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 |
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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:
Vehicle operators facing a circular green signal may proceed straight through or turn right or left unless a sign prohibits a turn movement. Vehicles turning right or left must stop to allow other vehicles lawfully within the intersection to complete their movements and pedestrians or personal delivery devices that are lawfully within the intersection to cross the roadway.
Vehicle operators facing a steady circular yellow signal are being warned that the green signal is being terminated or that a red signal will soon be exhibited, and must stop for pedestrians or personal delivery devices that are lawfully within the intersection.
Vehicle operators facing a steady circular red signal must stop, but after stopping may proceed to make a right or left turn as permitted by law once other vehicles lawfully within or approaching the intersection complete their movements and as long as there are no pedestrians or personal delivery devices lawfully within the intersection.
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.