The bill amends the Washington State traffic code to enhance pedestrian safety and clarify enforcement measures. It introduces new regulations that allow police officers to stop pedestrians for specific violations related to pedestrian safety laws only if the pedestrian is also in violation of RCW 46.61.235(2) on roadways with a posted speed limit of 35 miles per hour or less. This change emphasizes the shared responsibility of both pedestrians and drivers in ensuring safety, highlighting the need for pedestrians to be cautious and for drivers to remain vigilant.

Additionally, the bill modifies traffic control signal regulations to better inform pedestrians of their rights and responsibilities, particularly regarding yielding to vehicles when crossing outside of marked crosswalks. It also establishes a reporting requirement for the administrative office of the courts to provide state and local infraction data related to pedestrian violations annually, starting July 1, 2025, and expiring on August 1, 2029. The bill clarifies that these new regulations do not apply to fully controlled limited access highways where pedestrian facilities are unavailable, reinforcing that the new rules do not exempt either pedestrians or drivers from their duties to exercise due care for safety on the roadways.

Statutes affected:
Original Bill: 46.61.050, 46.61.055, 46.61.060, 46.61.235, 46.61.240, 46.61.250, 46.61.230
Substitute Bill: 46.61.050, 46.61.055, 46.61.060, 46.61.235, 46.61.240, 46.61.250, 46.61.230
Second Substitute: 46.61.050, 46.61.055, 46.61.060, 46.61.230, 46.61.235, 46.61.240, 46.61.250