What are the bicycle laws in Washington State?

By Michael Shemtoub, trial attorney, Beverly Law. Updated November 2026.

Riding on the road and the sidewalk

Under RCW 46.61.755, a person riding a bicycle on a roadway has the rights and is subject to the duties of a driver, except for the special bicycle rules and provisions that by their nature cannot apply. On a sidewalk or in a crosswalk, the rider has the rights and duties of a pedestrian instead. That switch matters after a crash: a rider in a crosswalk is judged by pedestrian rules, while a rider in the street is judged as a vehicle.

RCW 46.61.770 asks a rider moving slower than traffic to stay as near to the right side of the right through lane as is safe. A rider may move left while preparing for or making a turn, where there is a dedicated right-turn lane, while passing, and when reasonably necessary to avoid unsafe conditions. On a one-way road with two or more marked lanes, a rider may keep left instead. Cyclists may use the shoulder or any designated bike lane, and may not ride more than two abreast except on paths or road sections set aside for bikes.

How drivers must pass a cyclist

RCW 46.61.110(2) sets out the passing duty for a driver approaching a person on a bicycle, a pedestrian or certain other road users:

A driver found in violation pays an additional fine equal to the base penalty, and the court may not waive, reduce or suspend it unless it finds the driver indigent. The rule does not apply on a designated shared street. California’s version is explained on our 3-foot passing law page.

A close-pass violation is strong evidence of the driver’s fault, but the claim still has to show the pass caused the crash. Video, the position of the bike in the lane and the location of damage on the car usually answer that.

Stop as yield for cyclists

Since October 1, 2020, Washington lets a person on a bicycle choose how to handle a stop sign. Under RCW 46.61.190(2)(b), the rider may either follow the full stop rule or follow the yield-sign rule. The effective date comes from the note to RCW 46.61.050 on chapter 66 of the 2020 session laws.

The yield option carries real duties. The rider must slow to a speed reasonable for conditions, stop if safety requires it, and yield to any vehicle in the intersection or approaching so closely that it is an immediate hazard. The option does not apply at a stop sign at a railroad grade crossing or at a school bus stop signal, where the rider must stop. A rider who rolls a stop sign into the path of a car that was close enough to be a hazard has not complied, and the insurer will use that against the claim. For drivers’ rules at the same intersections, see who has the right of way at a 4-way stop.

Lights, brakes, helmets and e-bikes

During hours of darkness, RCW 46.61.780 requires a white front light visible from at least 500 feet and a red rear reflector visible from up to 600 feet. A red rear light or a flashing LED taillight visible from 500 feet may be added to the reflector. Every bike needs a brake that can skid the braked wheels on dry, level, clean pavement.

None of the bicycle sections of chapter 46.61 requires a helmet (section list). Local rules can differ, so check the city or county code where you ride.

The bicycle chapter does address riding drunk. Under RCW 46.61.790, an officer may offer an apparently intoxicated rider a ride to a safe place, and may impound the bike only to reduce a threat to public safety when there is no reasonable alternative. An impounded bike must be returned without a fee.

E-bikes come in three classes under RCW 46.04.169. Each has working pedals and a motor of no more than 750 watts. Class 1 assists only while pedaling and stops at 20 mph, class 2 can propel the bike alone and stops at 20 mph, and class 3 assists only while pedaling, stops at 28 mph and must have a speedometer.

Fault after a Washington bike crash

Washington never bars a cyclist just for sharing the blame. Any fault charged to you reduces your damages in proportion (RCW 4.22.005). The exception is intoxication: it is a complete defense if the injured person was under the influence, that was a proximate cause of the injury, and the person was more than 50 percent at fault (RCW 5.40.060).

Dooring has its own statute. No one may open a door on the side next to moving traffic until it is reasonably safe (RCW 46.61.620). For medical bills, Washington’s PIP law defines a “pedestrian” as a person not occupying a motor vehicle and includes a pedestrian struck by the insured car among those covered (RCW 48.22.005), so the driver’s PIP may pay a cyclist if the driver bought it. NHTSA counted 13 cyclist deaths in Washington in 2024 (NHTSA).

The general deadline to sue is three years (RCW 4.16.080). A claim against a city or county must be presented first, and a lawsuit cannot start until 60 days after that (RCW 4.96.020).

What this means for your case

Write down where you were riding at the moment of impact: in the lane, on the shoulder, in a bike lane, on the sidewalk or in a crosswalk, because the rules change with each. If you used the stop-as-yield option, note what traffic you saw before entering. Request the collision report; our guide to getting a police report in Seattle explains the process there. Insurance and evidence are covered in how bicycle accident claims work. Texas cases are handled by the firm’s Texas-licensed attorneys, Joyce Ondich and John Efstathiou.

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Important: This page is general information, not legal or medical advice, and reading it does not create an attorney-client relationship. Every case is different; talk to a lawyer about yours. Texas cases are handled by the firm’s Texas-licensed attorneys, Joyce Ondich and John Efstathiou. Last reviewed: November 7, 2026.