California Vehicle Code 21955-Jaywalking
Healthy lifestyles play a major part in people choosing alternative methods of transportation.
Pedestrians who use a train and/or bus for transportation may walk upwards of several miles to get to those centralized stations.
For pedestrians walking on a daily basis as an alternative method of transportation or those that choose to walk to get to other methods of transportation, safety should be at the top of the list.
Pedestrians can lower their risk of injuries, accidents, or being ticketed by learning the proper crosswalk safety tips described below:
- Crosswalks provide safety. It makes sense to use a crosswalk whenever one is present to cross a road or intersection.
- Crosswalks provide pedestrians indicators of when it is acceptable and unacceptable to walk or cross.
- However, there are times when a crosswalk is not present. Pedestrians must yield right of way to vehicles when there is no crosswalk or signal present.
- If no crosswalk is present, a pedestrian should make sure that they walk facing on-coming traffic.
- Never assume that you have the right away when crossing a street. Always be aware of drivers on the road.
- Crosswalks provide pedestrians indicators of when it is acceptable and unacceptable to walk or cross.
- Pedestrians should press a button that activates the crosswalk sounds and signals before beginning to walk.
- Pedestrians should be aware of their surroundings at all times. The presence of little or no distraction while moving gives a pedestrian greater attention to the environment around them.
- When walking at night, it is helpful for pedestrians to make themselves visible by wearing white, bright, or reflective clothing.
If you are unsure or confused about pedestrian signals, refer to the California Driving Handbook to familiarize yourself with the meaning of pedestrian signals as well as traffic signals. When there are no pedestrian signals, obey traffic signals.
What does the California Code say about CVC 21955?
CVC Section 21955 states,
Between adjacent intersections controlled by traffic control signal devices or by police officers, pedestrians shall not cross the roadway at any place except in a crosswalk.
Pedestrians are encouraged to use a crosswalk wherever available at all times. Pedestrians cannot cross in any areas of the street outside of the crosswalk.
A pedestrian may not walk in undesignated areas outside of the crosswalk. Furthermore, a pedestrian may not cross within a crosswalk when pedestrian signs have signaled to stop.
When crosswalks are present, it is important for pedestrians to utilize available crosswalks to ensure a safe cross and reduce a risk of an accident.
These regulations are in place for the safety of everyone on the roadway. Because pedestrians move at a much slower rate than cars or other vehicles on the roadway, pedestrians may not realize that a vehicle is approaching quickly or may not have the appropriate line of sight to determine a safe crossing.
Crosswalks are in place to eradicate human error and ensure vehicles and pedestrians alike can make use of the roadway harmoniously.
Have you received a California Traffic Ticket for CVC 21955?
If cited for a traffic ticket under CVC 21955, you could face a minimum fine of $196 for a first offense.
Our team may be able to assist you with the violation. Reach out to our Case Development Team today to learn more about your options with your citation. You can also submit your ticket for a free review.