The Revised Code of Washington
Washington State Bicyle Laws
Correct as of Spring 2008. Use full text weblinks to confirm current status.
State laws related to bicycles -- essential for all bicyclists
RCW 46.04.071 A Bicycle is defined as a human powered device with 2 wheels bigger than 16 inches. full text of 46.04.071
RCW 46.61.050 Bicycles must obey traffic lights and stop signs (as well as all other traffic control devices) full text of 46.61.050
RCW 46.61.126 Bicycles & Pedestrians must follow traffic laws full text of 46.61.126
RCW 46.61.160 Bicycles cannot ride on some limited access highways full text of 46.61.160
WSDOT bikes forbidden: SR 520, I-405, I-90 (exit 0 to exit 17), I-5 (Lakewood to Marysville), parts of 18, 518, 522 & 599 and a few others. all closed routes in WA
RCW 46.61.261 A bicycle must yield to a pedestrian on a sidewalk or crosswalk. full text of 46.61.261
RCW 46.61.700 Parents are responsible for kids obeying bike laws full text of 46.61.700
RCW 46.61.710 1 Mopeds and gas powered bikes & scoters are not allowed on sidewalks or trails. full text of 46.61.710
RCW 46.61.710 2 Electric-assist bicycles allowed on sidewalks and trails but maybe locally forbidden. full text of 46.61.710
RCW 46.61.723 Fully electric powered bikes are not allowed on sidewalks or trails. full text of 46.61.723
RCW 46.61.750 1 Bicyclists riding on roads must obey all traffic laws. full text of 46.61.750
RCW 46.61.750 2 Bicyclists may be ticketed for violating traffic laws full text of 46.61.750
RCW 46.61.750 3 Traffic laws apply on bicycle trails too. full text of 46.61.750
RCW 46.61.755 1 Bicycles have all the same RIGHTS and RESPONSIBILITIES as cars. full text of 46.61.755
RCW 46.61.755 2 A bicycle is a vehicle on the road or a pedestrian on the sidewalk full text of 46.61.755
RCW 46.61.758 1 Must signal turns with left hand. (right: up, left: out, stop: down) full text of 46.61.758
RCW 46.61.758 2 Right hand signal for right turn is an acceptable substitute. full text of 46.61.758
RCW 46.61.760 3 Only one person per bicycle seat.  full text of 46.61.760
RCW 46.61.765 1 Clinging to vehicles is illegal full text of 46.61.765
RCW 46.61.770 1 Ride as far to the right as is safe and practical except when turning or passing. full text of 46.61.770
RCW 46.61.770 2 Bicycles are not required to use a bike lane or shoulder. full text of 46.61.770
RCW 46.61.770 3 Bicycles can and should use turn lanes full text of 46.61.770
RCW 46.61.770 4 Bicycles can ride on the left (with the traffic flow) on one way streets. full text of 46.61.770
RCW 46.61.770 5 Can ride 2 abreast, not more. full text of 46.61.770
RCW 46.61.770 6 Can legally take the lane if necessary. full text of 46.61.770
RCW 46.61.775 1 Must have at least one hand on the handlebars at all times full text of 46.61.775
RCW 46.61.775 2 Cannot ride carrying anything with both hands while riding. full text of 46.61.775
RCW 46.61.780 1 Bikes must have brakes full text of 46.61.780
RCW 46.61.780 2 At night, bikes must have white light on front, red reflector on the back. full text of 46.61.780
RCW 46.61.780 3 Steady or flashing red rear light may be used in addition to the reflector. full text of 46.61.780
RCW 46.61.790 Legal to bicycle drunk, but police may impound bicycle if you are too drunk. full text of 46.61.790
some state laws for cars which are useful for bicyclists to know
RCW 46.04.197 A Highway is defined as the width of every public roadway between property lines. full text of 46.04.197
RCW 46.04.500 A Roadway is defined as a highway excluding sidewalk & shoulder. full text of 46.04.500
RCW 46.04.670 1 A Vehicle is defined as a device capable of being moved upon a public highway. full text of 46.04.670
RCW 46.04.670 2 Bicycles are defined as vehicles. full text of 46.04.670
RCW 46.61.115(b) It is OK to pass cars on the right if safe & there's space for bicycle traffic  full text of 46.61.115
RCW 46.61.125(1)(d) Car must yield to oncoming bicycle if passing. full text of 46.61.125
RCW 46.61.135(3) Illegal to go left around traffic circles. full text of 46.61.135
RCW 46.61.185 Vehicle turning left must yield to all oncoming vehicles going straight full text of 46.61.185
RCW 46.61.205 A car on a private road or driveway must yield to all vehicles approaching. full text of 46.61.205
RCW 46.61.235 Illegal to pass a car stopped for a pedestrian or bicycle. full text of 46.61.235
RCW 46.61.261 Car must yield to bicycle on sidewalk full text of 46.61.261
RCW 46.61.400 Max speed: 25 MPH on city streets, 50 on county roads, 60 on state highways full text of 46.61.400
RCW 46.61.425 May go slow & impede traffic if necessary for safety. full text of 46.61.425
RCW 46.61.425 May exceed speed limit briefly to pass slow vehicle. full text of 46.61.425
RCW 46.61.427 Must pull out where safe if five or more vehicles delayed on a 2 lane hwy. full text of 46.61.427
RCW 46.61.445 Due care is required! full text of 46.61.445
RCW 46.61.500 Driving in willful or wanton disregard for the safety of persons or property  full text of 46.61.500
RCW 46.61.606 Cars can't drive on sidewalk full text of 46.61.606
RCW 46.61.620 Check before opening car door.  Don't leave car door open. full text of 46.61.620
RCW 46.61.667 Driver may not hold a celphone to their ear.   (effective Jul 1 08) full text of 46.61.667
RCW 46.61.668 Driver may not send, read or write text message except in emergency. full text of 46.61.668
RCW 46.61.670 Illegal for car to drive with 2 or 4 wheels off pavement. full text of 46.61.670