White Cane Law
S. 346.26 WISCONSIN STATUTES
Wisconsin has the White Cane Traffic Law, 346.26, which has been in
force since 1947. This law states:
Blind
pedestrian on highway
(1) An operator of a vehicle shall stop the vehicle before approaching
closer than 10 feet to a pedestrian who is carrying a cane or walking
stick which is white in color or white trimmed with red and which is held
in an extended or raised position or who is using a service animal, as
defined in s. 106.52(1)(fm), and shall take such precautions as may be
necessary to avoid accident or injury to the pedestrian. The fact
that the pedestrian may be violating any of the laws applicable to
pedestrians does not relieve the operator of a vehicle from the duties
imposed by this subsection.
(2)
Nothing in this section shall be construed to deprive any totally or
partially blind person not carrying the white or the red and white cane or
walking stick or not using a service animal, as defined in s. 106.52 (1)
(fm), of the rights of other pedestrians crossing highways, nor shall the
failure of such totally or partially blind pedestrian to carry such cane
or walking stick or to use a service animal be evidence of any negligence.
(3)
No person who is not totally or partially blind shall carry or use on any
street, highway or other public place any cane or walking stick which is
white in color, or white trimmed with red.
History:
1977 c. 302; 2005 a. 354.
Last Revised: August 17, 2010
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