Full text of Washington Revised Code of Washington § 46.61.050 — Obedience to and required traffic control devices., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 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.
Notes
Rules of court: Monetary penalty schedule—IRLJ 6.2.
Effective date—2020 c 66: "This act takes effect October 1, 2020." [
2020 c 66 s 6.]
Effective date—2019 c 214: See note following RCW
46.75.010.
Severability—1975 c 62: See note following RCW
36.75.010.
Source: official Washington text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About Washington § 46.61.050
What does Revised Code of Washington § 46.61.050 cover?
Section 46.61.050 ("Obedience to and required traffic control devices.") is part of the Revised Code of Washington, the codified statutory law of Washington. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.
How do I cite Washington § 46.61.050?
A common citation format is "Revised Code of Washington § 46.61.050" (Washington). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.
Is this the official text of Washington law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Washington official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Washington attorney.
How does Washington § 46.61.050 apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Washington can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.
Sources & Verification
Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Washington.
