohibit the use of the shoulders of any such highway by bicycles within urban areas or upon other sections of the highway where such use is deemed to be unsafe. The department of transportation or the local authority adopting any such prohibitory regulation shall erect and maintain official traffic control devices on the limited access roadway on which such regulations are applicable, and when so erected no person may disobey the restrictions stated on such devices. [ 1982 c 55 s 5; 1975 c 62 s 25; 1965 ex.s. c 155 s 27.] NOTES: Severability— RCW 46.61.165 High occupancy vehicle lanes—Monetary penalties for traffic infractions—Definition. (1) The state department of transportation and the local authorities are authorized to reserve all or any portion of any highway under their respective jurisdictions, including any designated lane or ramp, for the exclusive or preferential use of one or more of the following: (a) Public transportation vehicles; (b) motorcycles; (c) private motor vehicles carrying no fewer than a specified number of passengers; (d) organ transport vehicles transporting a time urgent organ or a time sensitive organ or tissue donor as defined in RCW 68.64.010; or (e) the following private transportation provider vehicles if the vehicle has the capacity to carry eight or more passengers, regardless of the number of passengers in the vehicle, and if such use does not interfere with the efficiency, reliability, and safety of public transportation operations: (i) Auto transportation company vehicles regulated under chapter 81.68 RCW; (ii) passenger charter carrier vehicles regulated under chapter 81.70 RCW, except marked or unmarked stretch limousines and stretch sport utility vehicles as defined under department of licensing rules; (iii) private nonprofit transportation provider vehicles regulated under chapter 81.66 RCW; and (iv) private employer transportation service vehicles, when such limitation will increase the efficient utilization of the highway or will aid in the conservation of energy resources. (2)(a) Any transit-only lanes that allow other vehicles to access abutting businesses that are authorized pursuant to subsection (1) of this section may not be authorized for the use of private transportation provider vehicles as described under subsection (1) of this section, except as provided in (b) of this subsection (2). (b)(i) In counties with a population over 2,000,000 persons, local authorities may, with the approval of the public transportation provider or providers, authorize two-year pilot programs that grant a fee-for-use permit that meets requirements of subsection (5) of this section authorizing private transportation employer services to use transit-only lanes that allow other vehicles to access abutting businesses, provided the public transportation provider, in consultation with the local authority and representatives of one or more labor organizations representing transit employees, has established operational performance measures and standards for the transit-only lanes to ensure the lanes continue to provide for efficient, reliable, and safe public transportation operations. Pilot programs must be authorized to begin prior to 2035. (ii) A pilot program must include development of recommendations for the implementation of an appropriate vehicle marking for private transportation employer service vehicles to display their authorization to use transit-only lanes, including identification of the recommended administrating entity or entities and recommendations for program monitoring and enforcement. (c) Revenues generated by the fee-for-use permit authorized in this subsection (2) shall be allocated as follows: (i) The local authority issuing the permit shall receive the amount of revenue required to recover the administrative costs of issuing the permit; and (ii) Any additional revenue shall be used for the maintenance and improvement of the transit-only lane, consistent with public transportation provider plans; the legislature does not intend for this additional revenue to serve as a substitute for funding otherwise to be provided for this purpose. (3) The state department of transportation and the local authorities authorized to reserve all or any portion of any highway under their respective jurisdictions, for exclusive or preferential use, may prohibit the use of a high occupancy vehicle lane by the following private transportation provider vehicles: (a) Auto transportation company vehicles regulated under chapter 81.68 RCW; (b) passenger charter carrier vehicles regulated under chapter 81.70 RCW, and marked or unmarked limousines and stretch sport utility vehicles as defined under department of licensing rules; (c) private nonprofit transportation provider vehicles regulated under chapter 81.66 RCW; and (d) private employer transportation service vehicles, when the average transit speed in the high occupancy vehicle lane fails to meet department of transportation standards and falls below 45 miles per hour at least 90 percent of the time during the peak hours, as determined by the