(1) Where sidewalks are provided it is unlawful for any pedestrian to walk or otherwise move along and upon an adjacent roadway. Where sidewalks are provided but wheelchair access is not available, ((disabled)) persons with disabilities who require such access may walk or otherwise move along and upon an adjacent roadway until they reach an access point in the sidewalk.
(2) Where sidewalks are not provided, any pedestrian walking or otherwise moving along and upon a highway, and any personal delivery device moving along and upon a highway, shall, when practicable, walk or move only on the left side of the roadway or its shoulder facing traffic which may approach from the opposite direction and upon meeting an oncoming vehicle shall move clear of the roadway.
[ 2019 c 214 § 14; 1990 c 241 § 6; 1965 ex.s. c 155 § 37.]
NOTES:
Effective date—2019 c 214: See note following RCW 46.75.010.
RCW 46.61.250
Pedestrians on roadways (as amended by 2019 c 403).
(1) Where sidewalks are provided and are accessible, it is unlawful for any pedestrian to walk or otherwise move along and upon an adjacent roadway. Where sidewalks are provided but wheelchair access is not available, ((disabled)) persons with disabilities who require such access may walk or otherwise move along and upon an adjacent roadway until they reach an access point in the sidewalk.
(2) Where sidewalks are not provided ((any))or are inaccessible, a pedestrian walking or otherwise moving along and upon a highway shall((,)):
(a) When ((practicable))shoulders are provided and are accessible, walk ((or move only)) on the ((left side of the roadway or its)) shoulder ((facing traffic which may approach from the opposite direction and))of the roadway as far as is practicable from the edge of the roadway, facing traffic when a shoulder is available in this direction; or
(b) When shoulders are not provided or are inaccessible, walk as near as is practicable to the outside edge of the roadway facing traffic, and when practicable, move clear of the roadway upon meeting an oncoming vehicle ((shall move clear of the roadway)).
(3) A pedestrian traveling to the nearest emergency reporting device on a one-way roadway of a controlled access highway is not required to travel facing traffic as otherwise required by subsection (2) of this section.
[ 2019 c 403 § 9; 1990 c 241 § 6; 1965 ex.s. c 155 § 37.]
NOTES:
Rules of court: Monetary penalty schedule—IRLJ 6.2.
Reviser's note: RCW 46.61.250 was amended twice during the 2019 legislative session, each without reference to the other. For rule of construction concerning sections amended more than once during the same legislative session, see RCW 1.12.025.
Finding—Intent—Effective date—2019 c 403: See notes following RCW 46.04.071.