Washington State House of Representatives Office of Program Research | BILL ANALYSIS |
Transportation Committee |
HB 2358
This analysis was prepared by non-partisan legislative staff for the use of legislative members in their deliberations. This analysis is not a part of the legislation nor does it constitute a statement of legislative intent. |
Brief Description: Increasing mobility through the modification of stop sign requirements for bicyclists.
Sponsors: Representatives Fitzgibbon, Irwin, Leavitt, Shewmake, Harris, Doglio and Kloba.
Brief Summary of Bill |
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Hearing Date: 1/22/20
Staff: Jennifer Harris (786-7143).
Background:
The driver of a vehicle approaching a stop sign is required to stop and yield the right-of-way to any vehicle in the intersection or approaching another roadway so closely as to constitute an immediate hazard. All vehicles must stop at least 15 feet from the rail line where stop signs are located at highway grade crossings of railroads designated as particularly dangerous by the Washington State Department of Transportation or local authorities and may proceed only upon exercising due care.
The driver of a vehicle approaching a yield sign is required to slow down to a speed reasonable for the existing conditions, and if required for safety to stop, to stop and yield the right-of-way to any vehicle in the intersection or approaching another roadway so closely as to constitute an immediate hazard. If a driver subject to the yield sign does not stop and is involved in a collision with a vehicle in the intersection or junction of roadways, a presumption will be made that the driver failed to yield right-of-way as required.
Summary of Bill:
Every bicyclist approaching a stop sign must either following the requirements for approaching a stop sign or follow the requirements for approaching a yield sign. Every bicyclist must continue to follow the requirements for vehicles stopping at a stop sign located at a highway grade crossing of a railroad.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Requested on January 15, 2020.
Effective Date: The bill takes effect on October 1, 2020.