California Vehicle Code: CVC 21950 Pedestrian Crosswalk
California Vehicle Code § 21950 requires you to yield the right-of-way to pedestrians crossing the road at an intersection when they are within a marked or unmarked crosswalk.
The code does state that the pedestrian has a duty of using care when crossing but a driver must “exercise all due care” and reduce the speed of the vehicle to avoid injury to a pedestrian.
In other words, you can receive a California traffic ticket for failing to yield the right-of-way to pedestrians in a crosswalk because you have a duty of care. The driver also has the same duty of care which can make it difficult to understand who is at fault.
If you are found guilty of violating CVC § 21950, you can face a fine of $238 and one point on your driver’s license
Failure to Yield Right of Way in a Crosswalk is Confusing
Crosswalk violations are confusing and up to the individual officer’s interpretation of the events. Many intersections are not marked clearly and leave pedestrians wondering where the correct place to cross is located.
Other intersections are poorly lit/maintained with fainted lines or no markings at all. It is always best to error on the side of caution due to the risk involved with crossing any active roadway.
There is a common myth that you can drive through a crosswalk if the pedestrian has already passed through your vehicle’s location
This is not true by definition you must wait until the person(s) has completely crossed through the intersection and are safely walking on the curb or sidewalk.
To avoid criminal and civil penalties, reduce distractions while driving so that you can focus on the road ahead of you at all times. By keeping your eyes focused on the road, you can obey California’s crosswalk laws and avoid causing injury to another person.
Pedestrian Crosswalk violations can be Dismissed
California traffic tickets have some of the highest fines in the country. Before you plead guilty and pay a traffic ticket fine, contact Ticket Snipers.
Our California traffic ticket dismissal service can help you fight your traffic ticket and win. Don’t risk higher insurance rates and points on your driver’s license go with California’s best way to dismiss a traffic ticket.
Our representatives are available to answer any questions you may have. Call 800-985-8978 now to speak with a knowledgeable California traffic ticket expert.