California law gives pedestrians important protections, especially at crosswalks, intersections, and places where drivers should expect people on foot. After a pedestrian accident, these laws can help show whether a driver was negligent.
Drivers may argue that the pedestrian crossed outside a crosswalk, stepped into traffic too suddenly, or ignored a signal. Fault usually depends on the facts of the crash.
Drivers Must Yield at Crosswalks
California Vehicle Code § 21950 requires drivers to yield to pedestrians crossing in a marked crosswalk or an unmarked crosswalk at an intersection. This matters because many California intersections have legal crosswalks that are not painted on the road.
Drivers approaching a pedestrian in a crosswalk must also use due care, reduce speed, or take other action needed to protect the pedestrian.
Did California’s Jaywalking Rules Change?
California’s Freedom to Walk Act changed when officers can stop pedestrians for crossing outside a crosswalk. In many situations, police cannot stop someone simply for crossing unless the person creates an immediate danger of being hit.
Still, pedestrians must use caution. If a pedestrian crosses outside a crosswalk, they must yield to nearby vehicles. Drivers also still have a duty to watch the road and use reasonable care.
Pedestrians Must Use Due Care
California law does not give pedestrians an unlimited right to enter traffic. Vehicle Code § 21950 states that pedestrians must use due care for their own safety. Pedestrians may not suddenly leave a curb and walk or run into the path of a vehicle when doing so creates an immediate hazard.
This often matters when fault is disputed. A driver may argue that the pedestrian stepped out too suddenly, while the pedestrian may argue that the driver was speeding, distracted, failed to look, or ignored the crosswalk.
Pedestrian Signals Matter
California Vehicle Code § 21456 explains what pedestrian signals mean. A “WALK” signal allows a pedestrian to start crossing. A flashing “DON’T WALK” or raised hand with a countdown means a pedestrian should finish crossing if already in the crosswalk, but should not begin crossing. A steady “DON’T WALK” or raised hand means the pedestrian should not start crossing.
Even if a pedestrian crosses at the wrong time, drivers must still watch for people in the roadway.
Drivers Cannot Pass a Vehicle Stopped for a Pedestrian
California Vehicle Code § 21951 prohibits a driver from passing another vehicle stopped at a marked or unmarked crosswalk to allow a pedestrian to cross. This helps prevent crashes where one vehicle blocks another driver’s view.
Parking Near Crosswalks Is Restricted
California’s daylighting law, Vehicle Code § 22500(n), restricts parking near crosswalks. Drivers generally cannot stop, stand, or park within 20 feet of the approach side of a crosswalk. This improves visibility near intersections.
Sidewalks and Bike Lanes
Vehicle Code § 21966 says pedestrians generally should not walk in a bike lane when a safe sidewalk or pedestrian path is available nearby.
Pedestrian accident cases often depend on right-of-way, visibility, speed, signals, and whether each person used reasonable care. If you were injured in a pedestrian accident in California, Freedman Law can help you understand your legal options. Call Freedman Law today at (559) 447-9000 or contact us online.