department of transportation or the local authority, whichever operates the facility. (4) Regulations authorizing such exclusive or preferential use of a highway facility may be declared to be effective at all times or at specified times of day or on specified days. Violation of a restriction of highway usage prescribed by the appropriate authority under this section is a traffic infraction. A person who commits a traffic infraction under this section is also subject to additional monetary penalties as defined in this subsection. The additional monetary penalties are separate from the base penalty, fees, and assessments issued for the traffic infraction and are intended to raise awareness, and improve the efficiency, of the high occupancy vehicle lane system. (a) Whenever a person commits a traffic infraction under this section, an additional monetary penalty of $50 must be collected, and, in the case that a person has already committed a violation under this section within two years of committing this violation, then an additional $150 must be collected. (b) Any time a person commits a traffic infraction under this section and is using a dummy, doll, or other human facsimile to make it appear that an additional person is in the vehicle, the person must be assessed a $200 penalty, which is in addition to the penalties in (a) of this subsection. (c) The monetary penalties under (a) and (b) of this subsection are additional, separate, and distinct penalties from the base penalty and are not subject to fees or assessments specified in RCW 46.63.110, 3.62.090, and 2.68.040. (d)(i) The additional penalties collected under (a) of this subsection must be distributed as follows: (A) Twenty-five percent must be deposited into the congestion relief and traffic safety account created under RCW 46.68.398; and (B) Seventy-five percent must be deposited into the motor vehicle fund created under RCW 46.68.070. (ii) The additional penalty collected under (b) of this subsection must be deposited into the congestion relief and traffic safety account created under RCW 46.68.398. (e) Violations committed under this section are excluded from eligibility as a moving violation for driver's license suspension under RCW 46.20.289 when a person subsequently fails to respond to a notice of traffic infraction for this moving violation, fails to appear at a requested hearing for this moving violation, violates a written promise to appear in court for a notice of infraction for this moving violation, or fails to comply with the terms of a notice of traffic infraction for this moving violation. (5)(a) Local authorities, with the approval of the public transportation provider or providers, are encouraged to establish a process for private transportation providers, as described under subsections (1) and (3) of this section, to apply for the use of public transportation facilities reserved for the exclusive or preferential use of public transportation vehicles. Whenever practicable, local authorities should enter into agreements with such private transportation providers to allow for the reasonable use of these facilities. (b) Local authorities, in coordination with public transportation providers, are required to prepare an annual report and assess, with input from representatives of one or more labor organizations representing transit employees, if the established performance measures and standards are being met. If at least one of the performance measures or standards is not being met, the permit must be revoked until such time as conditions in the transit-only lane have changed to allow the performance measures and standards to be achieved. The development and reporting [of] out of performance metrics is a shared responsibility between the local authority and the transit agency. (6) For the purposes of this section, "private employer transportation service" means regularly scheduled, fixed-route transportation service that is similarly marked or identified to display the business name or logo on the driver and passenger sides of the vehicle, meets the annual certification requirements of the department of transportation, and is offered by an employer for the benefit of its employees. [ 2026 c 81 s 2; 2023 c 290 s 7; 2019 c 467 s 3; 2013 c 26 s 2; 2011 c 379 s 1; 1999 c 206 s 1; 1998 c 245 s 90; 1991 sp.s. c 15 s 67; 1984 c 7 s 65; 1974 ex.s. c 133 s 2.] NOTES: Finding— RCW 46.61.180 Vehicle approaching intersection—Vulnerable users of a public way—Fine. (1) When two vehicles approach or enter an intersection from different highways at approximately the same time, the driver of the vehicle on the left shall yield the right-of-way to the vehicle on the right. (2) The right-of-way rule declared in subsection (1) of this section is modified at arterial highways and otherwise as stated in this chapter. (3)(a) When the vehicle on the right approaching the intersection is a vulnerable user of a public way, a driver of a motor vehicle found to be in violation of this section must be assessed an additional fine equal to the base penalty assessed under RCW 