Bill
Bill > HB819
summary
Introduced
01/13/2026
01/13/2026
In Committee
02/26/2026
02/26/2026
Crossed Over
02/06/2026
02/06/2026
Passed
Dead
Introduced Session
2026 Regular Regular Session
Bill Summary
Pedestrians; walking on roadways that are part of divided highways. Permits pedestrians, when walking on a roadway that is part of a highway divided by a physical barrier or barriers or an unpaved area, and when there are no shoulders of the highway present, to keep to the extreme right side or edge of the roadway, regardless of the direction of traffic they face. Under current law, pedestrians, when permitted to walk on a roadway, are required to keep to the extreme left side or edge thereof. The bill also clarifies current law, which requires pedestrians walking on a roadway to face oncoming traffic.
AI Summary
This bill modifies existing Virginia law regarding where pedestrians are permitted to walk on roadways, specifically on divided highways. Currently, pedestrians are generally required to walk on the left side of the road, facing oncoming traffic, if there are no suitable sidewalks. However, this bill introduces an exception: on divided highways that have a physical barrier, unpaved area, or no shoulders, pedestrians will be allowed to walk on the extreme right side or edge of the roadway, even if it means facing away from oncoming traffic. This change aims to provide a safer option for pedestrians in specific highway situations where the current rule might be impractical or dangerous.
Committee Categories
Transportation and Infrastructure
Sponsors (2)
Last Action
Passed Senate (40-Y 0-N 0-A) (on 03/03/2026)
Official Document
bill text
bill summary
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bill summary
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bill summary
| Document Type | Source Location |
|---|---|
| State Bill Page | https://lis.virginia.gov/bill-details/20261/HB819 |
| Fiscal Note/Analysis - Fiscal Impact Statement from Department of Planning and Budget (HB819) | https://lis.blob.core.windows.net/files/1149156.PDF |
| BillText | https://lis.virginia.gov/bill-details/20261/HB819/text/HB819 |
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