West Virginia HB5348: Relating to pedestrians standing in or near the right of way

What the bill says

To amend the Code of West Virginia, 1931, as amended, by adding a new section, designated §17C-13-9, relating to prohibiting pedestrians from standing in roadways or right of ways. ARTICLE 13. STOPPING, STANDING AND PARKING. §17C-13-9. Prohibition on pedestrians from standing in roadways or right of ways. (a) Legislative findings. - The Legislature finds that the presence of persons standing in the middle of the roadway, on right of ways, or near the roadway creates significant public safety hazards for those individuals and motorists. (b) Enactment. -It is prohibited for anyone to stan.

From the introduced text, February 9, 2026:

A BILL to amend the Code of West Virginia, 1931, as amended, by adding a new section, designated §17C-13-9, relating to prohibiting pedestrians from standing in roadways or right of ways. ARTICLE 13. STOPPING, STANDING AND PARKING. §17C-13-9. Prohibition on pedestrians from standing in roadways or right of ways. (a) Legislative findings. - The Legislature finds that the presence of persons standing in the middle of the roadway, on right of ways, or near the roadway creates significant public safety hazards for those individuals and motorists. (b) Enactment. -It is prohibited for anyone to stand in a roadway or on a right of way. (c) Penalty. - Any person violating the provisions of this section is guilty of a misdemeanor and, upon conviction thereof, shall be fined not more than $100; upon a second conviction within one year thereafter, shall be fined not more than $200; and upon a third or subsequent conviction, shall be fined not more than $500. NOTE: The purpose of this bill is to prohibit pedestrians from standing in roadways or right of ways. Strike-throughs indicate language that would be stricken from a heading or the present law and underscoring indicates new language that would be added.

Read the full official text

Sponsors

• Chiarelli, Geno (R, 078) · primary sponsor