New Law to Protect Vulnerable Road Users Takes Effect January 1st

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For Immediate release
December 9, 2024

 

OLYMPIA – Starting January 1, 2025, Washington State will implement a new law intended to enhance safety for vulnerable road users such as pedestrians, cyclists, and individuals using personal mobility devices.

The law aims to reduce injuries and fatalities from crashes involving non-motorized road users by increasing penalties for negligent drivers. A negligent driver is generally considered to be a person who fails to exercise ordinary care, which then endangers another person.

Under the new law, penalties for a negligent driver who causes the death of a vulnerable road user include:

  • A fine of $5,000
  • Up to 364 days in jail
  • Suspension of driving privileges for 90 days

Penalties for a negligent driver who seriously injures a vulnerable road user may include:

  • A fine of $5,000
  • Suspension of driving privileges for 90 days
  • Traffic school
  • Up to 100 hours of community service

Shelly Baldwin, Director of the Washington Traffic Safety Commission (WTSC), commented on the new law: “This law is one part of Washington’s ongoing efforts to make our roads safer for everyone. By focusing on protecting our most vulnerable road users, we’re sending a clear message that when you’re the biggest and the fastest, you need to be the safest, too. Everyone has a right to safe passage on our roads, whether they’re in a car, on a bike, or on foot.”

The WTSC will run an educational campaign through January to inform drivers and vulnerable road users about the new law and promote safe road-sharing practices.

To view the campaign and more about the new law and its implementation, please visit wtsc.wa.gov/VRU.

 

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