Most of our Seattle speeding ticket attorneys don’t have a problem with people jaywalking when there is no traffic around. However, it is common courtesy to not step off the curb midblock and impede oncoming traffic. We also receive a handful of calls every year from driver’s who get cited for an unsignaled lane change or failure to yield violation when a pedestrian has jumped out in front of them. In these types of Seattle traffic ticket cases, we almost always end up having to go forward with a contested hearing (trial) so that our client can explain what really happened. In most cases, the ticket gets dismissed.
Moreover, we all find it especially rude when the pedestrian puts up his arm in a “halt” manner like a crossing guard while he jaywalks. Under the city of Seattle traffic laws, jaywalking is illegal.
Now, while vehicles do have a right of way in these jaywalking instances (RCW 46.61.240), our Seattle traffic attorneys do not recommend an “open season” mentality on all jaywalking pedestrians within striking distance your vehicle. That will almost certainly result in a Seattle Superior Court felony charge of vehicular assault. It’s best to just bite your tongue and let the idiot pass.
Most of the time, jaywalking is simply an infraction that costs the city of Seattle violator around $38.
It should be noted though, if it is egregious enough, it could rise to the level of misdemeanor.
(See City of Seattle Municipal Code 12A.12.015 and RCW 9A.84.030(1)(c).)