Full text of Washington Revised Code of Washington § 46.61.255 — Pedestrians soliciting rides or business., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 46.61.255. Pedestrians soliciting rides or business.
(1) No person shall stand in or on a public roadway or alongside thereof at any place where a motor vehicle cannot safely stop off the main traveled portion thereof for the purpose of soliciting a ride for himself or herself or for another from the occupant of any vehicle.
(2) It shall be unlawful for any person to solicit a ride for himself or herself or another from within the right-of-way of any limited access facility except in such areas where permission to do so is given and posted by the highway authority of the state, county, city, or town having jurisdiction over the highway.
(3) The provisions of subsections (1) and (2) above shall not be construed to prevent a person upon a public highway from soliciting, or a driver of a vehicle from giving a ride where an emergency actually exists, nor to prevent a person from signaling or requesting transportation from a passenger carrier for the purpose of becoming a passenger thereon for hire.
(4) No person shall stand in a roadway for the purpose of soliciting employment or business from the occupant of any vehicle.
(5) No person shall stand on or in proximity to a street or highway for the purpose of soliciting the watching or guarding of any vehicle while parked or about to be parked on a street or highway.
(6)(a) Except as provided in (b) of this subsection, the state preempts the field of the regulation of hitchhiking in any form, and no county, city, or town shall take any action in conflict with the provisions of this section.
(b) A county, city, or town may regulate or prohibit hitchhiking in an area in which it has determined that prostitution is occurring and that regulating or prohibiting hitchhiking will help to reduce prostitution in the area.
Notes
Rules of court: Monetary penalty schedule—IRLJ 6.2.
Source: official Washington text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About Washington § 46.61.255
What does Revised Code of Washington § 46.61.255 cover?
Section 46.61.255 ("Pedestrians soliciting rides or business.") 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 § 46.61.255?
A common citation format is "Revised Code of Washington § 46.61.255" (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 § 46.61.255 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.
