Washington State

House of Representatives

Office of Program Research

BILL

ANALYSIS

Transportation Committee

HB 2684

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: Concerning traffic control signals.

Sponsors: Representatives Shewmake, Slatter, Rude, Ortiz-Self and Kloba.

Brief Summary of Bill

  • Applies the rules for traffic control signals that apply to circular signal indicators when they are green, yellow, and red to traffic control signals intended specifically for bicyclists.

Hearing Date: 1/30/20

Staff: Jennifer Harris (786-7143).

Background:

Only the colors green, yellow, and red may be used by traffic control signals that use different colored lights or different colored arrows successively one at a time, with the exception of pedestrian signals that display a word or legend. Traffic control signal rules apply to drivers of vehicles, pedestrians, and personal delivery devices.

When used by circular signal indicators, the different colors used by traffic control signals indicate the following:

Summary of Bill:

Only the colors green, yellow, and red may be used by traffic control signals that use different colored lighted symbols, with the exception of pedestrian signals. Colors used by traffic control signals intended specifically for bicyclists have the same meaning as colors used by circular signal indicators.

The exception for pedestrian signals that mandates the use of specified colors for traffic control signals applies to pedestrian control signals that are authorized under state law.

The phrase "vehicle operators" replaces the phrase "drivers of vehicles" to provide clarification on when traffic control signal rules apply—however, both terms have the same meaning under state law.

Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Not requested.

Effective Date: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of the session in which the bill is passed.