46.63.110(3). This fine may not be waived, reduced, or suspended, unless the court finds the offender to be indigent, and is not subject to the additional fees and assessments that the base penalty for this violation is subject to under RCW 2.68.040, 3.62.090, and 46.63.110. (b) For the purposes of this section, "vulnerable user of a public way" has the same meaning as provided in RCW 46.61.5259. (4) The additional fine imposed under subsection (3) of this section must be deposited into the vulnerable roadway user education account created in RCW 46.61.145. [ 2023 c 471 s 6; 2019 c 403 s 5; 1975 c 62 s 26; 1965 ex.s. c 155 s 28.] NOTES: Rules of court: RCW 46.61.183 Nonfunctioning signal lights. Except when directed to proceed by a flagger, police officer, or firefighter, the driver of a vehicle approaching an intersection controlled by a traffic control signal that is temporarily without power on all approaches or is not displaying any green, red, or yellow indication to the approach the vehicle is on, shall consider the intersection to be an all-way stop. After stopping, the driver shall yield the right-of-way in accordance with RCW 46.61.180(1) and 46.61.185. [ 1999 c 200 s 1.] RCW 46.61.184 Bicycle, moped, or street legal motorcycle at intersection with inoperative vehicle detection device. Notwithstanding any provision of law to the contrary, the operator of a bicycle, moped, or street legal motorcycle approaching an intersection, including a left turn intersection, that is controlled by a triggered traffic control signal using a vehicle detection device that is inoperative due to the size or composition of the bicycle, moped, or street legal motorcycle shall come to a full and complete stop at the intersection. If the traffic control signal, including the left turn signal, as appropriate, fails to operate after one cycle of the traffic signal, the operator may, after exercising due care, proceed directly through the intersection or proceed to turn left, as appropriate. It is not a defense to a violation of RCW 46.61.050 that the operator of a bicycle, moped, or motorcycle proceeded under the belief that a traffic control signal used a vehicle detection device or was inoperative due to the size or composition of the bicycle, moped, or motorcycle when the signal did not use a vehicle detection device or that any such device was not in fact inoperative due to the size or composition of the bicycle, moped, or motorcycle. For purposes of this section, "bicycle" includes a bicycle, as defined in RCW 46.04.071, and an electric-assisted bicycle, as defined in RCW 46.04.169. [ 2015 c 32 s 1; 2014 c 167 s 1.] RCW 46.61.185 Vehicle turning left—Vulnerable users of a public way—Fine. (1) The driver of a vehicle intending to turn to the left within an intersection or into an alley, private road, or driveway shall yield the right-of-way to any vehicle approaching from the opposite direction which is within the intersection or so close thereto as to constitute an immediate hazard. (2)(a) When the vehicle approaching from the opposite direction within the intersection or so close that it constitutes an immediate hazard is a vulnerable user of a public way, a driver of a motor vehicle found to be in violation of this section must be assessed an additional fine equal to the base penalty assessed under RCW 46.63.110(3). This fine may not be waived, reduced, or suspended, unless the court finds the offender to be indigent, and is not subject to the additional fees and assessments that the base penalty for this violation is subject to under RCW 2.68.040, 3.62.090, and 46.63.110. (b) For the purposes of this section, "vulnerable user of a public way" has the same meaning as provided in RCW 46.61.5259. (3) The additional fine imposed under subsection (2) of this section must be deposited into the vulnerable roadway user education account created in RCW 46.61.145. [ 2023 c 471 s 7; 2019 c 403 s 6; 1965 ex.s. c 155 s 29.] NOTES: Effective date— RCW 46.61.190 Vehicle entering stop or yield intersection—Vulnerable users of a public way—Fine. (1) Preferential right-of-way may be indicated by stop signs or yield signs as authorized in RCW 47.36.110. (2)(a) Except when directed to proceed by a duly authorized flagger, or a police officer, or a firefighter vested by law with authority to direct, control, or regulate traffic, every driver of a vehicle approaching a stop sign shall stop except as provided in (b) of this subsection at a clearly marked stop line, but if none, before entering a marked crosswalk on the near side of the intersection or, if none, then at the point nearest the intersecting roadway where the driver has a view of approaching traffic on the intersecting roadway before entering the roadway, and after having stopped shall yield the right-of-way to any vehicle in the intersection or approaching on another roadway so closely as to constitute an immediate hazard during the time when such driver is moving across or within the intersection or junction of roadways. (b)(i) With the exception of (b)(ii) and (iii) of this subsection, a person o