Answers To Your Legal Questions

 

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?
Do you have more legal questions about injury cases that involve pedestrian collisions or bicycle accidents?  Return to the pedestrian injury, crosswalk accidents and bicycle collisions law questions page. 

To get more information about Washington state bicycle accident law, Seattle crosswalk accident law, pedestrian accident injury cases, bicycle collision lawsuits and Seattle personal injury attorneys visit our pedestrian / crosswalk and bicycle accident information page. 

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