Washington § 46.61.250 - Pedestrians on roadways.

Full text of Washington Revised Code of Washington § 46.61.250 — Pedestrians on roadways., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.

§ 46.61.250. Pedestrians on roadways.

(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, 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 or are inaccessible, a pedestrian walking or otherwise moving along and upon a highway, and any personal delivery device moving along and upon a highway, shall:
(a) When shoulders are provided and are accessible, walk or move on the shoulder 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 or move 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.
(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.
(4) When walking or otherwise moving along and upon an adjacent roadway, a pedestrian shall exercise due care to avoid colliding with any vehicle upon the roadway.
(5) Subsections (1) and (2) of this section do not apply when the roadway is duly closed to vehicular traffic by placement of official traffic control devices for the sole purposes of pedestrian and bicyclist use of the roadway.
(6) Subsections (1), (2), and (4) of this section do not apply on a shared street as defined in RCW 46.61.197.
[ 2025 c 300 s 2; 2022 c 235 s 3. Prior: 2019 c 403 s 9; 2019 c 214 s 14; 1990 c 241 s 6; 1965 ex.s. c 155 s 37.]

Notes

Rules of court: Monetary penalty schedule—IRLJ 6.2.
Finding—Intent—Effective date—2019 c 403: See notes following RCW 46.04.071.
Effective date—2019 c 214: See note following RCW 46.75.010.

Frequently Asked Questions About Washington § 46.61.250

What does Revised Code of Washington § 46.61.250 cover?

Section 46.61.250 ("Pedestrians on roadways.") 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 § 46.61.250?

A common citation format is "Revised Code of Washington § 46.61.250" (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 § 46.61.250 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.