
Q: In Washington state do bicyclists have to follow the same rules of the road as car drivers?
A: Every person operating a bicycle upon a roadway, street, alley, or any other way open to the public is subject to the same rules, laws and duties applicable to the operator of a motor vehicle (except those provisions which by their nature can have no application). Any law enforcement officer (city, county, state) is authorized to enforce all applicable traffic codes and other laws on bicyclists just as they do on motor vehicle operators (the issuing of tickets). And yes, bicyclists are issued tickets for running red lights. It is illegal for bicyclists to drive through an intersection controlled by red lights (traffic control signals) or stops signs. Again, all the same rules as motor vehicles apply -- operate your bicycle as if you were driving a car.
More Legal Questions?Contact us today for a free, no obligation consultation about your personal injury legal needs.
Seattle - Headquarters
2101 Fourth Avenue
Suite 630
Seattle, WA 98121
Phone: (206) 727-4000
Fax: (206) 727-4001
Toll Free: 1-800-4-Accident
Get Directions
Bellevue Office
NE 8th Street
Bellevue WA 98004
Phone: (206) 727-4000
Toll Free: 1-800-4-Accident
(By Appointment Only)
Get Directions
Mercer Island Office
80th Ave SE
Mercer Island, WA 98040
Phone: 206-727-4000
Toll Free: 1-800-4-Accident
(By Appointment Only)
Get Directions
Renton Office
S Grady Way
Renton, WA 98055
Phone: (206) 727-4000
Toll Free: 1-800-4-Accident
(By Appointment Only)
Get Directions
Your information is confidential and is not used or sold for marketing purposes. We accept no duty and no representation without a written contract setting forth terms of representation.
Seattle - Headquarters
2101 Fourth Avenue
Suite 630
Seattle, WA 98121
Phone: (206) 727-4000
Fax: (206) 727-4001
Toll Free: 1-800-4-Accident
Bellevue Office
NE 8th Street
Bellevue WA 98004
Phone: (206) 727-4000
Toll Free: 1-800-4-Accident
(By Appointment Only)
Mercer Island Office
80th Ave SE
Mercer Island, WA 98040
Phone: 206-727-4000
Toll Free: 1-800-4-Accident
(By Appointment Only)
Renton Office
S Grady Way
Renton, WA 98055
Phone: (206) 727-4000
Toll Free: 1-800-4-Accident
(By Appointment Only)
Can a pedestrian accident victim still make a claim when crossing the street without a crosswalk?
What are my responsibilities as a pedestrian? What if I am involved in a pedestrian accident?