SENATE BILL REPORT
SB 6466
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. |
As of January 30, 2020
Title: An act relating to traffic control signals.
Brief Description: Concerning traffic control signals.
Sponsors: Senators Randall, Saldaña, Wilson, C., Nguyen, Zeiger and Das.
Brief History:
Committee Activity: Transportation: 1/29/20.
Brief Summary of Bill |
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SENATE COMMITTEE ON TRANSPORTATION |
Staff: Kim Johnson (786-7472)
Background: Traffic control signals using circular colored lights must use the colors green, red, and yellow. A steady green circular light indicates that vehicle operators may proceed straight through the light, or turn right or left unless otherwise prohibited. When turning right or left on a green light, a vehicle may be required to stop to allow pedestrians, personal delivery devices, or other vehicles within the intersection to complete their movement through the intersection.
A yellow circular light is a warning that the green signal is going to end soon, and vehicular traffic should not enter the intersection. Vehicle operators must stop for pedestrians and personal delivery devices within the intersection.
A steady red circular light indicates that vehicle operators must stop and not enter the intersection. Unless prohibited, a vehicle operator at a red light may, after stopping, proceed to make a right turn from a one-way or two-way street onto a two-way street or onto a one-way street carrying traffic in the same direction of the right turn. Vehicles stopped at a red light must allow pedestrians, personal delivery devices, and other vehicles within the intersection to complete their movements.
Unless otherwise directed by a pedestrian control signal, pedestrians and personal delivery devices should follow the following directions when facing different colored light signals:
pedestrians and personal delivery devices facing a steady green signal may proceed across the roadway, but a pedestrian or device should not proceed during a green turn arrow, and
pedestrians and personal delivery devices facing a steady yellow or red signal may not enter the roadway.
Summary of Bill: Traffic control signals intended specifically for bicyclists have the same meaning as circular signal indicators.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Not requested.
Creates Committee/Commission/Task Force that includes Legislative members: No.
Effective Date: Ninety days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.
Staff Summary of Public Testimony: PRO: We would like to propose a change that we have worked with the Washington State Department of Transportation to craft and have provided it to you all. The language changes should provide some flexibility in the future should other types of vehicles or signals be given interim approval. The city of Tacoma is actively engaged in increasing multimodal features in the city's transportation system. The clarification that the bill provides will allow for unambiguous use by the city of these signal faces within current and future projects. This will enhance safety for active transportation and improve the experience for all users.
Persons Testifying: PRO: Senator Emily Randall, Prime Sponsor; Brennan Kidd, Traffic Engineer, City of Tacoma.
Persons Signed In To Testify But Not Testifying: No one.