FAIS Network > WSU POLICE > Pedestrians and the Law

Pedestrians and the Law

Washington State Laws and Pedestrians

RCW 46.04.400 Pedestrian.

“Pedestrian” means any person who is afoot or who is using a wheelchair, a power wheelchair, or a means of conveyance propelled by human power other than a bicycle.

RCW 46.61.230 Pedestrians subject to traffic regulations

Pedestrians shall be subject to traffic-control signals at intersections as provided in RCW 46.61.060, and at all other places pedestrians shall be accorded the privileges and shall be subject to the restrictions stated in this chapter.

RCW 46.61.060 Pedestrian control signals.

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:

  • WALK or walking person symbol—Pedestrians facing such signal may cross the roadway in the direction of the signal. Vehicle operators shall stop for pedestrians who are lawfully moving within the intersection control area on such signal as required by RCW 46.61.235(1).
  • Steady or flashing DON’T WALK or hand symbol—Pedestrians facing such signal shall not enter the roadway. Vehicle operators shall stop for pedestrians who have begun to cross the roadway before the display of either signal as required by RCW 46.61.235(1).
  • Pedestrian control signals having the “Wait” legend in use on August 6, 1965, shall be deemed authorized signals and shall indicate the same as the “Don’t Walk” legend. Whenever such pedestrian control signals are replaced the legend “Wait” shall be replaced by the legend “Don’t Walk” or the hand symbol.